How to Remove Wallpaper Without Wrecking Your Walls
Wallpaper removal looks simple and often is not. Here is how it is done properly, what can go wrong, and why the work after the paper comes off matters as much as the removal.
Wallpaper removal looks simple and often is not. Here is how it is done properly, what can go wrong, and why the work after the paper comes off matters as much as the removal.
Step 1: find out what is under the paper
The biggest risk is the wall underneath. If wallpaper was hung on bare, unprimed drywall, the glue can bond to the paper face of the drywall itself. Pulling the wallpaper can tear that paper face off the wall, leaving gouges that need repair. Before removing a whole room, we test a small area to see how the paper comes off and what is underneath.
Step 2: protect the room
Water and adhesive remover get used in wallpaper removal, so floors, baseboards, outlets and furniture are covered and protected first. Power to wall outlets near wet work is a safety concern, so outlet covers come off and openings are protected.
Step 3: remove the paper and backing
Many modern wallpapers peel off in one dry piece, leaving a thin paper backing on the wall. Older and vinyl-coated papers often need scoring so water and remover can soak in. We work in sections, let the product do the work and scrape gently with the right tool so we do not gouge the wall.
Step 4: remove every trace of glue
After the paper and backing are off, a film of adhesive is left on the wall. It looks like nothing and ruins everything. Primer and paint will not bond to old glue, and it can bubble or peel later. The adhesive has to be washed off completely, and the wall rinsed so no residue is left. You can check by feel: a clean wall is smooth, and old glue feels slightly tacky or slick.
Step 5: repair, prime and paint
Once the wall is clean and dry, we patch gouges and torn areas, sand them smooth, and prime the whole wall. A good primer seals the surface so the new paint goes on evenly. Skipping primer after wallpaper removal is the most common reason repainted walls look blotchy.
Why you should not paint over wallpaper
It is tempting, and sometimes it is possible, but it usually goes wrong. Seams show through, the pattern's texture shows, and paint can lift off the paper and peel later. If you ever want to remove it, it is harder. We do not recommend painting over wallpaper.
How long does wallpaper removal take?
A typical room takes one to two days for removal and repair, followed by prime and paint. Larger rooms, several layers of paper and delicate walls take longer. We look at the walls first and give you a realistic schedule in your written estimate.
Is it messy?
There is water and wet paper, but it is controlled. Floors are protected, debris is bagged and the room is cleaned when we finish.
Related: Wallpaper removal in Huntsville and Madison.
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