Do I have to remove old wallpaper before applying new wallpaper?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/laying-wallpaper-over-wallpaper.htm">putting wallpaper over</a> 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. </p></div>

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Q: How long does it take pros to remove wallpaper?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s age, the condition of the walls, and more.</p></div>

Q: Do I have to remove old wallpaper before applying new wallpaper?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t always have to remove old wallpaper before applying a new layer. However, you should pull off the existing wallpaper if it&rsquo;s cracked, peeling, or in poor condition. We&rsquo;d also recommend against <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/laying-wallpaper-over-wallpaper.htm">putting wallpaper over</a> 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. </p></div>

Q: What are the pros and cons of putting up wallpaper?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pros-and-cons-wallpaper-vs-paint.htm">The pros of wallpaper</a> include its durability and longer lifespan than paint, as well as its versatility. The durability can translate to lower long-term costs for upkeep and replacement, and the versatility means you have more options for customizing rooms in your home. Some downsides include that it&rsquo;s difficult to remove, it&rsquo;s not ideal for rooms or areas exposed to high moisture content or sun exposure, and it&rsquo;s tricky to install. A professional wallpaper hanger can help mitigate these issues, though, by installing it properly and in areas suitable for wallpaper.</p></div>

Q: How do I reduce the risk of moldy wallpaper?

• <div><p>Once again, contact with moisture is the culprit here, though water-resistant varieties of wallpaper are less likely to become wet and develop mold. Using a high-quality exhaust fan or dehumidifier and leaving the doors or windows cracked after bathing will keep this issue at bay. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to wash the walls after removing wallpaper?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;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&rsquo;s surface. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Removal pros in San Antonio, TX

*The Angi rating for Wallpaper Removal companies in San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio, TX 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 October 07, 2025

Reviewed in February 2016
We had Paper Moon refinish two sets of bath cabinets. We selected them to also re-wallpaper the larger, master bath. Peter was helpful in getting us to decide to re-wallpaper or paint the area.. The cost does not include the cost of the wallpaper. Ven did the prep work on one partial day...
Paper Moon Painting & Wallcovering
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Reviewed in May 2015
It was fantastic! The works of DANIELSON & SONS perfect. He repaired some of the damaged wallpapers in the aisle.
DANIELSON & SONS
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Reviewed in November 2015
I had horrible, I mean horrible wallpaper in one of the upstairs bathrooms. I thought that I would need to have the wallpaper removed and then painted. Tuck showed me that the original wallpaper had been expertly installed with no seams, overlaps, peeling or buckles. He suggested a coat of oil...
Tucks Home Improvements
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Reviewed in October 2018
A young man name Matt came out to my house and did a job for me. I had some wallpaper in the house that needed to be removed so we could update the home. There was quite a bit. Matt did a good job on removing the wallpaper, fixing the walls after and then painting them. The house has never...
Next Door Painting
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Reviewed in May 2008
Cynthia and Nancy and two of their assistants removed the wallpaper in the guest bath, filled in picture hanger and towel rod holes, and painted. They always paint two coats, but this one needed three coats (no extra charge). They contacted their installer and set up a time for him to install...
C & N Painting & Minor Repairs
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Reviewed in December 2012
We have known Alan professionally for over 25 years -- a downstairs bathroom that he did at that time is still in perfect shape. Over the years he has also done our kitchen and an upstairs bathroom. As part of a current remodeling he just removed and replaced the wallpaper in the ...
The Philanthropy Network
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Reviewed in June 2018
They removed the old surface lacquered and painted my bathroom cabinets after another vendor destroyed them trying to resurface them. They painted my bathroom which was wallpapered. The work done by the vendor was exceptional. They were punctual and professional. If you need painting done, these...
Ace in the Hole Painting
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Wallpaper Removal questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

The pros of wallpaper include its durability and longer lifespan than paint, as well as its versatility. The durability can translate to lower long-term costs for upkeep and replacement, and the versatility means you have more options for customizing rooms in your home. Some downsides include that it’s difficult to remove, it’s not ideal for rooms or areas exposed to high moisture content or sun exposure, and it’s tricky to install. A professional wallpaper hanger can help mitigate these issues, though, by installing it properly and in areas suitable for wallpaper.

Once again, contact with moisture is the culprit here, though water-resistant varieties of wallpaper are less likely to become wet and develop mold. Using a high-quality exhaust fan or dehumidifier and leaving the doors or windows cracked after bathing will keep this issue at bay.

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.

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The San Antonio, TX homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services

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