How to clean the walls of putty and plaster?

The most difficult stage of repair is the preparatory work. Dismantling of old communications and decoration is a very laborious undertaking. Among those who went through all stages of repair, there is an opinion that the most unpleasant work is to remove the old finish, because this process is very dusty and takes a lot of time. After reading this article, you will learn how to clean the walls of putty and plaster, what are the ways to remove them.

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Do I need to remove the old putty coat?

Before proceeding with the dismantling of the old finish, you should make sure that this procedure is necessary. Perhaps not the entire surface of the walls will need to be dismantled. In order to determine whether the old coating is ready to continue to serve well, it is necessary to conduct a tapping test:

• If the old putty was of high quality and fulfills all its functions, when it is tapped with an object on the surface, it should not make dull sounds.
• If you still hear such a sound, then the old layer must be removed from this area. More severe impacts on the wall with a spatula or a hammer will probably remove the exfoliated areas, the putty will simply crumble.

Important! Experts say that, despite a decent test, it’s better to remove the old finish, because after a while it loses its protective function. Even if it is firmly stuck to the wall, it is worth considering that the new and old layers will have different characteristics, can respond differently to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which leads to further detachment. Therefore - if the means and capabilities allow you, completely remove the old coating before starting repairs.

You will learn more about how to remove putty from walls and what is necessary for this.

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Necessary tools

Before proceeding with the dismantling of the old finish, it is worth taking care of the availability of all necessary tools and materials. For work you may need:

• Putty knife. With its help it is very convenient to remove a layer of old plaster. You can get tools of different sizes. For hard-to-reach spots you can use a narrow spatula, for large areas a large wide spatula is suitable.

Important! A tool for these purposes should be chosen solid - flexible models may not cope with the task. It is important to choose a spatula for convenience, it should lie comfortably in your hand.

• Chisel. It is used with the impact method of removal complete with a hammer.
• Hammer. You will need this tool for striking a chisel. This will help to beat off the old layer of plaster step by step.
• Grinder or punch. These tools come into play when simpler and easier ways have proven ineffective.
• Starch. It will be needed when using the chemical method of removing the coating, namely, to soften the old layer.
• Dilution tank for softening the surface. It can be a big bucket, basin, bowl. Often use paint buckets.
• A rag, sponge or spray bottle. They are necessary for applying a softening solution. The most convenient and efficient way to use a large spray gun. It can cover a large area in a relatively short time, and evenly wet the surface with a solution.
• Ladder.Since you will need to work at height, it is better to ensure the presence of a stepladder. Of course, you can use a table or a stool, however, using a stepladder is safer and more reliable.
• Sandpaper. After you have managed to remove the old putty from the walls, you need to polish the walls, prepare them for repair work. To do this, you need sandpaper - it will smooth out all small transitions and bumps, and will make it possible to make the walls smooth.

At first glance it seems that it takes too much tool and inventory to dismantle the old finish, but this is not so. It may turn out that the old coating can be easily removed the first time, after applying the simplest method. Then you do not have to use all the tools. Another option is that you immediately want to attract “heavy artillery” and use a power tool to do the job efficiently and surely.

Important! Before proceeding to dismantle, in addition to preparing tools, it is worthwhile to purchase a protective mask and glasses, not to mention clothes. This process is incredibly dusty, it is necessary to protect the eyes and respiratory system.

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Methods for removing old wall decoration

If you are determined and ready to start work, then familiarize yourself with all the existing methods for removing old plaster. It is worthwhile to dwell on each of them in detail, so you will understand the algorithm of actions and understand how to remove the old putty and plaster from the walls.

Chemical removal method

The chemical method of removal is to wet the surface of the wall with the prepared solution. A layer of plaster or putty gets wet, soaked with water, the surface becomes more porous and the old finish becomes malleable to removal.

From what, and actually, how to prepare a solution? To do this, you must:

• In a prepared container, dilute water and starch, based on the ratio of 2 tablespoons of starch per 1 liter of water.
• Apply the solution to the wall with a sponge, rag or spray gun.

Important! If the putty layer is not more than 3 millimeters, you can use a spray gun, and if it is thicker, then you should use a rag and moisten the surface with plenty of water.

• Allow water to soak the coating, leave for about 20 minutes.
• After this time, take a hard metal spatula and proceed with the removal of the plaster.
• You can work with the entire surface or in sections - choose the method that is most convenient for you.
• Before washing the putty, it is worthwhile to remove small residues with sandpaper.
• Now you can complete the final step - to wash the walls with water.

Important! With the chemical method of removal, some experts recommend the use of a solution based on copper sulfate. For 1 liter of water, add 50 milliliters of copper sulfate. This method is more effective than the removal of starch solution.

It happens that the layer of plaster is quite large, and this method is ineffective. In this case, it is worth considering other ways to remove wall decoration.

Impact removal method

This method of removing the finish from the walls consists in hammering a chisel attached to the wall. It is best to start work from a site where the old coating is slightly peeled or swollen.

When working, it is necessary to hold the chisel at an angle of 45 degrees to the wall and perform hammer blows on its handle. From these manipulations, the plaster will fly off the wall. This method is very laborious and exhausting. It is best to resort to it if you need to clean a small area of ​​the wall

If the area of ​​work is too large, the plaster is difficult to remove, and simple methods of removal did not help, then serious artillery is indispensable. It is worth using power tools.

Mechanical removal method

It's time to figure out how to remove the old putty and plaster from the walls using radical methods.This method is the most dusty and dirty, but ideally removes the old finish.

Here are the basic rules and recommendations for removing plaster with power tools:

• The main tool that can cope with this task is a hammer drill. However, it is worth taking care of choosing the right nozzle. For these purposes, use a nozzle in the form of a chisel or shoulder blade.
• On the punch, you must select the mode of impact or chiselling. Thus, you will perform all the same manipulations as in the case of working with a chisel and hammer, however, thanks to the power tool, the work will be much faster and more efficient, you will not have to exert extra effort. The tool will do all the work for you.
• If the plaster was incredibly durable and resistant to removal, it is worth using a grinder. Using a diamond blade or diamond cup, you can easily remove any coating layer.

Important! Remember that removing a plaster coat with a grinder is an incredibly dusty job, so take care to protect your airways. Use a special mask and a construction vacuum cleaner when working.

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Removing putty from the ceiling

And what to do if it is necessary to prepare not only the walls, but also the ceiling for the start of repair? How to remove putty from the ceiling? In this case, there are no differences; it is necessary to act in exactly the same way as in the case with cleaning the walls. Determine the thickness of the plaster layer, assess its condition. In a certain area, try to work with a spatula, after preliminary soaking with starch solution. If this method does not give the desired result, then it is worth resorting to mechanical removal.

What to choose - removal with a chisel and a hammer, or cleaning with a puncher or grinder, you decide. It all depends on your skills and the availability of the right tool.

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Stock footage

After reviewing the information, you are convinced that nothing is impossible. For any decoration, there is a method that will help remove it from the surface of the walls or ceiling. Now you know how to clean the walls of putty and plaster, and easily choose the method that suits you. Remember that perfectly cleaned walls will provide subsequent high-quality repairs.