If you’ve recently removed wainscoting from your walls, you may be left with unsightly glue marks and damage to your drywall.
But don’t worry, repairing drywall after removing wainscoting is easier than you might think.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair your drywall and get it ready for a fresh coat of paint.
From scraping off glue marks to applying joint compound, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Repair Drywall After Removing Wainscoting
Step 1: Remove the Wainscoting
The first step in repairing your drywall after removing wainscoting is to actually remove the wainscoting itself. This can be done with a crowbar or hammer, but be careful not to damage the drywall underneath.
Step 2: Scrape Off Glue Marks
Once the wainscoting is removed, you’ll likely be left with glue marks on your drywall. Use a scraper or putty knife to carefully scrape off as much of the glue as possible. Be gentle to avoid damaging the drywall.
Step 3: Prime the Damaged Area
Next, prime the damaged area with a primer. This will help seal any exposed paper on the drywall and prevent bubbling when joint compound is applied. Apply the primer to any areas where the wainscoting removal process left damages.
Step 4: Apply Joint Compound
Once the primer is dry, apply a thin layer of joint compound over the glue marks. If the damage is extensive, you may need to skim coat the entire section of wall several times. Use a trowel or putty knife to apply the joint compound evenly.
Step 5: Sand and Inspect
After the joint compound has dried, lightly sand the area and inspect it for any small touch-ups that may be needed. If necessary, apply another layer of joint compound and repeat the sanding process.
Step 6: Paint
Finally, once you’re satisfied with the repair job, it’s time to paint your newly repaired drywall. Choose a high-quality paint and apply it evenly over the entire wall.
Assessing The Damage
Before beginning any repairs, it’s important to assess the damage to your drywall. This will help you determine the scope of the repairs needed and which tools and materials you’ll need to gather.
Small holes or dents that are one-half inch in diameter or smaller can usually be repaired with spackle and a putty knife. For medium-sized holes larger than one-half inch wide, a fiberglass mesh patch and drywall compound will likely be necessary. Large holes that are eight inches or greater in diameter may require a new piece of drywall.
If you’re dealing with cracks in your drywall, they can be filled with drywall repair spray or paintable caulk if they’re located near a window.
When removing wainscoting, be aware that you may damage the surface of the drywall underneath. Use a scraper or putty knife to carefully remove any glue marks left behind from the wainscoting.
Once you’ve removed the wainscoting and any glue marks, prime the damaged area with a primer to seal any exposed paper on the drywall. Then, apply joint compound over the damaged area and sand it down once it’s dried. Inspect the area for any small touch-ups that may be needed before painting over the repaired drywall.
Removing Glue Marks
Removing glue marks from drywall after removing wainscoting can be a difficult task, but it’s essential to ensure a smooth and even surface for repairing. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Soften the Glue Residue
Using a heat gun or hair dryer set at its highest heat, apply heat directly to the glue residue on the wall. The heat will cause the glue to soften, making it easier to remove.
Step 2: Scrape Off Residue
While the glue residue is still soft, use a paint scraper or putty knife to scrape off as much of it as possible. Be gentle to avoid damaging the drywall.
Step 3: Apply Solvent (If Necessary)
If there is any residue left on the wall after scraping, you can try using a solvent such as mineral spirits to remove it. Apply the solvent with a cloth or sponge and let it sit for a few minutes before scraping off.
Step 4: Build Up Surface with Joint Compound
If there are still visible glue marks on the wall after scraping and using solvent, you can build up the surface of the wall with joint compound to mask it. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the glue marks and let it dry completely before sanding and inspecting.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove glue marks from your drywall after removing wainscoting and prepare it for repair.
Filling Holes And Gaps
If you have holes or gaps in your drywall after removing wainscoting, you’ll need to fill them in before applying joint compound. For small holes and gaps, spackle is the most basic and effective solution. Simply apply a small amount of spackle to the hole or gap with a putty knife, making sure to smooth it out evenly. Allow the spackle to dry completely before sanding it down with a fine-grit sandpaper.
For larger holes or gaps, you’ll need to create a patch. Cut a piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole or gap and fit it into place. Use a pencil to trace around the edges of the patch onto the existing drywall. Remove the patch and use a drywall saw to cut along the traced lines. Insert the patch into the hole, making sure it fits snugly.
Next, use joint tape to cover the seams between the patch and the existing drywall. Apply joint compound over the tape, making sure to smooth it out evenly with a trowel or putty knife. Allow the joint compound to dry completely before sanding it down with a fine-grit sandpaper.
Once you’ve filled in all of the holes and gaps, follow the steps outlined above to prime, apply joint compound, sand, and paint your repaired drywall. With a little patience and attention to detail, your walls will look as good as new after removing wainscoting.
Sanding And Smoothing The Surface
After applying joint compound, the next step is to sand and smooth the surface. This will ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the rest of the wall.
Before sanding, protect yourself by wearing a breathing mask and protective eyewear. You may also want to wear a hat to keep dust out of your hair. To make the sanding process easier and more effective, consider investing in sanding screens instead of traditional sandpaper. Sanding screens are more durable and do not clog like traditional sandpaper. They also come in 220 grit to give your walls a smooth finish.
Attach the sanding screen to either a hand or pole sander. If you’re planning on doing several rooms, it may be worth investing in a hand/pole combo sander so that you have the option to use a pole extension for ceiling areas. You can also purchase kits that attach to standard shop vacs to keep dust levels down.
Be systematic as you sand, using a flashlight in one hand and the sander in the other. Move the light around in different angles to make sure you don’t miss any spots. Sand the repaired area with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any bumps or residue from wallpaper removal. Use a sanding pole to reach higher places on the wall or to sand the ceiling. Avoid sanding seams where the paper tape is visible.
After you’ve finished sanding, inspect the area for any missed spots, scratches, or pock marks on the wall, areas that are uneven, etc. If you find such an area, use a putty knife to fill in gaps with extra mud or sand down ridges. Try to fill in spots as smoothly as possible to avoid having to re-sand later.
Once you’re satisfied with the repair job, spread a coat of PVA primer on the wall and let it dry. Polyvinyl acetate is a primer-sealer that helps make the surface uniform and prepares it for painting. With these steps completed, your repaired drywall should look as good as new!
Applying Primer And Paint
After the damaged area has been primed, it’s time to apply paint. The primer should be completely dry before you start painting. Use a paint brush or roller to apply a coat of paint in the color and sheen of your choosing. It’s recommended to use semi-gloss paint for easy clean-up, especially if the repaired area is in a high-traffic area like a playroom.
Apply the paint evenly over the entire wall, making sure to cover any repaired areas thoroughly. If necessary, apply a second coat of paint after the first one has dried completely.
It’s important to note that if you’re painting over dark colors like black or hunter green, you may need a special primer to ensure that the new paint adheres properly. Check with your local hardware store or paint supplier for recommendations.
Final Touches And Clean Up
Once the paint is dry, it’s time for the final touches and clean up. To ensure a professional-looking finish, take the time to do some touch-ups and clean up any excess joint compound or paint.
Use a damp sponge to gently wipe away any excess joint compound or paint that may have splattered onto nearby surfaces. Be careful not to damage the newly painted wall.
If you notice any small imperfections or bumps on the surface of your repaired drywall, use a fine-grit sandpaper to gently smooth them out. This will give your wall a smooth and even finish.
Finally, take a step back and admire your handiwork. Your newly repaired drywall should look as good as new!