Things You'll Need
Drop cloths
Plastic covering
Bucket
Kitchen soap
Sponge
Rag
Sanding block
Joint compound or spackle
Putty knife
Primer
Roller
Roller frame
Paint tray
Angled brush
Latex paint
Removing wallpaper is often tricky, and eliminating all of the glue is sometimes impossible. Most wallpaper removal projects will leave some wallpaper glue residue on the wall. The walls will often require slight repairs prior to repainting them. Still, it is essential to remove as much glue as possible and repair the walls for a professional finish. Not removing all of the glue can decrease paint adhesion and cause paint to crackle. However, removing the wallpaper is always preferred to simply painting over installed wallpaper.
Step 1
Place drop cloths onto the floor as well as additional plastic covering. Ensure that the room is clear of furniture and accessories that could get in the way of the paint project. Cover remaining items with plastic to avoid paint spills.
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Step 2
Wash the walls using a hot water and soap solution to soften any remaining glue. Do not moisten the walls until damp, but lightly scrub the areas. Use a wet medium-grit sanding block to remove some of the glue grime and residue that has built up. Remember that some glue residue is okay and will be sealed by the primer.
Step 3
Rinse the walls after washing to remove any remaining soap residue. Use a bucket of clean water and a clean sponge.
Step 4
Patch any holes or dings in the walls with joint compound. Skim a light layer of the plaster onto the walls using a putty knife. Sand the area smooth. Wipe off any excess dust with a damp rag.
Step 5
Seal off the area using Kilz, BIN or other primer. Open the windows, and allow for ventilation prior to use. Roll the primer using a low-nap roller. Add the primer to the perimeter of the walls with an angled brush.
Step 6
Choose the desired latex paint color to paint the walls—any remaining glue is now sealed under the primer coat. Remember that one gallon of paint covers 400 square feet of wall space. Paint the walls the same way as the sealer—use a roller for the wall space and a trim or angle brush for the perimeter.
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