Should I wallpaper over old wallpaper?

• <div><p>We don’t recommend wallpapering over older paper. That’s because creating layers of glue can invite bubbling or excess moisture on the wall’s surface. You should also prime your wall before applying wallpaper and smooth the wall as much as you can, and another layer of wallpaper complicates this process.</p></div>

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Q: How do you remove pre-pasted wallpaper?

• <div><p>To remove pre-pasted wallpaper, you&rsquo;ll need to wet the wallpaper or steam it to loosen the paste on the back of the wallpaper. Spray the paper with water, then let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes. From there, you should be able to peel off the wallpaper. Then, you may need to follow up with a cleaning solution and a scraper to remove any remaining wallpaper paste on the walls.</p></div>

Q: Is painting over wallpaper a good idea?

• <div><p>While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it is generally better to remove it first to guarantee a smooth, professional finish. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it may lead to issues if not done correctly.</p><p>You can paint over existing wallpaper if it is in excellent condition: smooth, non-textured, clean, and firmly adhered to the wall. Ensure there are no bumps, tears, or peeling areas, and that all corners and seams are securely glued down. You might also consider painting over wallpaper if removing it would damage the underlying wall. Additionally, some wallpapers are specifically designed to be paintable, which can add texture to a room.</p><p>However, there are risks. If the wallpaper is textured, damaged, or peeling, these imperfections will show through the new paint. The moisture from the paint can also loosen the wallpaper's adhesive, causing it to bubble and potentially damage the wall. To mitigate these issues, clean the surface thoroughly and use an oil-based primer to help the paint adhere and prevent the old adhesive from bleeding through.</p></div>

Q: Can mold grow behind peel-and-stick wallpaper?

• <div><p>Many peel-and-stick wallpapers aren&rsquo;t moisture-resistant, so if you install them in high-humidity rooms, mold can grow behind the wallpaper. It&rsquo;s best to reserve peel-and-stick wallpaper for bedrooms, living rooms, and other rooms with lower humidity levels. Not only does this minimize the risk of mold growth, but it also keeps the wallpaper from bubbling or peeling. </p></div>

Q: Do services include wall repairs?

• <div><p>Yes, most professionals patch and smooth walls after removal to prepare for new finishes.</p></div>

Q: Should I wallpaper over old wallpaper?

• <div><p>We don&rsquo;t recommend wallpapering over older paper. That&rsquo;s because creating layers of glue can invite bubbling or excess moisture on the wall&rsquo;s surface. You should also prime your wall before applying wallpaper and smooth the wall as much as you can, and another layer of wallpaper complicates this process.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Removal pros in Viola, AR

*The Angi rating for Wallpaper Removal companies in Viola, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Wallpaper Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Wallpaper Removal companies in Viola, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Wallpaper Removal needs.

Last update on September 30, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
They removed a dead tree in my backyard close to my house and the electric lines. They were quick and easy to work with. Would recommend and use again.
North Central Arkansas Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2024
I recently had the pleasure of working with Top Central Roofing, and I couldn't be more impressed with their service. They handled repairs on multiple spots of my roof, offering generous discounts that made the work very affordable. What truly stood out was their ability to seamlessly remove and...
Top Central Roofing
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Reviewed in July 2023
We had such a good experience working with Space Transformation Painting Co. They are so professional. My wallpaper mural turned out beautifully! It was a two story mural and not an easy task, but it was no problem at all for them. I love the way it turned out!
SPACE TRANSFORMATION. LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
I was reluctant to get my ducts cleaned (and my units serviced) because I had seen "exposes" of some services like Kleen-Aire that did a poor job. But from the moment the 3 Kleen-Aire arrived with their two trucks and much equipment, I felt sure I was dealing with top professionals. They did the...
LCS KLEEN-AIRE
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Reviewed in January 2019
On November 21, 2018, I had an in-home quote to lay LVT in my kitchen and master bath, LVP in my family room and indoor-outdoor carpet on my patio. The quote came in at $5378.91, which I thought was a little high, so I got a couple more quotes from other companies which came in a little lower. I...
Empire Today - San Diego
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Reviewed in September 2017
Donahue roofing does fantastic work. Clint and Peggy worked with us to help us find the right shingle and color to complement our home. On install day Clint and his crew arrived on time, completely removed the old shingles and installed the new roof in one working day, finishing up around 6 PM....
Donahue Roofing
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Reviewed in May 2012
They came out and made sure of the equipment they were going to need. They came with enough people to do the project which took six hours. The electric company was an hour and a half late to remove wires and they worked with that. When the electric company refused remove some wires they went...
SavATree – Northbrook
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Find Wallpaper removers in Viola

Risher's Cleaning & Handymen

3.8(

269

)

Serving Viola, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

"They did a really good job, I will recommend them to anybody and they are very professional."

Recommended by70%of homeowners

Serving Viola, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He is reall good and used them all the time."

Recommended by74%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Viola, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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H2O Pressure Washing LLC

4.0(

)

Serving Viola, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The boy sat at my counter playing with his phone while his young wife did the cleaning. She moved very slow and did not look like she knew what she was doing. She did not even carry a toilet brush with her. She forgot to area rugs to vacuum did not scour, sinks, etc.. I had them come back after they left to vacuum with my vacuum, the . two area rugs that she missed."

+12

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Wallpaper Removal questions, answered by experts

To remove pre-pasted wallpaper, you’ll need to wet the wallpaper or steam it to loosen the paste on the back of the wallpaper. Spray the paper with water, then let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes. From there, you should be able to peel off the wallpaper. Then, you may need to follow up with a cleaning solution and a scraper to remove any remaining wallpaper paste on the walls.

While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it is generally better to remove it first to guarantee a smooth, professional finish. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it may lead to issues if not done correctly.

You can paint over existing wallpaper if it is in excellent condition: smooth, non-textured, clean, and firmly adhered to the wall. Ensure there are no bumps, tears, or peeling areas, and that all corners and seams are securely glued down. You might also consider painting over wallpaper if removing it would damage the underlying wall. Additionally, some wallpapers are specifically designed to be paintable, which can add texture to a room.

However, there are risks. If the wallpaper is textured, damaged, or peeling, these imperfections will show through the new paint. The moisture from the paint can also loosen the wallpaper's adhesive, causing it to bubble and potentially damage the wall. To mitigate these issues, clean the surface thoroughly and use an oil-based primer to help the paint adhere and prevent the old adhesive from bleeding through.

Many peel-and-stick wallpapers aren’t moisture-resistant, so if you install them in high-humidity rooms, mold can grow behind the wallpaper. It’s best to reserve peel-and-stick wallpaper for bedrooms, living rooms, and other rooms with lower humidity levels. Not only does this minimize the risk of mold growth, but it also keeps the wallpaper from bubbling or peeling.

Yes, most professionals patch and smooth walls after removal to prepare for new finishes.

We don’t recommend wallpapering over older paper. That’s because creating layers of glue can invite bubbling or excess moisture on the wall’s surface. You should also prime your wall before applying wallpaper and smooth the wall as much as you can, and another layer of wallpaper complicates this process.

The Viola, AR homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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