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Old Wallpaper Removal in West Park, FL

The short answer

We remove wallpaper, borders and leftover paste from West Park homes, choosing the gentlest method for each wall. Afterward we repair damage and prime, so the walls are ready for paint or new wallpaper.

In many West Park homes, the wallpaper on the walls has been there through several owners. It may be a faded kitchen border, a vinyl print in a hall bathroom or layers of paper hung one on top of another over the years. Pulling it down yourself can turn into a weekend of scraping and a wall full of gouges. We remove wallpaper for West Park homeowners, coming from Miami Gardens about six miles away, and we finish each job with clean, repaired walls that are ready for paint or a fresh covering.

What we usually find under old paper

Removal is part detective work. Sometimes we find a single layer of strippable paper that comes off in minutes. Other times there are two or three layers, or a coat of paint on top of the paper that seals everything in. In bathrooms and kitchens, there may be mildew where moisture got trapped, and near windows there can be stains from past leaks during heavy storms.

Knowing what is likely to turn up helps us plan time and set expectations before we start.

Matching the method to the paper

We test a small area first to see how the paper releases. That test determines the approach for the whole room.

Plaster walls over concrete block, common on the exterior side of local homes, usually tolerate moisture and steam well. Drywall interior walls are more fragile, so we use less water and work in smaller sections to protect the paper face of the board.

  • Strippable papers: peeled off dry in full strips
  • Peelable vinyls: top layer pulled, backing soaked and scraped
  • Traditional papers: soaked with a removal solution until paste softens
  • Painted-over or layered papers: scored lightly, then steamed section by section

Protecting your home during removal

Wallpaper removal involves water, wet paper and sticky paste, so protection comes first. We cover floors with plastic and absorbent drop cloths, mask baseboards, turn off power to outlets in the work area and cover them. Furniture is moved to the center of the room or out entirely.

Wet scraps are collected as we go so they do not get tracked through the house. At the end of the day, we bag debris and clean the floors.

Cleaning off the adhesive

Even after every piece of paper is gone, a layer of old paste remains on the wall. It may be invisible, but it causes trouble: paint applied over it can crack or peel, and new wallpaper may not grip properly. We wash the walls with warm water, rinsing frequently, until the surface feels clean rather than slick.

Then the walls need to dry. During South Florida's humid summer months, drying takes longer, so we use fans and keep the AC running to pull moisture from the room before moving on.

Repairs after the paper is gone

Small dings, nail holes and scraped areas are normal after removal. On drywall, any spots where the paper face tore are sealed with a shellac or oil-based primer so they will not bubble under compound. We then skim, sand and smooth the surface. On plaster, we fill cracks and patch any loose areas.

The final step is primer suited to your next finish. If you are repainting, the walls will be ready for color. If new wallpaper is the plan, we can move right into installation.

Should you remove it or cover it?

Painting over wallpaper can seem like a shortcut, but seams usually show through and humidity can make the old paper bubble under the paint later. Hanging new paper over old paper has similar problems. In nearly every case, removing the old covering gives a longer-lasting, better-looking result.

There are rare exceptions. If old paper is bonded so tightly to unprimed drywall that removal would destroy the board, sealing it and skimming over it can be the more sensible path. We only suggest that after a test shows removal would cause more harm than good, and we explain the tradeoffs so you can decide.

Timing matters too. If you are planning to sell, repaint or remodel, it makes sense to schedule removal before new flooring or cabinets go in, so water and scraps never touch fresh finishes. Clearing walls early in the project also lets any hidden moisture issues come to light while there is still time to address them.

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What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Honest product advice

    We tell you how a paper will handle humidity, sunlight and cleaning in your specific room before you order it.

  2. Prep that is not skipped

    Repairs, skim coating and the right primer come before installation, so seams stay tight and future removal stays easy.

  3. Clear communication

    You know the plan, the prep needed and what happens each day, with no guessing about where the job stands.

FAQ

Common questions

How long does wallpaper removal take in a typical room?

Many single rooms take about a day, though layered or painted-over paper can take longer.

Will removal damage my walls?

Testing and using the gentlest effective method keeps damage minimal, and we repair what does occur.

Can you remove wallpaper borders only?

Yes. We remove the border and clean the adhesive line so it does not show through new paint.

What if there is mold behind the paper?

We stop and show you. The moisture source should be fixed before the wall is finished.

Do you remove wallpaper near West Park?

Yes. We also serve Pembroke Park, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Opa-locka and Miami Lakes.

Tell us about your room

Send a few photos of the walls and the paper you have in mind, and we will explain how we would prep and hang it.

(561) 823-3201
Call (561) 823-3201 Request Service