remove old wallpapers

Old Wallpaper Removal

Old wallpaper can date a room, hide damage, and make redecorating harder than it needs to be. Our wallpaper removal service is designed to take the stress out of the process, from lifting stubborn paper to removing leftover paste and getting the wall ready for its next finish.

Whether you are updating one feature wall or stripping every room in a property, we work carefully to protect plaster, minimise dust, and keep your home or workplace tidy. We handle vinyl, embossed, flock, and multiple layers, and we adapt our method to suit the wall type and the age of the paper.

What Our Service Includes

Assessment and preparation

We start by checking the wallpaper type, how it was installed, and the condition of the wall beneath. This helps us choose the safest approach, especially in older homes where plaster can be delicate. Floors, sockets, woodwork, and nearby surfaces are protected, and the area is prepared to reduce mess and disruption.

Safe, effective removal

Different wallpapers require different techniques. We may use scoring, controlled steaming, or specialist removers to soften adhesive without soaking the wall. Our aim is to remove the paper in manageable sections, keeping the surface as intact as possible and avoiding unnecessary gouging or sanding.

Paste and residue cleanup

Even when the paper comes off cleanly, adhesive residue can cause issues later, including bubbling paint and poor bonding for new finishes. We thoroughly wash and neutralise remaining paste, then allow the wall to dry properly before any repairs or finishing work begins.

Wall repairs and making good

Wallpaper often conceals cracks, dents, and uneven areas. After stripping, we can carry out crack repair and skim coating, patching, and smoothing to create a clean, even surface. If you are planning to repaint after removal, we can coordinate the next steps through our interior painting services to keep the project moving smoothly.

Why Professional Wallpaper Removal Matters

DIY wallpaper stripping can look straightforward, but it often becomes time consuming and can damage plaster or drywall if done too aggressively. Rushing the job can lead to torn paper left behind, saturated walls, or lingering adhesive that shows through new paint or wallpaper.

Professional removal helps you avoid common problems like blistered paint, rough patches, and uneven absorption. It also saves you days of scraping, cleaning, and redoing sections that do not release properly. If you are preparing for a full refurbishment, we can align wallpaper removal with wall preparation and painting so your final finish looks consistent across the whole room.

Our Process From Start to Finish

1. Site visit or photo assessment to estimate scope, wall type, and number of layers.
2. Protection and setup including masking, floor coverings, and safe access equipment.
3. Removal using the most suitable method for the wallpaper and substrate.
4. Adhesive cleanup to prevent future bonding and appearance issues.
5. Drying time so walls are ready for repair and finishing.
6. Making good with filling, sanding, and optional skim coating for a smooth result.
7. Next step finishing such as priming and repainting, if requested.

Common Situations We Handle

• Multiple wallpaper layers from different renovations
• Vinyl and washable wallpapers that resist soaking
• Old paper bonded strongly to plaster in period properties
• Wallpaper over unsealed plasterboard that tears easily
• Feature walls with heavy adhesive or decorative textures
• Commercial spaces needing fast turnaround and tidy work areas

Preparing Your Space and What to Expect

Before we arrive, it helps to remove small items from shelves, clear furniture away from the walls, and take down curtains or blinds if possible. If moving large furniture is difficult, we can assist on site and cover items securely. We will let you know in advance if water or power access is needed for steaming and cleanup.

Timelines depend on room size, paper type, and wall condition. A small room with a single layer may be completed quickly, while older properties with multiple layers can take longer, especially when wall repairs are needed. If you want to refresh the space right after removal, we can discuss primers, lining options, and finishes through our professional painting services.

Request a Quote

To quote accurately, we consider the number of rooms, ceiling height, wallpaper type, and whether you need repairs or repainting afterwards. Share photos if you have them, or arrange a visit so we can assess the walls properly and recommend the best approach for a clean, ready to decorate surface.