I made the questionable decision to cover my wall with peel-and-stick foam tiles when I was younger. Now, after starting to remove them, I'm left with a stubborn layer of foam and adhesive that's nearly impossible to get rid of. I've tried various methods, from chemicals like Goo Gone to different scraping tools, but nothing seems to work without spending weeks on it. I'm toying with the idea of either skimming over the residue or hiring someone to fix it properly, but I'm hesitant. Should I just bite the bullet and pay for a professional, or is there another way to tackle this?
3 Answers
If simple scrapers aren't cutting it for you, maybe try a floor adhesive stripper or a gel like Citristrip. Those are pretty effective at breaking down those stubborn adhesives. Just remember, you'll still need to scrape it all off to get a clean finish before any skimming.
Have you thought about using a heat gun or a hair dryer? Applying some heat can soften the adhesive, making it easier to gently scrape away the residue. Plus, a wide skimming knife is useful for both scraping and applying that skim coat you mentioned later!
You really need to ensure all that residue is gone before applying a skim coat. Even if it looks like you've cleaned it up, if there's still adhesive left, the skim won't adhere well. If you're worried about doing it yourself, it might be worth reaching out for professional help!