Step 4: Scrape Off the Glue

Sal Vaglica scrapes off excess glue residue using a metal putty knife
Photo: Ryan Benyi
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Adhesive residue prevents new wallpaper from adhering and telegraphs through paint. Get rid of it by spraying a 3-foot section of wall with more remover solution and scraping the residue off with a putty knife or wide drywall-taping knife.
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    More in Painting & Finishes

    Tools List

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    • flathead screwdriver
      Screwdriver
    • Wallpaper scoring tool
      Wallpaper scoring tool
    • backpack pump sprayer
      Pump sprayer
    • Fine Brush
      Wallpaper brush
    • plastic putty knife
      Metal or plastic putty knife
    • small plastic bucket
      5-gallon bucket
    • long-handled sponge applicator
      Sponge mop
    • spray bottle
      Hand sprayer
    • grout sponge
      Sponge
    • sandpaper
      sandpaper (to dull the corners of the putty knife)

    Shopping List

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    1. Plastic sheeting

    2. 2-inch painter's tape

    3. Enzyme-based wallpaper-adhesive remover4. 10-percent solution of povidone-iodine

    5. denatured alcohol