Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Limestone, ME

No, you don’t always have to remove old wallpaper before applying a new layer. However, you should pull off the existing wallpaper if it’s cracked, peeling, or in poor condition. We’d also recommend against putting wallpaper over textured or dark-colored wallpaper because the old layer may be visible through the new one. In addition, if you try to hang new wallpaper over vinyl-coated wallpaper, the adhesive might not stick properly. 

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to be removed without damaging walls, making it a good choice for renters or temporary design changes. However, damage to paint or drywall can occur under certain conditions. To prevent issues, the wall surface must be properly prepared before application—it should be clean, smooth, dry, and correctly primed or painted. Applying wallpaper to a freshly painted surface can cause the paint to peel off during removal. Additionally, removing the wallpaper too quickly or aggressively can also cause damage. For best results, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for both application and removal.

Small amounts of wallpaper can be thrown away in your household trash. If you’re removing a whole home’s worth of wallpaper, you may need to contact a waste removal company, rent a dumpster, or schedule a special pick-up with your municipality’s waste removal service. Wallpaper isn’t recyclable, so no matter which method you choose to dispose of it, make sure it doesn’t get mixed in with the recycling.

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.