Professional Wallpaper Removal
Service Overview
Professional wallpaper removal requires patience, the right techniques, and an understanding of how different wallpapers bond to various wall surfaces. Our team removes old wallcoverings safely and efficiently, leaving your walls clean and ready for their next finish — whether that is new wallpaper, paint, or another treatment.
What Is Included
- Assessment of existing wallpaper type and adhesion
- Floor and furniture protection
- Safe removal using appropriate techniques for your wall type
- Adhesive residue cleaning
- Wall surface assessment after removal
- Minor wall repair and skim coating if needed
- Complete cleanup and debris removal
Our Removal Process
- Wallpaper Assessment — We identify the wallpaper type, adhesive used, and wall material underneath to determine the safest removal approach.
- Area Protection — Floors, furniture, and fixtures are covered to prevent water damage and debris.
- Systematic Removal — Using steam, scoring, or chemical solutions as appropriate, we carefully remove wallpaper without gouging or damaging walls.
- Adhesive Cleaning — All residual adhesive is thoroughly removed to create a clean surface.
- Wall Assessment — We inspect the exposed wall for damage and perform minor repairs as needed.
- Surface Preparation — If new wallpaper or paint will follow, we prepare the surface accordingly.
Protecting Your Drywall During Removal
The biggest risk during wallpaper removal is damage to the underlying wall surface. Aggressive scraping can gouge drywall paper facing, creating texture issues that show through any new finish. Our team uses controlled techniques — proper scoring depth, appropriate moisture levels, and patient working time — to separate wallpaper from walls without compromising the surface beneath. For walls with multiple layers of old wallpaper or paper that was installed without proper primer, we take extra care to preserve wall integrity.
Post-Removal Wall Preparation
After wallpaper removal, walls often need some level of preparation before they are ready for their next finish. This may include skim coating to smooth minor imperfections, priming to seal the surface, or targeted repairs where adhesive has pulled away small areas of drywall facing. We offer post-removal preparation as part of our service, ensuring your walls are truly ready — not just wallpaper-free.
Types of Wallpaper We Remove
- Standard vinyl wallpaper
- Painted-over wallpaper
- Multiple layers of old wallpaper
- Fabric-backed wallcoverings
- Grasscloth and natural fibers
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper
- Borders and trim strips
- Commercial wallcoverings
- Vintage and antique papers
- Wallpaper on plaster walls
Pricing Factors for Removal
- Wallpaper type — Strippable papers are faster; painted-over or vinyl papers take longer
- Number of layers — Multiple layers significantly increase removal time
- Wall material — Plaster walls require different techniques than drywall
- Room size — Larger areas take proportionally more time
- Adhesive type — Some older adhesives are more difficult to dissolve
- Post-removal prep needed — Skim coating or repairs add to the project scope
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wallpaper removal take?
A standard room typically takes 4-8 hours depending on wallpaper type and condition. Rooms with multiple layers or painted-over paper may take longer.
Will removal damage my walls?
Our professional techniques minimize wall damage. Some minor surface repair may be needed, which we include in our service.
Can I paint directly after wallpaper removal?
We recommend priming the walls after removal before painting. This seals any remaining adhesive residue and provides a uniform surface.
Is it better to remove old wallpaper or install over it?
Removal is almost always recommended. Installing over old wallpaper can cause bubbling, peeling, and an uneven surface.
What about wallpaper that has been painted over?
Painted-over wallpaper is more challenging but still removable. We use scoring and steam techniques to penetrate the paint layer.
Do you handle disposal of removed wallpaper?
Yes, we remove all debris and leave your space clean. Disposal is included in our service.
Can you remove wallpaper from ceilings?
Yes, we handle ceiling removal with appropriate safety measures and protection for the room below.
What if there is mold behind the wallpaper?
If we discover mold during removal, we stop work and advise you on proper remediation before proceeding.