Professional Wallpaper Removal

Service Overview

Removing old wallpaper is often more complex than homeowners expect. Multiple layers, painted-over wallpaper, stubborn adhesives, and delicate wall surfaces all present challenges that require professional expertise. Our wallpaper removal service ensures your walls are left clean, smooth, and ready for whatever comes next — whether that is fresh paint or new wallcoverings.

• Single and multi-layer wallpaper removal
• Painted-over wallpaper stripping
• Adhesive residue removal and wall cleaning
• Drywall repair for any surface damage
• Skim coating for a perfectly smooth finish
• Priming for paint or new wallpaper application

Our Removal Process

1. Assessment: We determine wallpaper type, number of layers, wall substrate, and the best removal method for your situation.
2. Protection: Floors, furniture, and fixtures are covered with drop cloths and plastic sheeting to prevent water and adhesive damage.
3. Scoring (if needed): For vinyl or painted-over wallpaper, we carefully score the surface to allow removal solution to penetrate.
4. Application: Professional-grade removal solutions are applied and allowed to soak, softening the adhesive bond.
5. Stripping: Using specialized tools, we carefully remove wallpaper in large sections, minimizing wall surface damage.
6. Cleaning: All adhesive residue is thoroughly removed, leaving a clean surface.
7. Wall Repair: Any gouges, tears, or imperfections in the drywall or plaster are repaired and sanded smooth.

Protecting Your Drywall

The most common concern with wallpaper removal is damage to the underlying drywall. When wallpaper has been applied without proper primer, or when multiple layers have built up over decades, aggressive removal can tear the paper face of drywall. Our technicians use controlled moisture levels, appropriate dwell times, and careful scraping techniques to minimize surface damage. When minor damage does occur, we repair it as part of our standard service.

Post-Removal Wall Preparation

Simply removing wallpaper is only half the job. The wall surface left behind needs proper preparation before any new finish can be applied. Depending on your plans, we offer different levels of post-removal preparation:

• For painting: Adhesive removal, light sanding, spot repairs, and primer application
• For new wallpaper: Thorough adhesive removal, skim coating if needed, sanding to a smooth finish, and wallpaper-specific primer
• For textured finishes: Basic adhesive removal and repair of major imperfections

Materials and Situations We Handle

• Standard pre-pasted wallpaper
• Vinyl wallpaper (solid and vinyl-coated)
• Painted-over wallpaper (one or more paint layers)
• Multiple wallpaper layers (we have seen up to six)
• Wallpaper on drywall, plaster, and paneling
• Wallpaper borders and partial applications
• Commercial wallcoverings with heavy adhesives

Pricing Factors

• Square footage of wall area
• Number of wallpaper layers
• Whether wallpaper has been painted over
• Wall substrate condition (drywall vs. plaster)
• Level of post-removal preparation needed
• Accessibility and room complexity

Timeline

A standard single-room removal typically takes one day. Rooms with multiple layers or painted-over wallpaper may require two days. We provide accurate time estimates during our assessment so you can plan accordingly.

Why Choose Us for Removal

Many homeowners attempt DIY wallpaper removal only to discover damaged walls, stubborn adhesive, and far more work than expected. Our professional approach saves you time, prevents wall damage, and ensures a surface that is truly ready for its next finish. We have removed wallpaper from hundreds of rooms across the Philadelphia area and know how to handle every situation efficiently.

Areas We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions