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>

Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Saint Cloud, WI

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>

Q: Is painting over wallpaper a good idea?

• <div><p>While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it is generally better to remove it first to guarantee a smooth, professional finish. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it may lead to issues if not done correctly.</p><p>You can paint over existing wallpaper if it is in excellent condition: smooth, non-textured, clean, and firmly adhered to the wall. Ensure there are no bumps, tears, or peeling areas, and that all corners and seams are securely glued down. You might also consider painting over wallpaper if removing it would damage the underlying wall. Additionally, some wallpapers are specifically designed to be paintable, which can add texture to a room.</p><p>However, there are risks. If the wallpaper is textured, damaged, or peeling, these imperfections will show through the new paint. The moisture from the paint can also loosen the wallpaper's adhesive, causing it to bubble and potentially damage the wall. To mitigate these issues, clean the surface thoroughly and use an oil-based primer to help the paint adhere and prevent the old adhesive from bleeding through.</p></div>

Q: Is hiring a wallpaper removal specialist worth it?

• <div><p>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.</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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Removal pros in Saint Cloud, WI

*The Angi rating for Wallpaper Removal companies in Saint Cloud, WI 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 Saint Cloud, WI 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 February 07, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
Jim and his crew from Meinen Homes LLC along with Plymouth Plumbing and Heating just finished a complete bathroom remodel in our home. Removing a bathtub and replacing it with a modular walk in shower. He turned a 1970 style bathroom into a 2025 style bathroom. Jim and his crew did a fantastic...
Meinen Homes, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
Mad city windows replaced 10 windows and a skylight for us and we couldn’t be happier. They removed everything and installed the new windows in 1 day. Our crew lead was super attentive to detail and when the molding sent for the job wasn’t all a match he made sure to come back with molding that...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in February 2021
We contacted Schmitz Wellman Tree Service after reading their reviews on Home Advisor. They were very responsive to our request for an estimate and came quickly to look over the trees we needed cut down and brush we needed cleaned out. Their quote was very fair and very detailed as to what they...
Schmitz Wellman Family Tree Service
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Reviewed in December 2020
We called for a quote, Chad came out the same day! The crew returned the next day to remove our spruce tree. Very friendly and professional. They did an excellent job, clean up was great.
Tom's Tree Work
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Reviewed in May 2020
They came the same week I was given the quote to remove 2 trees and trim up another tree. They were fast, organized and cleaned up after themselves. I highly recommend them for their professionalism, courtesy, and affordable prices.
Pleasant View Forestry and Landscape
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Reviewed in August 2019
This was a small $3K 1st floor roofing job. * CK was the first to inspect the job * CK was the first to bring by the 2 types of roofing tiles in the current Cottage Red color. * CK provided a detailed quote with warranty. * CK listen to my current use of my cottage and did not up lift their...
CK Construction
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Reviewed in July 2019
We cannot even begin to express how pleased we were with ARC Contracting! They were the ONLY company that would remove the 112 year old stucco from our old farmhouse! They always kept us informed and always made us aware of options of how we wanted things done! We are in love with our new siding!
ARC Contracting of Wisconsin Inc
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Reviewed in April 2018
I had them cut down two trees and remove stumps,they did an excellent job
Stang Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2018
They arrived and in a total of five days, they removed the old porch and replaced it with a beautiful new structure. They encountered numerous issues but handled everything with professional advice, humor and efficiency. The curb appeal of the house has vastly increased. They maintain the...
Borgwardt Construction LLC
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Reviewed in December 2017
My wife and I called a couple local company's to get price quotes on removing some old unwanted items from our home. Randy returned our call quickly, and came out for a quote, after we had a couple more people give us a qoute, we chose to go with Randy, as he was well priced and everything he...
JUNK Riddance
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Find Wallpaper removers in Saint Cloud

Sullivan Exteriors

4.7(

)

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

"It was fine. They came and did what they said they were going to do, did it quickly and made some recommendations about some changes in the future."

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Isiah is just as professional as he is personable. He listened to all the little details my family and I had to offer and took the time to explain why things would or wouldn’t be able to be done. He was quick, efficient, and even cracked a few jokes along the way. We would definitely hire Redline again and invite them to the summer cookout!"

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"This was a great experience. Rick is a very nice guy, professional and personable. He was timely and worked very hard. I recommend him to anyone who needs help with wallpaper or painting. He even finished taking some glue off in another room that I have and did not charge me any extra. Hire Rick and save yourself the headache and backache of doing it yourself!!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"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."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Paint it Wright, or don't do it at all! With over twenty five years of over all experience, I make sure that your project is done to your standards! I offer complimentary window cleaning for the rooms that I paint, as well as on an exterior paint job I add spider deterrent to the paint. I offer an unsurpassed 4 year guarantee on my work, and offer 25% military discount and 10% senior discount. Give me a call today!

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Roll & Go Painting+ LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Warranties offered

Offers commercial services

"They were punctual, professional, and did great work."

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Rivera Painting & Finishing, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Rivera Painting & Finishing, LLC proudly serves its customers with pride, integrity, and attention to the details that matter most to you. This is one of the many things that set us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated.

Response time10 hrs

Serving Saint Cloud, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

At Koller Enterprises, we are a family-owned home improvement service offering 100% guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, we will return at no charge.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Wallpaper Removal questions, answered by experts

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.

While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it is generally better to remove it first to guarantee a smooth, professional finish. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it may lead to issues if not done correctly.

You can paint over existing wallpaper if it is in excellent condition: smooth, non-textured, clean, and firmly adhered to the wall. Ensure there are no bumps, tears, or peeling areas, and that all corners and seams are securely glued down. You might also consider painting over wallpaper if removing it would damage the underlying wall. Additionally, some wallpapers are specifically designed to be paintable, which can add texture to a room.

However, there are risks. If the wallpaper is textured, damaged, or peeling, these imperfections will show through the new paint. The moisture from the paint can also loosen the wallpaper's adhesive, causing it to bubble and potentially damage the wall. To mitigate these issues, clean the surface thoroughly and use an oil-based primer to help the paint adhere and prevent the old adhesive from bleeding through.

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.

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.

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 Saint Cloud, WI homeowners’ guide to wallpaper removal services

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

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