Expert Wallpaper Removal in Phoenix

Most single-room wallpaper removal projects take 1-2 days, depending on the paper type, number of layers, wall condition, and room size. Simple strippable wallpapers in good condition might be removed in just a few hours, while vinyl-backed papers, multiple layers, or papers applied directly to unprimed drywall can take significantly longer. We also factor in time for adhesive removal, wall repairs, and drying before painting can begin. During your consultation, we'll assess your specific situation and provide an accurate timeline. We never rush wallpaper removal—doing it right the first time prevents wall damage that costs more to repair than the extra care takes.

When removed properly by professionals, wallpaper removal should cause minimal damage. However, some wall impact is common—especially if the wallpaper was applied directly to unsealed drywall, has been up for decades, or if previous owners attempted DIY removal. We use techniques specifically designed to protect wall surfaces, but we may still need to make minor repairs afterward. That's normal and expected. The key is having those repairs done professionally so your walls are smooth and ready for painting. We'll assess your wall condition during removal and let you know what repair work is needed before we paint.

Absolutely—that's exactly how most of our wallpaper removal projects work. We remove the wallpaper, clean adhesive residue, repair any wall damage, apply primer, and then paint your walls with your chosen colors. Bundling these services ensures proper surface preparation and a seamless transition from old wallpaper to fresh painted walls. It's more efficient than hiring separate contractors and eliminates coordination headaches. We'll provide a complete quote covering removal, prep, and painting so you know the total investment upfront. Most homeowners prefer this comprehensive approach because it guarantees professional results from start to finish.

Painted-over wallpaper is challenging but not impossible to remove. The paint creates a barrier that prevents moisture and removal solutions from penetrating, so we need to score or perforate the surface first. This allows our stripping solutions to reach the adhesive beneath. The process takes longer and requires more care to avoid damaging the drywall underneath. In some cases, if the painted wallpaper is smooth and well-adhered, we might recommend leaving it and simply repainting over it—but only if there are no bubbles, seams, or texture issues. We'll evaluate your situation and recommend the best approach based on the wallpaper condition and your goals.

Wallpaper removal does create mess—wet paper, adhesive residue, and cleaning solutions are unavoidable parts of the process. However, we take extensive precautions to contain the mess and protect your home. We cover floors with drop cloths, protect baseboards and trim, remove or cover furniture, and clean up thoroughly each day. We also properly dispose of all removed wallpaper and materials. While the work itself is messy, our goal is ensuring your home stays as clean as possible throughout the project and is left spotless when we're finished. Most homeowners are surprised by how well we contain and manage the removal process.Retry

In most cases, yes—but it depends on how the wallpaper was originally installed and the condition of your walls. If wallpaper was applied over properly primed drywall, removal is usually straightforward with minimal damage. However, if it was hung directly on bare, unsealed drywall (which unfortunately happens often), the paper may have bonded to the drywall's paper face, making clean removal more challenging.

Timeline varies significantly based on wallpaper type, room size, wall condition, and how many layers you have. A single room with modern strippable wallpaper might take just 4-6 hours for removal and basic prep. Traditional wallpaper with stubborn adhesive in an average bedroom typically takes 1-2 days including removal, wall repair, and prep for painting. Multiple layers of old wallpaper, textured or vinyl-coated papers, or wallpaper applied over paneling can take 2-4 days per room.

Yes, multiple layers require significantly more labor, time, and materials, which does increase the cost. Each layer needs to be addressed individually since you can't effectively remove them all at once. We typically work from the outside layer inward, steaming and scraping each layer separately. Multiple layers also indicate decades of adhesive buildup, which becomes increasingly difficult to remove and often requires stronger solutions and more intensive scraping.

Strippable wallpaper (common in installations from the 1990s onward) is designed to peel away from walls in full sheets without water or chemicals—you simply lift a corner and pull. This type of removal is much faster and cleaner, often taking just a few hours per room. However, strippable paper still leaves adhesive residue on walls that must be washed off before painting. Traditional wallpaper (especially older vinyl, fabric-backed, or pre-1980s papers) has stronger adhesive and requires steaming, scoring, chemical solutions, and extensive scraping to remove.

While DIY wallpaper removal is possible, it's genuinely one of the most tedious, messy, and physically demanding home improvement tasks—and mistakes can create expensive drywall repairs. Without proper tools like commercial steamers, experience knowing how much pressure to apply, and techniques for dealing with stubborn adhesive, you risk gouging drywall, leaving adhesive residue that prevents paint from adhering, or simply spending weeks on a project that frustrates you.