How to remove Blu Tack® stains from a wall
Blu Tack is useful for attaching lightweight items, but it can sometimes leave marks or stains on walls when removed. Knowing how to remove Blu Tack stains from walls properly helps you clean the surface without damaging paint or finishes.
These marks are usually caused by residue or oils left behind, especially on painted or wallpapered surfaces. Using gentle techniques is important to avoid making the stain worse.
In this guide, we explain safe and effective ways to remove Blu Tack stains from walls, using simple methods suitable for most homes.
Everything you need to remove Blu Tack® stains from a wall
Essential:
- Chewing gum remover, lighter fuel, citrus based cleaner or sugar soap
- Clean, dry cloth or kitchen paper
Note: The adhesive properties of Bostik Blu Tack® increase with time, so take extra care when removing it after a period of months.
Step-by-step to remove Blu Tack® marks
Step 1: Ready to roll
To remove Blu Tack® marks from a wall when it has been there for months – or longer – don’t pull at it, instead roll it carefully off the surface. It can then be used again and again. Any remaining bits can be removed by rolling or dabbing blobs of Blu Tack® over the wall’s surface.
Step 2: Cleaning time
If the surface underneath the Blu Tack® is old, delicate or porous, there may be a mark left behind by the sticky tack. Chewing gum remover, a citrus based cleaner, sugar soap or lighter fuel can sometimes remove the residue left behind. Do a patch test on an inconspicuous area first, to ensure that your chosen product will not further mark the wall.
Step 3: Dab, dab, dab
Apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning product to a piece of kitchen paper or a clean cloth, then dab (don’t rub!) the affected area.
Step 4: Blot away
Take a clean and dry piece of cloth or kitchen paper and dab at the affected area. This method works by dissolving the oil in the Blu Tack®. The stain is then lifted off the surface when you dab with the dry cloth or kitchen paper. And that’s it, you’ve removed the Blu Tack® stain from your wall!
The best surfaces for Blu Tack®
Blu Tack® is the original reusable adhesive that provides an ideal alternative to drawing pins and sticky tape, with over a thousand uses around the home, office and school.
It is available in multiple variations including Blu Tack® original, Blu Tack® Pink, Blu Tack® White, Blu Tack® Grey and a pre-cut version, Blu Tack® Squares.
Blu Tack® performs best on non-porous surfaces, such as vinyl coated wallpapers, painted surfaces, glass, and metal.
We do not advise using it on absorbent or recently decorated surfaces, including silk-screen printed or hand stencilled wallpapers, or on porous brickwork – as it can leave a slight oily mark if left for a long period of time.
Important Tips for Removing Blu Tack Stains
- Always test cleaning methods on a small area first
- Avoid abrasive materials
- Do not oversaturate the wall
- Be extra gentle on wallpapered surfaces