How to Repair Drywall After Removing Wallpaper

Apr 2 , 2025 Nash Painting

After staring at outdated designs for years, you've finally decided to tear down that wallpaper. What you might not have anticipated is the condition of your wall surface underneath. Wallpaper often conceals underlying imperfections, and the removal process itself can cause significant damage, especially with improper techniques. Once your wallpaper is gone, you might face an even bigger challenge requiring considerable repairs before painting.

As Nashville painting experts, we've restored countless walls after wallpaper removal. Here's our professional guide to repairing drywall and achieving a smooth surface ready for a fresh coat of paint.

Essential Tools and Materials for Drywall Repair

Before beginning drywall repairs after wallpaper removal, gather these essential items:

• Cleaning solution (commercial adhesive remover or vinegar/water mixture)
• Sponges and clean cloths
• Utility knife and scraper
• Drywall knife (6-inch for detailed work, 10-12 inch for larger areas)
• Drywall mud (joint compound)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (and medium-grit for rougher areas)
• Sealing primer (shellac or oil-based)
• Paint supplies if repainting
• Protective equipment (mask, eyewear, gloves)
• Drop cloths to protect floors

Having these materials ready will make your repair process more efficient and prevent multiple trips to the hardware store.

Step 1: Clean Adhesive Residue from the Wall Surface

Even after careful wallpaper removal, the underlying drywall typically retains adhesive residue that must be removed before repairs can begin. This crucial first step ensures proper adhesion of repair materials.

Create a cleaning solution using either a commercial wallpaper paste remover or a mixture of vinegar and water (1:4 ratio). Apply the solution to your walls and thoroughly scrub with a rough sponge or cloth to break down the adhesive. Rinse with clean water, gently wipe with a clean cloth, and allow the entire wall to dry completely before proceeding.

This cleaning step often requires significant elbow grease but is essential for successful repairs. Skipping this step will compromise all your subsequent work, as repair compounds won't adhere properly to sticky surfaces.

Step 2: Remove Damaged Drywall Paper and Loose Edges

Washing the walls will help loosen any damaged sections of drywall paper that need removal. Using a utility knife or scraper, carefully remove peeling drywall paper and any loose edges. Use your fingers to gently pull away smaller loose bits.

This process might appear to make your walls look worse temporarily, but removing all damaged material is necessary before rebuilding the surface. Don't worry about creating a perfectly smooth surface at this stage—that comes later in the process.

Step 3: Prime Damaged Areas to Create a Stable Base

This critical step is often overlooked but makes a tremendous difference in your final results. Using a shellac or oil-based primer, coat all exposed, damaged drywall areas. This initial primer creates a security solution by:

1. Sealing the porous, damaged paper
2. Preventing moisture from subsequent compounds from causing bubbling
3. Creating a surface that will properly accept drywall mud

Apply the primer with a brush or roller, ensuring complete coverage of all damaged areas. Allow this coat to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding.

Step 4: Sand and Prime Again as Needed

After the initial coat of primer has dried, lightly sand the wall to smooth any rough spots. Use fine-grit sandpaper and work carefully to avoid creating additional damage. Remove any newly loosened drywall paper that becomes evident during sanding.

If you expose additional raw drywall during this process, apply another coat of primer to these areas. This iterative process helps build a stable foundation for your repair work.

Step 5: Patch Holes and Gouges with Drywall Mud

With your wall properly prepared, you're ready to address deeper damage. Mix your drywall compound according to the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the right consistency for application.

Using your drywall knife, apply the first coat of compound to damaged areas. For best results:

• Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle to the wall
• Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick layer
• Extend the patch area a few inches beyond the damage to allow for proper feathering
• Focus on filling gouges rather than creating a perfectly smooth surface with this first coat

Allow this initial coat to dry completely before proceeding. Drying times vary based on humidity and thickness but typically take 24 hours for optimal results.

Step 6: Apply Additional Coats for a Smooth Surface

Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand any rough spots or ridges with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away all dust with a clean cloth before applying the second coat.

The second (and potentially third) coats should focus on creating a truly smooth surface. Use your wider drywall knife for these applications, as it helps create a more even finish. Each successive coat should extend slightly beyond the previous one, gradually feathering the edges to blend with the undamaged wall.

Allow each coat to dry completely before sanding and applying the next. The final coat should result in a surface that's virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding wall.

Step 7: Skim Coat if Necessary for Extensive Damage

If your wall has widespread damage after wallpaper removal, you may need to skim coat the entire wall rather than spot-patching. Skim coating involves applying a thin layer of drywall mud across the entire wall surface to create a uniform finish.

To skim coat effectively:

1. Mix your compound to a slightly thinner consistency than used for patching
2. Apply using a wide drywall knife in long, sweeping motions
3. Work in manageable sections, maintaining a wet edge
4. Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick application
5. Allow to dry completely before sanding

Most walls require two skim coats for optimal results. Sand between coats and after the final application for a professionally smooth finish.

Step 8: Final Sanding and Priming Before Painting

After all repairs are complete and dry, sand the entire repaired area with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth or slightly damp rag.

Apply a final coat of quality primer to the entire wall, not just the repaired areas. This creates a uniform surface for painting and ensures consistent absorption of your topcoat. Once this final primer coat is dry, your wall is ready for painting.

Why Professional Help Makes a Difference

While DIY drywall repair is possible, professional assistance often yields superior results with less frustration. At Nash Painting, our meticulous wallpaper removal process minimizes damage to the underlying drywall from the start. Our skilled technicians understand the nuances of properly preparing and repairing drywall for flawless painting results.

From proper surface preparation to expert skim coating, our team delivers beautiful, lasting results across Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, TN. When you want it done right the first time, our professional approach saves you time, effort, and potential frustration.

Ready to transform your walls after removing outdated wallpaper? Contact Nash Painting at 615-829-6858 today for professional drywall repair and painting services that will bring new life to your space.