Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Yermo, CA

Painting over wood paneling is an option that can save you money and time. However, if you go this route, the style and texture of the wood you paint over will still be evident. Painting over paneling is an excellent way to modernize an otherwise outdated aesthetic. Instead of removing wood panels, consider painting them a bright color–like white or ivory. This is essentially wainscoting, but without any of the required installation. 

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 may end up with extra wallpaper once your project is finished. Hang on to that wallpaper, as you may need to use it to patch up areas that get damaged later on. If you have a lot of excess wallpaper, try getting creative with it. You can use it to line the inside of a cabinet or drawers, for example.

The fastest way to remove wallpaper is usually to spray the paper with a mixture of hot water and either vinegar or dish soap, let it soak in, and then scrape off the wallpaper using a putty knife. Unfortunately, this process can easily damage your walls if you spray too much or scrape too aggressively. Your best bet is to call in a professional wallpaper remover who knows how much to wet the walls and how much pressure to apply when scraping the paper off. They might also use steamers and other tools to speed up the process.