Skip to content

Wallpaper Removal in Dania Beach, FL

The short answer

Wallpaper removal in Dania Beach starts with a test patch to see how the paper and adhesive behave, then scoring, soaking or peeling as needed. We wash off residual paste and repair torn drywall so the wall is ready for paint or new wallpaper.

Old wallpaper in Dania Beach homes tends to fight back. Decades of humid summers, layers of paint rolled over borders, and paper hung straight onto unprimed drywall all make removal slower than it looks. True Wallpaper Installation strips wallcoverings in houses and condos across the 33004 ZIP code, about 7 miles south of our Fort Lauderdale base, and leaves walls ready for paint or new paper. Below is how we approach removal, what can go wrong, and how we repair the surface underneath.

First, find out what you are dealing with

Every removal starts with a small test in an inconspicuous spot. We lift a corner with a putty knife and see what happens. Some modern non-woven papers come off dry in full sheets. Many vinyls peel away from a paper backing, which then needs soaking. Older pulp papers, papers that have been painted over, and anything hung on bare drywall without primer usually need patient wetting and scraping.

The test also tells us whether there are several layers. It is not unusual to find a border, then a full paper, then another paper beneath it in older South Florida homes.

  • Strippable: peels off dry, leaves little residue
  • Peelable: top layer comes off, backing stays and needs wetting
  • Traditional: must be scored and soaked to soften the paste
  • Painted-over: paint seals the paper, so it needs extra scoring and dwell time

Protecting the room before we start

Removal is wet, messy work. We cover floors with plastic under absorbent drop cloths, tape the edges along baseboards, and protect outlets and switches after turning off power to the circuits in the work area. Furniture moves to the middle of the room or out of it.

In condos with shared walls and hallways, we keep debris bagged inside the unit and carry it out in contained loads, so common areas stay clean.

Our removal method

Where paper will not dry-strip, we score it lightly so solution can reach the adhesive, then apply warm water mixed with a remover or fabric softener with a sprayer or sponge. We let it dwell, then lift the softened paper with a wide scraper held at a low angle. A steamer comes out for stubborn plaster walls but is used carefully on drywall, because too much heat and moisture can soften the gypsum.

We work in sections so the solution does not dry before we get to it. On concrete-block exterior walls finished with plaster, removal is often easier, since the hard surface tolerates soaking. On drywall, we watch closely for the brown paper face to start lifting.

Repairs after the paper comes off

Once the paper is gone, the adhesive left behind has to go too. Paint will crackle and new paper will not stick well over old paste. We wash the walls with clean warm water until the surface no longer feels slick, then let them dry.

Torn drywall paper is the most common damage. If we see brown, fuzzy patches, we seal them with an oil-based or shellac primer so they do not bubble, then skim them with joint compound and sand smooth. Larger damaged areas may need a full skim coat. The finished wall gets a primer suited to whatever comes next: paint or new wallpaper.

Timing and humidity

Walls need to dry fully after washing and repairs before primer goes on. In our wet season, from May through October, that drying takes longer, so we keep the AC running and may plan an extra day between removal and the next step. The drier months from November into April are a little more forgiving. If you are timing a project around hurricane season, June 1 through November 30, leave margin for weather delays.

Removal pairs naturally with new installation. We can strip and rehang in one project, and we offer the same service in Hollywood, Wilton Manors, Plantation, Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill.

More services in Dania Beach

Related

What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Honest wall assessment

    If a surface needs stripping, skim coating or time to dry, we tell you before work begins, not halfway through.

  2. Careful layout

    We measure, plan the repeat and decide where the pattern starts so motifs line up across corners, doors and windows.

  3. A clean finish

    Seams are tight, edges are trimmed cleanly at trim and ceilings, and the room is left tidy with care tips for your new walls.

FAQ

Common questions

Can I just paint over my old wallpaper?

It is possible on well-bonded paper, but seams and edges often show through and moisture can make it bubble. Removal gives a cleaner result.

Will removing wallpaper damage my walls?

Some drywall paper may tear, especially if the paper was hung without primer. We repair those spots before painting or papering.

How long does wallpaper removal take?

It depends on the paper type, number of layers and wall surface. A test patch lets us give you a realistic time frame.

Do you remove wallpaper borders only?

Yes. Borders are a common request, and the wall below often needs touch-up where the border's adhesive sat.

Do you haul away the old paper?

Yes, we bag and remove the debris as part of the job.

Ready to plan your wallpaper project?

Tell us about the room, the paper you have in mind and the condition of the walls. We will follow up to look at the space and map out the work.

(912) 873-9767
Call (912) 873-9767 Request Service