Wallpaper Removal

The brief

Wallpaper removal is one of those jobs that looks straightforward and almost never is. The age of the paper, the substrate underneath, the adhesive used, and whether the wall was primed before the paper was hung all dramatically affect how the paper comes off — and how much repair is needed afterwards.

We approach wallpaper removal with patience and the right equipment. Steam is the most reliable method on the widest range of papers and substrates. We work in small sections, lift the paper gently to minimize damage to the underlying drywall or plaster, and address paste residue, gouges and torn paper before any new finish goes on.

What's included

A wallpaper removal project includes: full furniture and floor protection, careful removal of all paper layers using a steam stripper as the primary tool, removal of residual adhesive with the appropriate solution, repair of minor torn paper or gouged drywall, light sanding of the entire wall surface, and application of a sealing primer (Zinsser GARDZ or equivalent) to lock in any remaining residue and provide a uniform substrate for paint or new paper.

If you are repainting after removal, we are happy to quote the painting on the same line-itemed estimate.

When more is required

Sometimes the substrate underneath the paper is in poorer shape than expected — common in older homes where wallpaper has been hung over wallpaper, or where the wall was not primed before papering. In those cases we may recommend a skim-coat to even out the surface before paint. We will discuss this with you before any additional work is performed; nothing is done without your written approval.

Timeline

A standard single-room wallpaper strip with prep takes our crew between one and three working days depending on room size, ceiling height, layer count and substrate condition. Older multi-layered jobs in heritage homes can take longer; the written estimate sets clear expectations.