By Paul Bianchina
Q: I read your column every week and have great respect for your expertise. I need some help with the removal of old square cork tiles from the bedroom wall. We can remove the tiles, but are left with pockets of glue. Is there a process or product that will remove the glue from the plaster and not do damage to the surface for future painting? -Sally E.
A: Sally, you've stumbled upon one of those irritating dilemmas that face just about every remodeler at one time or another.
There is no single answer to this, since it depends on what the existing glue is and what the underlying surface is. Since you mentioned that your walls are plaster as opposed to drywall, this makes things a little easier. Plaster is typically harder, smoother and less porous than drywall, so it's a little more forgiving.
Since it's plaster, my first suggestion in your case would be to try heat. Using a heat gun - you can buy one inexpensively at most home centers - start on the lowest setting and apply heat to one of the glue areas. Watch it carefully to see when it begins to soften, then immediately remove the heat and scrape the adhesive off with a putty knife. Be sure that you have adequate ventilation in the area where you're working, that you wear safety gear to protect yourself from fumes and heat, and that you don't create a fire hazard by overheating any of the glue. Be forewarned that this is a slow process, and don't try to rush it by using excessive heat or an open flame such as a torch.
If heat doesn't work, there are a variety of chemicals on the market for glue removal, ranging from acetone and lacquer thinner to stronger stripping compounds. How well they will work again depends on the adhesive and the wall surface. I would check with an experienced paint store for their recommendations on specific products, and I always recommend starting with the mildest one available and applying it in a very limited quantity in an unobtrusive spot. Also, be sure you follow all of the precautions listed on the product's container.
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