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Wallpaper Removal in Lauderdale Lakes

The short answer

Removal in Lauderdale Lakes starts with a test patch to learn how the paper and wall behave. We then score, soak or steam, scrape gently, wash off adhesive and repair any damage so the surface is ready for paint or new paper.

Taking down old wallpaper sounds simple until the first strip tears into a thousand pieces and leaves brown paper stuck to the drywall. In Lauderdale Lakes, where plenty of homes and condo units have changed owners several times, it is common to find two or three layers of paper, paper that was painted over, or paper hung directly on unprimed drywall. True Wallpaper Installation removes wallpaper in this Broward County city, roughly four miles west of our Fort Lauderdale base, and leaves the walls ready for paint or a new covering.

Why some paper fights back

Modern non-woven and strippable papers are designed to peel off dry in full sheets. Older papers are a different story. Many were hung with strong clay or vinyl adhesive straight onto bare drywall, so the paste bonded to the drywall's paper face. Pull hard and the face comes with it.

Paint on top of wallpaper makes things harder, because it seals the surface and keeps water from reaching the glue. Humidity in South Florida homes can also bake adhesive into the wall over years of hot attics and AC cycling.

The test patch tells us the plan

Before committing to a method, we work a small area in an inconspicuous spot. We check whether the top layer peels dry, whether a backing stays behind, how quickly a removal solution softens the paste, and what the wall underneath is made of. Plaster over concrete block tolerates more water and steam than drywall does.

That ten-minute test decides whether the job is a fast strip, a soak-and-scrape or a slower steam removal, and it lets us tell you up front whether repairs are likely.

Our removal process

Work proceeds in sections so the wall is never soaked longer than needed.

Throughout, we protect floors with drop cloths and plastic, mask outlets and switches, and keep water away from electrical boxes.

  • Peel away any dry-strippable face layer
  • Score painted or vinyl surfaces lightly so moisture can penetrate
  • Apply warm water with a removal solution, or use a steamer on stubborn areas
  • Lift softened paper with wide, rounded scrapers held at a low angle
  • Wash the wall to remove leftover adhesive residue
  • Let the surface dry fully before any repair

Repairs after removal

Even careful removal can reveal problems the paper was hiding: gouges from an earlier attempt, torn drywall face, old anchor holes, or cracks along the joint between a block wall and a framed partition. Torn drywall paper has to be sealed with an oil-based or shellac primer before patching, or it will bubble when it gets wet again.

After sealing, we patch, sand and, if the wall will be papered again, skim-coat for a smooth finish. The final step is a primer suited to what comes next, whether that is paint or new wallpaper.

Bathrooms and kitchens in a humid climate

Wet rooms deserve extra attention. When we pull paper in a Lauderdale Lakes bathroom, we sometimes find mildew on the back of it or on the wall, especially where an exhaust fan was weak or missing. We clean those areas and let them dry thoroughly before priming. If staining keeps returning, it usually points to a ventilation or plumbing issue that should be fixed before any new finish goes up.

Removal itself adds moisture to the room, so we keep the AC running and use fans to bring the space back to normal before we close up.

Scheduling and service area

Removal can be done any time of year, though in the wettest months walls take longer to dry before repair work. We are glad to pair removal with new installation so the room is only disrupted once. Our crews also handle removal in Lauderhill, Oakland Park, North Lauderdale, Sunrise and Wilton Manors.

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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 wallpaper be painted over instead of removed?

Sometimes, if it is tight to the wall and properly sealed. Loose seams or bubbles will show through paint, so removal is usually cleaner.

How long does wallpaper removal take?

One room of strippable paper can be done quickly. Painted or multi-layer paper on drywall can take a full day or more, plus drying time.

Will removal damage my walls?

Some older papers pull the drywall face no matter how carefully they are handled. We repair and seal any damage as part of the job.

Do you remove wallpaper from plaster walls?

Yes. Plaster over block, common in the area, usually handles steam and water well, which often makes removal easier.

Can you hang new paper right after removing the old?

After the wall dries, is repaired and primed. In humid months we may schedule the new installation for a later visit.

Which nearby cities do you serve for removal?

Lauderhill, Oakland Park, North Lauderdale, Sunrise and Wilton Manors, in addition to Lauderdale Lakes.

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