Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Cameron, AZ

Wallpaper lasts an average of around 15 years, but there is some variance. The type of wallpaper matters, as vinyl wallpaper tends to last the longest—sometimes 20 years or more—while a peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is the easiest to install for DIYers, will usually only last for around five years. Exposure to high humidity, smoke, and UV rays from sunlight can also limit the lifespan of your wallpaper, as can heavy traffic in the installation area.

You’ll need to wash the walls to remove wallpaper adhesive residue after removal as part of the prep process for painting or rehanging wallpaper. Old adhesive can cause texture issues and prevent paint or wallpaper from adhering properly to the wall’s surface.

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 many types of peel-and-stick wallpaper can be used in bathrooms, they may not adhere as well in humid environments as traditional wallpaper. For best results, choose a vinyl or polyester-based wallpaper, as these materials are more durable and water-resistant. Good ventilation is also crucial to reduce humidity from steamy showers. In bathrooms with high moisture and inadequate ventilation, even high-quality peel-and-stick wallpaper is likely to peel over time.