How to Repair Sheetrock after Wallpaper Removal

When removing wallpaper from sheetrock damage can sometimes be caused to the drywall surface. Sometimes this cannot be avoided, especially if the wallpaper is old and has been on the wall for some time. When this happens, you will need to repair the drywall in order to prepare it for painting or tiling.

To repair sheetrock that has been damaged after wallpaper removal, you will need to get some joint compound or a replacement piece of drywall to go into the area that was damaged. Here are some of the steps and the process involved in the repair of sheetrock.

Acquire Materials

Go to a home improvement center, hardware store or paint supply store to purchase the materials and tools needed to repair the sheetrock. In most cases, a joint compound for drywall is all that you need to affect this repair. If the extent of the damage caused holes or other damage to occur to wall after the removal of wallpaper, purchase a small replacement piece of sheetrock cut to size for the repair.

You will need to take a tape measure and measure the size of the damage area in order to determine the amount of replacement sheetrock that is needed for the repair. Also, when patching a wall with a drywall patch, use self-adhesive mesh tape as opposed to paper drywall tape. The self-adhesive mesh tape is easier to work with and apply to the sheetrock, especially if you are new to working with drywall.

Prepare the Damaged Area

For repairs that require that joint compound be applied, scrape the area clean of any remaining wallpaper and apply joint compound to the area. Use the tip of the drywall knife to apply the joint compound.

For repairs that require replacement of the section of sheetrock, use a razor knife to cut away the section of damaged sheetrock. Be sure to cut away only enough of the drywall to easily fit the patch piece of sheetrock that you purchased.

Place Patch into Sheetrock

Place the sheetrock patch into the drywall. Use the self-adhesive mesh tape to tape the sides of the patch, securing it in place. Apply the joint compound to the self-adhesive mesh tape to further seal the patch and adhere it to the drywall. After the joint compound dries, use a drywall sander to sand the wall. Once the wall has been made smooth, use a damp sponge to wipe the wall and remove any dust that has built from sanding

Clean the Sanded Area

Use a dry vacuum or wet mop to clean up any remaining sanding dust that has accumulated on the flooring around the area that you applied the sheetrock. Now the wall is ready for you to paint or tile.