A fresh coat of paint can change the entire vibe of any room in your house. If you’re eager to do some DIY renovation, you must get rid of the old paint first. Learn how to remove paint from drywall quickly and easily using a few thrifty supplies and some easy-to-master techniques.
Drywall, sometimes called wallboard, plasterboard, or sheetrock, is a foundation-building material for constructing interior ceilings and walls. Drywall is mostly calcium sulfate dihydrate or gypsum. The gypsum plaster is then sandwiched between two sides of construction grade facer and backer paper and shipped to suppliers.
Drywall is a popular component of almost all residential dwellings built in America over the last 70 years, and it’s highly likely yours has it, too. Whether you want to keep your security deposit intact or change your surroundings with a splashy new paint job, this article can help you decide where to start and what approach might work best for you by providing straightforward paint removal strategies for drywall.
Tips for Removing Layers of Paint From Drywall
No matter which way you slice it, removing dried paint from drywall isn’t fun. Discover how to successfully prep drywall before painting and get ideas for removing old paint from plaster walls in this guide to clean walls.
Discover how to turn any room in your house into a blank page with novice-friendly instructions and plenty of helpful safety advice. It’s easier than you think to work with interior paint and drywall. Find out how to remove it right the first time; roll up your sleeves and get paint off siding quickly with our paint removal 101 hacks.
Dealing With Lead Paint
Before you enthusiastically dive in and start removing layers of paint from drywall, you must conduct some due diligence. Safety must be a top concern, especially when dealing with the possibility of lead based paint on your drywall.
Studies have documented the dangers of lead paint over the years; unfortunately, many contractors used lead-based paint until 1978. Invest in a simple lead testing kit before renovating rooms or disturbing old paint layers if you live in an older residence.
If you detect the presence of lead paint, contact a removal specialist. Cleaning up lead paint releases microscopic particles into the air and your lungs. Effective cleanup requires special safety equipment respirators that the average person doesn’t have sitting in the garage. Only a professionally equipped specialist should attempt removal.
How to Remove Paint From Drywall With Sandpaper
Most professional painters complete interior painting projects with latex paint or acrylic-based products because they’re safe and easy to remove. Whether you’re dealing with flat paint varieties or glossy, a good fine-grit sandpaper works wonders on your drywall.
Set out a large drop cloth or an old sheet to catch the paint chips, drywall mud, and drywall dust particles as they settle. Always make time to put on your safety equipment. Goggles and a dust mask keep microparticles out of your eyes and lungs during removal.
Sand the wall in sections with 150-grit sandpaper; use light circles to work the paint off the drywall. Don’t use heat or a heat gun to loosen the paint coats, tempting as it may be. Paint is flammable, and you could cause a fire. Stick to sandpaper or any of the other tricks on this list.
Using Chemical Paint Stripper for Drywall
Removing layers of paint from drywall is quick and easy with a chemical paint stripper. A quality chemical paint remover will save you hours of scraping by turning solid or peeling paint into a scrapable liquid.
Before stripping paint, open the windows and place a fan in the room to help improve the flow and circulation of much-needed fresh air. Though some products advertise themselves as natural or low-VOC strippers, meaning they’re low in volatile organic compounds, ventilation is essential for your safety.
Remove the furniture, and place secure drop cloths that run the entire wall length. Pour the chemical paint stripper of your choice into a paint tray; use a roller to apply and a paint scraper to remove the layers.
Do not use chemical paint strippers if there are under three layers of paint on the wall, as it could erode the drywall mud underneath.
Try Paint Removing Gels on Drywall
Two common types of removal products classify as chemical paint strippers. The first is the liquids we discussed previously, and the second is paint-removing gels. Find out how to remove paint from cupboards without sanding. Paint removal gels and a few humble supplies are all that’s needed for easy paint removal.
Paint-removing gels are great for simultaneously stripping multiple layers of latex and oil-based paint. Paint removal gel is excellent for beginners because it doesn’t drip down the walls onto the floor like liquid varieties. A novice DIY enthusiast can expect an average-sized bedroom to take about two hours to strip.
Each brand of gels may have its unique manufacturer’s instructions, which you should always follow to ensure safety and success. Ventilation is a must when cleaning painted drywall with chemicals. Don’t forget your safety equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a mask.
How to Remove Wallpaper From Drywall
Wallpaper removal varies in difficulty depending on the kind of wallpaper you have. Most modern wallpaper comes off with this quick and easy soap solution and a soft bristle scrub brush. Learn how to tackle old, out-of-style wallpaper.
Before removing wallpaper panels chaotically, test your wallpaper type. If the wallpaper corner peels up, it’s strippable, but if it leaves a backing behind, you have peelable wallpaper. If the paper doesn’t come off, you have traditional wallpaper that requires a specialized chemical stripper.
Removing strippable or peelable wallpaper is as easy as gently pulling the sections off with your hands. Plain clear-colored dish soap and a scrub brush will clean any remaining residue.
Try a skim coat; use a flat putty knife to apply a thin layer of your preferred joint compound to smooth out textured drywall. Be careful; over-saturation may damage the drywall underneath the wallpaper.
Removing Old Paint From Plaster Walls
Most Americans have a combination of wall textures in their houses; tile, drywall, and plaster are the most common. Removing old paint from plaster walls presents an extra challenge because plaster is porous. However, a little elbow grease goes a long way, and in the end, you should have no problem removing paint and getting clean walls.
A paint scraper or putty knife is a fantastic tool to have in your arsenal if you need to remove peeling paint from plaster walls. Buy a round-cornered scraper to avoid banging up the walls and ceiling, and go slow and steady as you scrape.
Many paint professionals use a chemical paint stripper for convenience when dealing with plaster walls. Always adhere to the product directions when using chemical strippers, and don’t forget your safety gear. Consult your local hardware store staff to find the chemical remover best suited to removing paint residue from stubborn plaster walls.
We hope you enjoyed this informative DIY guide to drywall and plan to tackle those tired old paint schemes with confidence. Nothing can stop you once you know how to remove paint from drywall and plaster. It’s only a matter of time before you have the interior of your dreams.
A paint removal pro’s best friend is a sturdy paint scraper or wide putty knife. Keep some 150-grit sandpaper on standby for rough patches, and always be gentle with the drywall material under the paint. If you need to use chemical paint remover, wear safety equipment and ensure adequate ventilation.
Don’t let painted walls intimidate you and stop you from being the vibrant interior designer you are. Painting one wall in one room could inspire you to branch out and try your hand at exterior painting and projects beyond; may this be the year of creative new ideas and achievable home improvement dreams.
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