Three Techniques to Eliminate Wall Paint.

Begin by cleaning the wall with soap and hot water to prepare for sanding. First, fill a bucket with hot soapy water and soak a cloth in it, then wash off the wall to remove any dirt or paint markings that may have accumulated. This will aid in the rest of the process.

Invest in a sanding block or sander, as rubbing sandpaper against the wall is not effective. A sanding block is a small material block that sandpaper can be wrapped around, making it easier to sand flat surfaces. A sander is an automated tool similar to a drill that sands the surface for you after loading sandpaper into it. If you haven't previously used a sander, a sanding block is a safer option. Coarser grit sandpaper is acceptable for stripping paint, so a grit level of 80 is recommended if removing globs of paint. By sanding the wall, toxic dust may be inhaled, so it's essential to wear a mask before starting.

To remove the unwanted paint, sand away with the coarse side of the sandpaper. Moving back and forth in sections of 1 square foot, apply pressure to the wall if you're using a sanding block. Continue sanding until the paint becomes entirely dull before wiping the dust away.

If you prefer to remove the paint entirely instead of painting over it, stripping the paint is the best option. Purchase chemically-resistant gloves and ventilate the room before starting. Chemical paint strippers are caustic as they eat away at the chemical structure of paint. After wearing chemically-resistant gloves and old clothing, open several windows before commencing. Use a paint scraper to peel off the paint, placing the blade at the bottom of the unwanted paint and applying pressure to the blade before sliding it underneath the unwanted paint. The sanding process weakens the paint, making it easier to strip.