Sticky Tack (or Blu Tack) is an easy way to stick something to the wall in an apartment, dorm, or other place where more permanent methods are prohibited. Unfortunately, Sticky Tack can leave greasy stains on the walls. Before you give up and consider these stains as permanent wall "decoration", try the following solutions. Use an orange-based stain remover spray first or a little dish soap. If that doesn't work, consider sanding and repainting the area completely.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Stain Removal Spray
Step 1. Spray an orange-based stain remover solution onto the wall
Take a bottle of stain remover and spritz it on the Sticky Tack area. Use as much as needed or until the Sticky Tack stain is completely covered. Try products made from citrus-based ingredients as these are the most effective at removing oil-based stains like Sticky Tack.
- Try Magic Eraser if you don't have a stain remover spray.
- Test the cleaning solution on the wall before spraying it on the stain. If your walls are painted, the solution may shed some of the paint. Rub a little into an inconspicuous spot on the wall-like the bottom-to check.
Step 2. Rub the solution with tissue paper
Take a rag or tissue and rub a stain remover product on the area. Make small, gentle, circular motions while scrubbing so you don't damage the walls in the process.
Step 3. Dry the walls with a microfiber cloth
Wipe any excess liquid off the wall using a wide sweeping motion. When you're done wiping, re-examine the area to see if the Sticky Tack stain is still there.
Repeat this process if needed
Method 2 of 3: Using Dish Soap
Step 1. Pour a drop of dish soap onto the scrubbing brush
Take a bottle of dish soap gel and drip a small amount onto the brush. You can use a large or small brush as long as it's comfortable to scrub the stained area. Buy a brush at a store that sells cleaning supplies.
- If you don't have a scrubbing brush, just use an old toothbrush.
- For a cleaner, use an orange-based dish soap.
Step 2. Brush the soap onto the Sticky Tack stain
Do it in small circular motions to brush the stained area. Depending on the size of the stain, you can scrub in wider circular motions.
Test the dish soap on a small area at the bottom of the wall before rubbing it into a larger area. If the walls are painted, you don't want to accidentally shed the paint in this process
Step 3. Wipe off the remaining soap with a damp cloth
Take a slightly damp cloth or tissue and wipe off any soap residue. If the soap is allowed to dry, there is a possibility that the color of the walls will fade. Make sure the remaining soap is wiped clean before you leave the area.
Method 3 of 3: Sanding and Repainting the Stained Area
Step 1. Scrub the Sticky Tack stained area with fine grit sandpaper
Sand the stained area with a smooth square or rectangle of paper. Scraping the wall surface of Sticky Tack stains will make it easier to apply primer and new paint. If sanding leaves a lot of dust off the wall, wipe it off with a damp cloth or damp cloth.
- If the stain is on the top of the wall, use a long-handled sandpaper to scrub it away.
- Choose 120 grit or higher sandpaper.
Step 2. Apply a coat of primer over the stain with a small roller or brush
Take a brush or roller and blot the stain in short, fine strokes. Let the primer cover a wider and higher area than the stained area. If you don't have a primer, ask a material or hardware store clerk about the product that will work best for your walls.
Step 3. Sand the primer with fine grit paper once it dries
Wait for the primer to dry and smooth the layer with sandpaper. The primer will provide a smoother surface for the paint, so it should look as smooth as possible. Wipe off any remaining dust with a damp cloth or damp cloth before you continue.
- If you're not sure, check the label on the primer can to see how long it will take to dry.
- Use sandpaper with the same grit as before.
Step 4. Add a coat of paint over the stained area with the Sticky Tack with a small brush or roller
Use a paint that matches the wall tones and apply it over the sanded and primed area in long, even strokes. Since this is a repair process, you don't need to use a large brush.
- Some types of brushes are better suited to certain types of paint. If the paint you are using is oil based, use a brush with natural bristles. If it's water-based or latex, choose a synthetic-bristled brush.
- Just use leftover wall paint, if you have one.
