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Wallpaper Removal Service in Fort Lauderdale

The short answer

Removal is the right choice when old paper is peeling, dated, layered, mildewed or planned to be replaced by paint or a new wallcovering. We test how the paper was hung, strip it with steam or solution, wash off all adhesive, repair any drywall damage and prime the walls so they are ready for paint or new paper.

Taking wallpaper down sounds like demolition, but done well it is closer to careful surgery. The goal is not just to get the old paper off; it is to leave a wall that can be painted or papered again without visible scars. Rush the job with a putty knife and you can tear the face paper of the drywall, gouge plaster or leave a film of glue that ruins the next finish. True Wallpaper Installation removes old paper, borders, vinyl and peel-and-stick products for homeowners in Fort Lauderdale and nearby Broward County cities. Many of the homes here were decorated decades ago, and layers of floral borders or paper hung straight onto unprimed drywall are common. Read on for when removal is the right move, how we protect and strip the walls, how we restore and prime them afterward, what affects the effort and how to care for the walls once they are bare.

When Removing Old Paper Is the Smart Move

Some owners call because they simply want a new look. Others have a practical reason: seams curling in a bathroom, bubbles on an exterior wall, stains from a past leak or a musty smell from behind the paper. Covering any of these with new paper or paint only hides the problem for a while. Paint over wallpaper, in particular, often causes the old seams to show and the paper to blister as the paint dries.

Removal is also the first step whenever a new wallcovering is planned. New paper hung over old paper doubles the risk of failure, because the old layer can loosen under the weight and moisture of fresh paste. In South Florida's humid climate, older papers are more likely to have mildew behind them, especially on block walls near windows and sliders, and removal is the only way to see and treat it.

  • Paper is peeling, bubbling or tearing at seams
  • There are stains, mildew or a musty odor
  • You want to paint the room
  • New wallpaper is going up
  • Several layers have built up over the years

How We Strip the Walls

We start by protecting the room. Floors and baseboards are covered with drop cloths and plastic, outlets are switched off at the panel and taped, and furniture is moved or wrapped. Then we test a corner to learn what we are dealing with. Some modern papers are strippable and peel dry in full sheets. Vinyl papers often have a top layer that peels off, leaving a paper backing behind. Older papers and those hung without primer usually need moisture to release.

For papers that need soaking, the surface may be lightly perforated so a warm removal solution can reach the adhesive, using a tool that does not cut into the drywall below. Steam is used for stubborn or layered paper and borders. We work in small sections, letting the solution or steam do the work, and lift the paper with a wide, flexible scraper held at a low angle to avoid gouging.

Adhesive residue is the step most people skip, and it causes trouble later. We wash the walls with warm water and a cleaner until they no longer feel slippery, changing the water often. Leftover glue under paint makes the finish crack and peel, and under new paper it can cause staining and poor adhesion.

Restoring and Priming After Removal

Even careful removal can reveal damage that was there before: torn drywall paper where the original paper was hung over bare gypsum, old patches, hairline cracks or soft areas from past leaks. Exposed brown drywall paper is sealed with an oil- or shellac-based primer before any joint compound touches it, preventing bubbles. Holes and gouges are filled, sanded and, when needed, the whole wall is skim coated.

The finished wall is then sealed with the primer suited to what comes next, whether paint or a new wallcovering. If new paper is planned, we take measurements, note the ceiling height and pattern repeat, and mark a plumb line so the hanging can start right away. This is where removal links to installation: matching patterns, closing tight seams and trimming crisply at the ceiling and baseboard all depend on a clean, flat wall.

What Influences the Effort and Cost

Wallpaper removal varies widely, and we cannot always know the details until we test a corner. These are the main factors.

  • Wall condition: unprimed drywall, plaster or damaged areas need slower removal and more repair afterward.
  • Paper type: strippable papers come off quickly, while vinyls, foils, grasscloth and painted-over paper take longer.
  • Number of layers: each additional layer, including borders, adds time.
  • Adhesive: strong commercial adhesives and old clay pastes require more soaking and washing.
  • Room size and ceiling height: tall walls and stairwells need ladders or scaffolding.
  • What comes next: repairs, skim coating and primer for new paper or paint add steps beyond removal.

Caring for Walls Once the Paper Is Gone

Freshly stripped and washed walls need to dry completely before primer or paint. In humid weather, especially from May through October, running the AC and a fan speeds that up. If mildew was found, the area should be cleaned and the moisture source fixed before finishing. Keep an eye on exterior walls after summer storms and during hurricane season, since water can come through block or window frames.

Once primed, the walls are ready for paint or a new wallcovering. If you plan to wait before decorating, keep the primed surface clean and avoid tape or adhesive hooks, which can pull the primer off and leave patches that show under the next finish.

Wallpaper Removal by city

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 you paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

It is possible, but often causes seams to show and paper to bubble. Removal gives a better, longer-lasting result for paint or new wallpaper.

Will removal damage my walls?

Some damage can happen if the paper was hung on unprimed drywall. We work carefully, then repair and prime the walls so they are ready for the next finish.

How do you remove wallpaper borders?

Borders often have strong adhesive and may sit on top of other paper. We use steam or solution and remove them in sections before washing off the residue.

Do you remove peel-and-stick wallpaper?

Yes. It usually peels off dry, sometimes with gentle heat. We then clean any adhesive and check for paint damage.

What if there is mildew behind the wallpaper?

We clean the area, look for the moisture source and use mildew-resistant primer. Leaks must be fixed before the wall is finished.

Can you hang new wallpaper after removal?

Yes. We often remove, repair, prime and install new wallpaper as one project, so the wall is prepared specifically for the paper you have chosen.

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
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