Beyond the Paint: The Detailed Process of Wallpaper Removal and Wall Restoration

Wallpaper removal isn’t just about peeling paper off the wall. It’s a process that, when done right, restores the wall’s integrity and sets it up perfectly for a new finish. At Delaware Painting Pros, we’ve seen how easily wallpaper removal can go wrong if it’s rushed or done with inadequate tools. The right process requires time, skill, and a focus on protecting your walls. Here’s what goes into wallpaper removal and how we make sure your walls are left in flawless shape, ready for that perfect coat of paint.

Before we even think about removing wallpaper, we carefully assess the situation. Different types of wallpaper adhere differently, especially if they’ve been applied without the proper primer underneath. We check for any specific challenges, such as multiple layers of wallpaper or wallpaper applied directly to bare drywall. Unprimed drywall can make removal trickier since the adhesive can bond directly to it, leading to potential wall damage if we aren’t careful.

Each wall is unique, and understanding its specific needs helps us create a tailored plan. This assessment step also allows us to anticipate potential wall repair needs and advise you on the best approach.

Once we’ve assessed the wall and planned our approach, we bring in the tools that make all the difference. At Delaware Painting Pros, we use high-powered, professional-grade steamers specifically designed for wallpaper removal. These steamers penetrate and loosen the adhesive effectively without causing excessive moisture exposure, which can damage the wall beneath. This is an essential investment in our process because standard rental steamers can be much less efficient, requiring more passes over the same area and taking more time.

The professional-grade steamer allows us to remove the wallpaper thoroughly, one section at a time, ensuring no remaining patches or stubborn pieces are left behind.

Removing the wallpaper itself is only the first step. Once the paper is off, the adhesive residue left behind can be just as much of a challenge. Glue residue, if not removed, will interfere with the paint’s ability to adhere evenly, and it can cause discoloration—particularly in lighter paint colors. To tackle this, we take the time to wash and scrub the walls, making sure every bit of glue is off before moving on. This part of the job takes time, but it ensures that your new paint job will last.

When a wall has been stripped of wallpaper and glue, it’s tempting to skip straight to painting, but that can lead to trouble. Residual glue, even when scrubbed off, can sometimes linger invisibly in the wall’s surface, potentially causing yellowing or unevenness in the topcoat. To prevent this, we apply a high-quality, oil-based primer. This primer acts as a barrier, sealing the wall to prevent any leftover glue from seeping through and causing discoloration over time.

This step of priming is key to setting up the wall for a fresh, flawless finish and is something we always recommend for walls that have had wallpaper removed. It’s a small investment in time and materials that pays off with a beautiful, lasting result.

Wallpaper can sometimes hide imperfections, so once it’s removed, we check the walls closely for any spots that need attention. In cases where wallpaper was used to cover flaws or uneven drywall, the wall may require more extensive repair work. We handle minor drywall repairs ourselves, but for heavily damaged walls, we can recommend a full skim coating, where the walls are smoothed and finished to a high level before painting.

If we’re only dealing with minor imperfections, our team will fix any holes, dings, or scratches before moving on to paint. The goal is to get the wall looking as good as new, with a smooth surface that’s ready for the final coat.

After priming and repair, the wall is ready to be painted. Our usual painting prep work applies here too: We ensure that the room is protected, floors are covered with our butyl-backed drop cloths, and edges are taped for clean, sharp lines. This thorough preparation is our final step before the paint is applied.

Wallpaper removal is a process that demands patience and expertise, but when done correctly, it transforms your walls and sets the stage for a new, pristine look. At Delaware Painting Pros, we approach wallpaper removal with the same care and attention we give every paint job. We don’t just take off the wallpaper; we make sure your walls are restored and prepared for a flawless repaint.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to dated wallpaper and hello to fresh, beautiful walls, Delaware Painting Pros is here to help. Our professional wallpaper removal and wall restoration services ensure your home’s walls look perfect and hold up beautifully for years to come. Contact us today to start your project with a team dedicated to quality and craftsmanship.