"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."
Hiring a professional wallpaper remover is almost always worthwhile. Although the work is more expensive due to labor costs, doing it yourself is extremely time-consuming, complicated, and easy to make mistakes and wreak havoc on your walls, regardless of the tools you use. Professional wallpaper removers have the tools and experience to get old wallpaper down quickly and without damaging the walls behind it.
While you can remove wallpaper yourself, it is a labor-intensive process that risks damaging your walls. Common DIY methods include using a steamer to loosen the adhesive or spraying the paper with a solution of hot water and vinegar or dish soap before scraping. However, steamers can cause irreparable damage if used incorrectly, and the spray-and-scrape method can harm drywall if it gets too wet or you scrape too aggressively. For these reasons, hiring a professional is often the fastest, easiest, and safest option. A pro has the experience and specialized tools to remove wallpaper efficiently without damaging the underlying surface, which saves time and minimizes the prep work needed for your next wall treatment.
It can take a professional anywhere between several hours and a full day to remove wallpaper in one room. How long wallpaper removal takes depends on the type of adhesive, the wallpaper’s age, the condition of the walls, and more.
In most cases, it is not recommended to wallpaper over existing wallpaper, as the success depends on the type of paper already on the wall. While you might be able to cover non-coated wallpaper, you should never apply new wallpaper over a vinyl-coated one, which is more common. Doing so can lead to poor adhesion, resulting in bubbles, imperfections, and peeling. It can also trap moisture, potentially causing hazardous mold growth between the layers.
Even if the existing wallpaper is suitable, experts recommend applying only one new layer. Adding multiple layers (more than two total) can cause significant adhesion problems, leading to warping and bubbling. For the best results, the recommended approach is to remove the old wallpaper and all paste residue before hanging the new paper. If you are unsure about your wallpaper type, consider consulting a professional.
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.
The Allen, SD homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover wallpaper installation cost. Learn about material, labor, and project factors to estimate your budget and make informed choices for your home.
Planning a room update? Learn about the wallpaper removal process, costs to expect, and how to find and hire the right local pro for a paint-ready finish.
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.
