How to Remove Blu Tack from Walls

Although Blu-Tack eliminates the need to drill holes in walls to hang posters and decorations, it has its pitfalls. While removing Blu-Tack might seem easy, if your paint is thin, it may peel off and leave marks on the wall.

How to remove blu-tack from a painted wall

If you are determined to remove the blu tack stains off the wall yourself, please, be aware that the result may not be as satisfactory as you’d expect. And if you are living in rented accommodation, always pre-agree to such actions with your landlord beforehand.

Remember to test the product on an inconspicuous area of the wall and to wear gloves to protect your hands. Here is how to remove blu-tack marks from a painted wall:

1. Remove the item. Carefully remove the item that has been attached to the wall by leaving the blu tack still stuck to the surface. Then, roll the blue blob downwards into a cylinder shape by paying heed not to pull it accidentally off the wall along with some of the paint. You can use a hair dryer to heat up the Blu Tack and make it softer. This will make it easier to remove. Gently peel the Blu Tack from the wall, starting from one corner.
2. Solvents. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar to a cotton ball and gently rub the Blu Tack residue until it dissolves. Use a plastic scraper or credit card to scrape the residue off the wall, being careful not to damage the surface. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
3. Get rid of oily stains. Use a citrus-based stain remover to get rid of any oily stain left behind. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves and sponge gently the mark by following the label’s instructions. Then, rinse the detergent with a wet sponge and blot dry with a clean cloth.
4. Mix a homemade solution. If the above doesn’t work, you can try cleaning the oily mark with a solution of trisodium phosphate and water (5 tbsp to a gallon, respectively). Sponge the spot with the cleaner and leave it to sit, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, rinse with clean water and dry the area with a cloth.

What are some alternatives to removing blu tack from a wall?

On the other hand, you can try to tackle the residue by using lighter fuel or dry cleaning fluid. However, both are highly flammable and must be handled with caution. Wear protective gloves and ventilate the room well, when using this method.

There are a couple of videos on the Internet which suggest the usage of WD-40. If you decide to give it a go, always test on a hidden area of the wall, like behind the sofa, because WD-40 tends to leave an oily residue, as well and you can end up with a brand-new stain on the wall.

What about removing blu tack oily residue from a painted wall?

The larger bits can be removed by rubbing a blob against them. The thing is, if you’ve used blue tack on a painted wall, it will leave an oily residue which is hard to lift. Let’s check what the manufacturer of blu tack says:

Unfortunately, if the blu tack marks are on a painted wall, the best way to completely remove them is to repaint the wall. However, it is essential to first sand away the stain, clean the area with sugar soap, and then apply the new coat of paint, otherwise, the oily marks will come right through the new layer of paint.

Then, you can either paint over the stains or repaint the whole wall. You can pick up a paint tester from your local hardware shop and spot-cover the stains, but this way, you still run the risk of not matching the colour completely.

You can repaint the entire wall, which will have a better impact on the aesthetic qualities of the room, but unfortunately, this will be more time-consuming. If time is an issue for you, consider getting a visit from a professional painter.

Fantastic Services offers expert painters and decorators services that can help you in case of a blu-tack mishap on your wall. Depending on the job, a survey can be performed after which you will receive a personalised quote.

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