Can you just paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

• <div><p>While <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/painting-over-wallpaper-its-possible.htm">it is possible to paint over wallpaper</a>, it’s not always ideal. If the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no bubbling or peeling, and isn’t textured, you can try to prime and paint over it. Use an oil-based primer to prevent the adhesive from bleeding through. However, if the paper is damaged or loose, removal is the better long-term solution. </p></div>

How long does wallpaper last?

• <div><p>Wallpaper lasts an average of around <b>15 years</b>, 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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/peel-and-stick-vs-traditional-wallpaper.htm">peel-and-stick wallpaper</a>, 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.</p></div>

Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Milford, IL

Q: Does peel-and-stick backsplash stay on?

• <div><p>As long as the surface you&rsquo;re putting the tile on is properly prepped, peel-and-stick backsplashes should stay on and last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The best way to ensure the tile stays on is to sand down and clean the wall before applying your design.</p></div>

Q: Can German schmear be removed?

• <div><p>Think hard before deciding to German schmear your home&rsquo;s exterior brickwork. If you do not like the look, you are pretty much stuck with it, as it is impossible to remove this finish the way you can remove paint. You risk damaging the underlying brick if you have to chisel and acid-wash it away. It will also take a very long time, and remnants of the mortar wash will always remain.</p></div>

Q: How do I maintain walls after wallpaper removal?

• <div><p>Prime and repaint walls after removal to ensure a clean, finished surface.</p></div>

Q: Can you just paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

• <div><p>While <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/painting-over-wallpaper-its-possible.htm">it is possible to paint over wallpaper</a>, it&rsquo;s not always ideal. If the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no bubbling or peeling, and isn&rsquo;t textured, you can try to prime and paint over it. Use an oil-based primer to prevent the adhesive from bleeding through. However, if the paper is damaged or loose, removal is the better long-term solution. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Removal pros in Milford, IL

*The Angi rating for Wallpaper Removal companies in Milford, IL 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 Milford, IL 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 December 04, 2025

Reviewed in September 2024
I hired Les to demolish an old junk-filled garage and everything went smoothly. He was very prompt with his communication and everything was done exactly as expected. I was impressed with how clean they left everything. I highly recommend choosing Les Is More Junk Removal.
Les is More Junk Removal
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Reviewed in January 2023
Installer came on time and was able to remove our old tub and liner and install new walk - in shower for us all in about 6 hours. He did an excellent job cleaning up afterwards also. We couldn't be more satsified. Thanks Bath Planet
Bath Planet of Rochester
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Reviewed in October 2016
They are great, and we have referred him to several people. I think they are fair on price. The price is different when they do the garden care and they also do our snow removal. The price depends on what is being done. They keep their own schedule, and I don't care, I just want it done.
JB Lawncare & Snow Removal
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Reviewed in June 2016
I had made a rookie mistake by tying to perform what appeared to be a simple task, remove and sharpen my lawn mower blade. Of course, I did not bother to look up and read the owner's manual, so after removing the blade, sharpening it and putting it back on, the mower was hard to start, and when...
Don's Mower Shop
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Reviewed in June 2013
He started out thinking it might be necessary to remove the toilet and redo a bunch of stuff. As he worked through it, he was able to figure out a couple of other things. It turned out to be much simpler and worked fine at the end. It was not a very expensive job. He was very careful about doing...
GULLIFORD SEPTIC TANK SERVICE
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Reviewed in November 2007
The owner came out and measured my fireplace. The store then mailed me estimates for all of the doors available for my type of fireplace. The store called me when the doors came in and we scheduled a day for installation. The worker arrived on time and removed the old doors, installed the new...
STEVE SCULLY FIREPLACE REPAIR, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2007
I had a cast iron kitchen sink with matching drains. The paint on the drains had peeled off. I bought new brushed chrome drains. He removed the old ones and replaced them with the new ones. He had to remove the garbage disposal to do it. Also made a trip to the hardware store to buy new drain...
Pop's Toolchest
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Find Wallpaper removers in Milford

Small paint company dedicated to quality with exceptional attention to detail ready to help with your home project. I am a small company with very low overhead so I am able to charge less than the big contractors, but still give you good, quality work.

Home Again Service

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Home Again Service

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20 years of experience

Family owned business servicing Champaign, Mcclean Vermillion counties and surrounding areas. In buisness for 10 years numerous business and customer references. Call Today!!!

Shaw's Premier Painting

2.00(

)

Shaw's Premier Painting

2.00(

)

16 years of experience

Shaw's Premier Painting consists of 11-20 hard working young men with much experience! From your free estimate and color consultation, to getting the actual job done, and getting the final walk through with the owner, we promise you a great & friendly experience! We cover the whole Central Illinois area and offer a variety of discounts! To find out more visit us at www.shawspremierpainting.com

Paint-tech

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Paint-tech

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Emergency services offered

Paint-tech is localy owned and has been doing the best quality work in Central IL since 2000. We have 4 stall members who are trained in all aspects of this business. We sub contract on many larger projects from Generals who look for quality and price in one company.

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.40(

)

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.40(

)

36 years of experience

Our mission at Hampton Enterprise LLC is to provide clients with superior customer service, quality work and speedy service in all aspects of their home improvement needs. Licensed, insured and trusted since 1989; come discover the Hampton difference today! We specialize in the installation and repair of Windows, Doors, Flooring, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Sprinkler Systems and much more. We also offer Interior and Exterior Home Painting, Custom Welding Fabrication and Carpentry.Localy in your area just call and i will call back with a local number thank you . from James Hampton AL.Dothan 334-648-3817, AL Birmingham 334-648-3817, AL Huntsville 334-648-3817, AL Mobile 334-648-3817, AL Tuscaloosa 334-648-3817, AL Montgomery 334-578-4761, AR Little Rock 334-648-3817, AZ Phoenix 334-648-3817, CA LosAngeles/Sacramento 334-648-3817, CO Denver/Colorado Springs 334-648-3817, CT Hartford 334-648-3817, DE Dover 334-648-3817, FL Tallahassee 334-648-3817, FL Cape Canaveral/ Cocoa 334-648-3817, FL. Destin 334-648-3817, FL Gainsville 334-648-3817 Fl Jacksonville 334-648-3817, FL Orlando 334-648-3817, FL Panama City 334-648-3817, FL Tampa 334-648-3817, FL Miami 334-648-3817, GA Atlanta 334-648-3817, GA Albany 334-648-3817, GA Augusta 334-648-3817, GA Columbus 334-648-3817, GA Macon 334-648-3817, GA Valdosta 334-648-3817, IA Des Moines 334-648-3817, ID Boise 334-648-3817, IL Chicago/Springfield 334-648-3817, IN Indianapolis 334-648-3817, KS Levenworth/Topeka 334-648-3817, KY Frankfort 334-648-3817, LA New orleans/Baton Rouge 334-648-3817, MA Boston 334-648-3817, MD Annapolis 334-648-3817, ME Augusta 334-648-3817, MI Detroit/Lansing 334-648-3817, MN Saint Paul 334-648-3817, MO kansas City/Jefferson City 334-648-3817, MS Jackson 334-648-3817, MS Biloxi 334-648-3817, MS Gulf Port 334-648-3817, MT helena 334-648-3817, NC Raleigh 334-648-3817, ND Bismark 334-648-3817, NE Lincoln 334-648-3817, NJ Trenton 334-648-3817, NM Santa Fe 334-648-3817, NV Carson City 334-648-3817, NV Las Vegas 334-648-3817 NY Albany 334-648-3817, OH Columbus 334-648-3817, OK Oklahoma Ciy 334-648-3817, OR Salem 334-648-3817, PA harrisburg 334-648-3817, RI Providence 334-648-3817, SC Columbia 334-648-3817, SD Pierre 334-648-3817, TN nashville 334-648-3817, TX Austin 334-648-3817, UT Salt Lake City 334-648-3817, VA Richmond 334-648-3817, VT montpelier 334-648-3817, WI Madison 334-648-3817, WV Charleston 334-648-3817, WY Cheyenne 334-648-3817

"They guys suck."

Penny S on February 2024

"They guys suck."

Penny S on February 2024

Wallpaper Removal questions, answered by experts

As long as the surface you’re putting the tile on is properly prepped, peel-and-stick backsplashes should stay on and last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The best way to ensure the tile stays on is to sand down and clean the wall before applying your design.

Think hard before deciding to German schmear your home’s exterior brickwork. If you do not like the look, you are pretty much stuck with it, as it is impossible to remove this finish the way you can remove paint. You risk damaging the underlying brick if you have to chisel and acid-wash it away. It will also take a very long time, and remnants of the mortar wash will always remain.

Prime and repaint walls after removal to ensure a clean, finished surface.

While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it’s not always ideal. If the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no bubbling or peeling, and isn’t textured, you can try to prime and paint over it. Use an oil-based primer to prevent the adhesive from bleeding through. However, if the paper is damaged or loose, removal is the better long-term solution.

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.

The Milford, IL homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services

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

See all articles

Angi
•
Nov 16, 2025Nov 16, 2025
How Much Does Wallpaper Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
Get transparent wallpaper removal cost info to learn average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on your wallpaper removal project.
Dan Simms
•
Sep 20, 2024Sep 20, 2024
How to Hire Someone to Remove Wallpaper
Taking down wallpaper is a tedious and time-consuming job. Here are some tips on how to hire someone to remove wallpaper for you to make your life easier.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Oct 10, 2024Oct 10, 2024
How to Remove Wallpaper Border: 5 Methods to Try
Wallpaper border can be difficult to remove. Learn five methods to remove wallpaper border effectively and without damaging your walls.
Audrey Bruno
•
Aug 7, 2025Aug 7, 2025
10 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper Without Breaking a Sweat
Whether you want to replace or remove your wallpaper, these handy tips for stripping wallpaper will make the process as easy as possible.
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Aug 8, 2025Aug 8, 2025
The 7 Best Ways to Remove Wallpaper
Wallpaper removal requires physical labor and can be a sticky mess. Consider these tips on the best ways to remove wallpaper to make the process as smooth as possible.
Kelly Reilly
•
Nov 26, 2025Nov 26, 2025
How to Repair Walls After a Wallpaper Removal Project
The paper is off, but your walls need some love. Learn how to repair your walls after a wallpaper removal project and prep them for paint or new decor.

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Need a pro for your wallpaper removal project in Milford, IL?

Interior Painting or Staining Service

Wallcovering or Wallpaper Installation

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Removal pros in Milford, IL

Find Wallpaper removers in Milford

By Faith Painting and Services

By Faith Painting and Services

Bill Pillows Painting

Bill Pillows Painting

Home Again Service

Home Again Service

Shaw's Premier Painting

Shaw's Premier Painting

Paint-tech

Paint-tech

Hampton Enterprise LLC

Hampton Enterprise LLC

The Milford, IL homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services

How Much Does Wallpaper Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

How to Hire Someone to Remove Wallpaper

How to Remove Wallpaper Border: 5 Methods to Try

10 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper Without Breaking a Sweat

The 7 Best Ways to Remove Wallpaper

How to Repair Walls After a Wallpaper Removal Project

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Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Milford, IL

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your wallpaper removal project in Milford, IL?

Interior Painting or Staining Service

Wallcovering or Wallpaper Installation

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Removal pros in Milford, IL

Find Wallpaper removers in Milford

By Faith Painting and Services

By Faith Painting and Services

Bill Pillows Painting

Bill Pillows Painting

Home Again Service

Home Again Service

Shaw's Premier Painting

Shaw's Premier Painting

Paint-tech

Paint-tech

Hampton Enterprise LLC

Hampton Enterprise LLC

The Milford, IL homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services

How Much Does Wallpaper Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

How to Hire Someone to Remove Wallpaper

How to Remove Wallpaper Border: 5 Methods to Try

10 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper Without Breaking a Sweat

The 7 Best Ways to Remove Wallpaper

How to Repair Walls After a Wallpaper Removal Project

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