Professional Wallpaper Removal

Our Removal Process

1. Assessment: We identify the wallpaper type (vinyl, paper, fabric-backed), number of layers, adhesive type, and wall substrate to determine the safest removal method.
2. Protection: Floors, furniture, and trim are covered with drop cloths and plastic sheeting to prevent water and adhesive damage.
3. Scoring: For vinyl and coated wallpapers, we use scoring tools to create small perforations that allow steam or solution to penetrate the adhesive layer.
4. Steam Application: Our commercial-grade steamers soften adhesive without saturating the wall. This is gentler than chemical strippers and works faster than soaking alone.
5. Careful Stripping: We remove wallpaper in large sections using broad scrapers held at the correct angle to avoid gouging. Multiple passes ensure all material is removed.
6. Adhesive Removal: Residual adhesive is dissolved and wiped away, leaving a clean surface free of sticky residue that would interfere with paint or new wallpaper.
7. Wall Repair: Any minor damage revealed during removal — nail holes, hairline cracks, or small gouges — is patched and sanded smooth.
8. Priming: If you are having new wallpaper installed, we apply the appropriate primer. If you plan to paint, we leave walls ready for your painter.
9. Cleanup: All debris, old wallpaper, and protective coverings are removed. Your space is left clean and ready.

Types of Wallpaper We Remove

• Strippable wallpaper: Peels off in full sheets with minimal residue (fastest removal)
• Peelable wallpaper: Top layer peels off, backing remains and must be soaked/steamed
• Traditional paste wallpaper: Requires soaking or steaming to dissolve the adhesive
• Vinyl wallpaper: Must be scored before steam can penetrate to the adhesive layer
• Fabric-backed vinyl: Heavy commercial material requiring specialized techniques
• Painted-over wallpaper: Extra challenging — paint seals the surface, requiring careful scoring
• Multiple layers: Each layer is removed individually to avoid damaging the wall beneath

Common Situations We Handle

• Preparing walls for new wallpaper installation
• Removing wallpaper before painting
• Stripping multiple layers in older homes
• Removing wallpaper from plaster walls without damage
• Clearing walls for renovation or remodeling
• Removing wallpaper from bathrooms and kitchens (moisture-affected adhesive)
• Preparing rental properties between tenants

Pricing Factors

• Wall area: Total square footage of wallpapered surfaces
• Number of layers: Each additional layer adds time and complexity
• Wallpaper type: Vinyl and painted-over wallpaper take longer than standard paper
• Adhesive condition: Old, dried adhesive requires more steam time and effort
• Wall substrate: Plaster requires gentler handling than drywall
• Repair needs: Walls with significant damage beneath require more patching
• Next steps: Whether you need priming for new wallpaper or just clean walls

Timeline

• Single room, one layer: 4-6 hours
• Single room, multiple layers: 1-2 days
• Multiple rooms: 2-4 days depending on scope
• Whole house: Custom timeline based on assessment

Before we arrive: Please move furniture at least 3 feet from walls, remove wall art and decorations, and ensure access to water and electricity. We bring all tools, steamers, and materials needed for the job.

Bundled Services

Many clients combine wallpaper removal with new installation for a seamless transition. When you book both services together, we handle the entire process from start to finish — removing the old, preparing the surface, and installing the new — without the need to coordinate multiple contractors. Ask about our bundled pricing when you call.

Areas We Serve