Professional Wallpaper Removal in South Florida
Safe, thorough removal that protects your walls and prepares surfaces for a fresh start.
Service Overview
Removing old wallpaper is often the first step toward a fresh interior — whether you plan to install new wallcovering or switch to paint. But improper removal can damage drywall, gouge plaster, and leave behind stubborn adhesive residue that ruins future finishes. RHW Wallpaper Installers Inc provides professional wallpaper removal that protects your walls and delivers a clean, ready-to-finish surface.
What Is Included
- Assessment of existing wallpaper type and adhesive
- Protection of floors, furniture, and fixtures
- Complete wallpaper stripping (single or multiple layers)
- Adhesive residue removal
- Wall smoothing and repair of minor damage
- Primer application for new wallpaper or paint
- Thorough cleanup and waste disposal
Our Removal Process
- Assessment: We identify the wallpaper type (vinyl, fabric, paper), adhesive type, number of layers, and wall substrate (drywall or plaster).
- Protection: We cover floors, furniture, and fixtures to prevent water and adhesive damage.
- Scoring and Steaming: We score the wallpaper surface to allow steam or solution to penetrate, then apply controlled steam to soften the adhesive bond.
- Careful Stripping: We remove wallpaper in sections using professional scrapers, working carefully to avoid gouging or damaging the wall surface.
- Adhesive Removal: Remaining adhesive residue is dissolved and wiped clean using appropriate solvents.
- Wall Repair: We fill any minor gouges, smooth rough areas, and sand the surface to a uniform finish.
- Priming: We apply primer appropriate for your next finish — whether new wallpaper or paint.
Protecting Your Drywall and Plaster
The number one concern during wallpaper removal is wall damage. Aggressive scraping can tear the paper face of drywall, leaving a rough surface that shows through paint and wallpaper alike. On plaster walls, improper technique can crack or chip the surface, creating costly repairs.
Our team uses controlled steam application, appropriate scoring tools, and patient technique to minimize the risk of wall damage. We work section by section, adjusting our approach based on how the wallpaper and adhesive respond. If we encounter areas where the adhesive is particularly stubborn, we apply additional solution and allow extra soaking time rather than forcing the material off.
Post-Removal Surface Preparation
Removing the wallpaper is only half the job. What happens next determines the quality of your final finish. After stripping, walls typically have adhesive residue, minor imperfections, and areas where the surface has been disturbed. We address all of these issues before you move forward with new wallpaper or paint.
For walls that will receive new wallpaper, we smooth the surface, apply a wallpaper-specific primer, and ensure the wall is uniformly absorbent for consistent adhesive performance. For walls that will be painted, we skim-coat any rough areas, sand to a smooth finish, and apply a paint-ready primer. Either way, you receive a surface that is truly ready for its next chapter.
Materials and Surfaces
- Vinyl wallpaper removal (peelable and non-peelable)
- Paper wallpaper removal
- Fabric and grasscloth removal
- Multiple layer removal (up to 3+ layers)
- Removal from drywall, plaster, and concrete surfaces
- Commercial wallcovering removal
Pricing Factors
- Number of layers: Multiple layers significantly increase removal time
- Adhesive type: Some older adhesives are much more stubborn than modern formulas
- Wall substrate: Plaster walls require more careful handling than drywall
- Room size: Total square footage of wall area
- Post-removal prep: Level of smoothing and priming needed for your next finish
Timeline and Preparation
- Single layer, one room: 4-8 hours
- Multiple layers, one room: 1-2 days
- Multiple rooms: 2-5 days
- Whole-home removal: 3-7 days
How to Prepare
- Remove wall art, mirrors, and shelving
- Move furniture away from walls
- Ensure access to water and electrical outlets
- Let us know if you have any concerns about wall condition
Why Choose RHW for Wallpaper Removal
- Careful techniques that protect your drywall and plaster
- Complete adhesive removal — no sticky residue left behind
- Post-removal surface preparation included
- Thorough cleanup and waste disposal
Areas We Serve
Our wallpaper installation services are available throughout South Florida, including: