A painting capturing the delicate dance of removing command strips, showcasing gentle hands carefully detaching adhesive without causing any damage to the underlying paint, preserving the pristine surface.

How To Remove Command Strips Without Damaging Paint

ByHulya Aksu Updated on

Command strips are incredibly useful for hanging pictures and decor without putting holes in your walls. But when it comes time to take them down, the adhesive can rip your paint right off if you’re not careful.

If you need to get command strips off quickly without ruining your paint, here’s a simple solution: use dental floss to saw behind the strip and gently break the seal. Keep reading to learn why this works so well, plus 8 more tips for safe command strip removal.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to take command strips off your walls without damaging the paint underneath. We’ll cover the best tools and techniques, plus mistakes to avoid and alternatives to command strips for hanging without nails.

Why Dental Floss Works So Well for Removing Command Strips

When it comes to removing Command Strips without damaging the paint, dental floss has proven to be an effective tool. Here’s why:

Floss cuts through the adhesive without damaging the paint

Dental floss is made of strong nylon fibers that are designed to glide between teeth, removing plaque and food particles. This same principle applies to removing Command Strips from walls. The thin, yet durable nature of dental floss allows it to cut through the adhesive without leaving behind any residue or causing damage to the paint surface.

It’s a gentle and reliable method that won’t require any touch-up painting afterward.

It’s thin enough to slide behind the strip

One of the key reasons dental floss is so effective at removing Command Strips is its thinness. Unlike thicker tools that may struggle to fit behind the strip, dental floss effortlessly slides behind the adhesive.

This allows you to get a good grip on the strip and pull it away from the wall with ease. Just make sure to use a clean section of floss for each strip to avoid transferring any sticky residue.

The waxed coating prevents sticking

Another advantage of dental floss is its waxed coating. This coating helps the floss glide smoothly between teeth, but it also serves another purpose when removing Command Strips. The waxed surface prevents the floss from sticking to the adhesive, making it easier to maneuver and remove the strip without any hassle.

This reduces the risk of accidentally pulling off chunks of paint along with the strip.

So, the next time you need to remove Command Strips from your walls, don’t overlook the humble dental floss. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can save you time, money, and potential paint touch-ups.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Using Floss

When it comes to removing Command Strips without damaging the paint, one effective method is using floss. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Find the edge of the strip

Begin by locating the edge of the Command Strip. This is where you will start the removal process.

2. Insert the floss behind the strip

Take a piece of floss and carefully insert it behind the strip. Make sure to position it close to the surface to avoid any damage.

3. Saw the floss back and forth

Gently saw the floss back and forth while applying slight pressure. This will help to loosen the adhesive bond between the strip and the wall.

4. Peel the strip off

Once the adhesive bond has been weakened, you can start peeling the strip off the wall. Slowly and steadily pull the strip away, keeping it as close to the surface as possible.

5. Use oil or adhesive remover for any remaining residue

If there is any residue left behind after removing the strip, you can use a small amount of oil or adhesive remover to clean it off. Apply the oil or adhesive remover to a cloth and gently rub the residue until it comes off.

Remember to test any oil or adhesive remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can safely remove Command Strips without damaging the paint on your walls.

9 More Tips for Removing Command Strips Without Peeling Paint

Wait for the adhesive to soften after long-term use

If you’ve had Command Strips on your walls for a while, they may have become firmly attached. In this case, it’s best to wait for the adhesive to soften before attempting to remove them. You can speed up this process by using a hairdryer on a low setting to gently warm the strips.

Heat strips with a hairdryer before removing

Applying heat to the Command Strips can make them easier to remove without damaging the paint. Simply use a hairdryer on a low setting to warm up the adhesive. This will help loosen the bond between the strip and the wall, making it easier to pull off.

Pull strips off slowly at a 90-degree angle

When removing Command Strips, it’s important to do so slowly and at a 90-degree angle. This ensures that the adhesive is gradually released from the wall, reducing the likelihood of any paint peeling off. Avoid pulling the strip straight out, as this can cause damage.

Twist as you pull for a clean break

If you find that the Command Strip is not coming off smoothly, try twisting it as you pull. This twisting motion can help break the adhesive bond more cleanly, minimizing the chances of any paint coming off with the strip.

Use Goo Gone to dissolve adhesive residue

If you’re left with adhesive residue on your wall after removing the Command Strips, Goo Gone can come to the rescue. Apply a small amount of Goo Gone to a clean cloth and gently rub the residue until it dissolves.

Remember to test the Goo Gone on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint.

Try Command’s own adhesive remover

If you prefer to use a product specifically designed for removing Command Strips, you can try Command’s own adhesive remover. This remover is formulated to effectively dissolve the adhesive without causing damage to the paint. Follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.

Rub strips with cooking oil before removal

Another method to loosen the adhesive of Command Strips is to rub them with cooking oil before attempting to remove them. Apply a small amount of cooking oil to a cloth and gently rub it over the strip. This can help break down the adhesive and make the removal process easier.

Score the paint underneath tricky strips first

If you’re dealing with Command Strips that are particularly stubborn or have been on the wall for a long time, you can try scoring the paint underneath them first. Use a utility knife or similar tool to make small, shallow cuts in the paint.

This will create a weak point and make it easier to remove the strip without damaging the surrounding paint.

Consider painters tape or Static Mounts instead next time

If you’re concerned about damaging your paint when using Command Strips, you may want to consider alternative options for hanging items on your walls. Painters tape or Static Mounts are two alternatives that can be used to hang lightweight items without the need for adhesive.

These options provide a temporary solution that can be easily removed without any damage to the paint.

Conclusion

With the right techniques like flossing behind strips and pulling off slowly, you can remove Command products without ruining your wall paint or drywall. Test on a small area first if you’re concerned about damage.

And next time, try low-adhesive options like Command Mini Strips, painters tape or static cling mounts to avoid adhesive hassles down the road.

Hulya Aksu is the founder and editor-in-chief of Posh Seven Magazine, the leading lifestyle publication serving the affluent suburbs of Washington D.C. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Hulya moved to the United States to pursue her passion for fashion. She worked for major fashion houses before recognizing a need for a magazine that spoke to successful women in D.C.'s prestigious neighborhoods.

In 2007, Hulya launched Posh Seven Magazine from her home while on maternity leave. The magazine quickly gained an avid following for its insider's perspective on upscale living in communities like McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda.

Over the past 15 years, Hulya has built Posh Seven into a multimedia brand with print, digital, social media, and experiential components. Her visionary leadership and hyper-local approach has made Posh Seven a go-to resource for over 100,000 readers.

As founder and editor-in-chief, Hulya lends the magazine her impeccable taste and insights into luxury living. She resides with her family in Ashburn, Virginia where the Posh Seven headquarters are located. Hulya is deeply committed to serving the vibrant community of successful women who call D.C.'s affluent suburbs home.

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