How to remove gotelé

Learn how to remove gotelé easily

If you have a house built during the 1970s or 1980s, you're probably wondering how to remove gotelé (stippled) paint. For a long time, it was considered the most practical and economical solution for decorating, but now it's considered outdated.

Gotelé is a rough wall finish that creates a very recognizable "drip" effect. It's achieved by spraying paint or paste onto the walls to create a raised relief.

If you want to give your home a more modern touch but aren't sure how to get rid of gotelé, this guide shows you how to do it yourself using the most effective methods and tools.

Why did gotelé become fashionable?

The rise of gotelé was no coincidence. It had clear advantages in its time:

• It covered defects : the brick walls were rarely smooth and the gotelé concealed imperfections quite well.
  
• It was cheap : it was cheaper than smoothing walls by hand.
  
• It protected the surface : the relief made knocks or scratches less noticeable.
  
• It was applied quickly : with a paint gun or a special roller, painters could cover large surfaces in a short time.

Can gotelé be removed?

If you're thinking about removing gotelé, you may feel like it's going to be impossible, but don't despair. There are several ways to remove gotelé, depending on the type of wall, the finish you're looking for, and the time you have available.

Prepare the area before you start

A good result depends on good planning, so make sure you have everything you need before you start: cleaning equipment , the necessary tools and products, and preparing your workspace:

• Remove pictures, lamps and electrical outlets.
  
• Move furniture or cover it with plastic.
  
• Keep a bucket of water and sponges handy to clean up any leftovers.

Removing gotelé with stripping products

Paint strippers are liquids or gels that are applied to the wall to soften the gotelé and make it easier to remove.

• They are applied with a brush or roller on the surface.
  
• After a few minutes, the gotelé softens and can be removed with a spatula.
  
• It is important to ventilate the room well and protect the floor before starting.

Mechanical sanding

Another widely used method for removing gotelé is machine sanding. This is usually done using an orbital or belt sander with heavy-duty discs.

• It's a quick process, but it creates a lot of dust.
  
• It is a good idea to cover furniture and floors before starting.
  
• After sanding, you usually need to apply filler to make the wall completely smooth.

Remove gotelé by applying smoothing putty

Putty is one of the most popular ways to effortlessly remove gotelé, because it actually covers it and transforms it into a smooth surface.

• Apply a first layer of putty with a trowel.
  
• When it dries, sand it to even it out.
  
• If necessary, add a second coat to perfect the result.

Removing gotelé with water vapor

Hot water also helps remove gotelé, especially when it is made with distemper (water-based paint).

• Spray hot water on the wall.
  
• The gotelé will soften and you can easily remove it with a spatula.
  
• It is a cheap system, although slower than others.

Which method should you choose?

There is no single answer to how to remove gotelé, because it depends on the material with which it was applied and the condition of the wall:

• Steam and strippers are more effective on tempered gotelé.
  
• Sanding and filler work best on plastic stippling.
  
• If you're looking for a long-lasting result and completely smooth walls, putty is usually the most recommended option.

What tools do you need to remove gotelé?

Before starting work, it's a good idea to be clear about what you'll need. Having the right tools makes the process of removing gotelé much simpler, faster, and with better results.

Basic tools

There are hand tools that are essential if you want to remove gotelé without problems:

• Metal spatula : the most useful for removing gotelé when it has been softened with hot water or a stripping product.
  
• Trowel : essential if you choose to cover the gotelé with smoothing putty.
  
• Roller and brushes : necessary for applying strippers, water or even for the final paint.
  
• Buckets and rags : help you work more orderly and clean up waste on the go.

Tools for more comfortable work

If you're looking for speed and a more professional finish, there are power tools that make the difference:

• Electric sander : it speeds up the work a lot, although it generates a lot of dust.
  
• Industrial vacuum cleaner : ideal for controlling the dust cloud produced when sanding.
  
• Steam or pressurized water gun : very effective on tempera gotelé, as it softens the wall and makes it easier to remove with a spatula.
  
• Electric mixer : helps prepare the putty without lumps and ready to apply.

Protection and care

Protective equipment for both you and your home's furniture and floors is an important part of removing gotelé. Don't forget:

• Protective glasses.
  
• Face mask.
  
• Heavy duty gloves.joan
  
• Plastic or cardboard to cover furniture and floors.

Conclusion: Say goodbye to gotelé

Nowadays, almost everyone is wondering how to remove gotelé because it no longer fits with modern decor styles. Getting rid of this finish means increasing light, spaciousness, and comfort, as well as making cleaning easier and increasing the value of your home.

Although there are different methods for removing it, the choice depends on the type of wall and the result you're looking for. The important thing to remember is that opting for smooth walls is a safe investment: it allows you to decorate freely and give your home a more modern and contemporary finish.

Your ally in home renovations

If you're determined to take the plunge and renovate your walls, at Brikum we have all the tools and materials at your disposal to remove gotelé in a practical and hassle-free way.

From putty knives, sanders, and smoothing putties to rollers, brushes, and strippers, you'll find everything you need to achieve smooth, modern walls.

Plus, with the variety of tools and products in our catalog, you can choose the method that best suits your home and your budget. Don't wait any longer and say goodbye to gotelé forever with Brikum.