Our Step-By-Step Method for Safe Paper Take-Down
Every home is different, so we start with a small test to see how the paper releases. From there, we match the right solution, tools, and timing. Our crew protects floors and furniture, scores only where needed, and keeps work areas tidy throughout.
- Protect: Cover floors, tape trim, and seal vents. Floors and furnishings are shielded before any water or solution is used.
- Test and Plan: Determine if the wallcovering is vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, or paper, then choose steam or enzyme gel.
- Release: Soften adhesive with controlled steam or a low-odor remover that breaks down paste without soaking the wall.
- Lift and Scrape: Gently lift seams, remove top layers, and scrape with flexible blades at a shallow angle.
- Rinse and Neutralize: Wash residual paste and lightly rinse so new coatings bond correctly.
- Repair and Skim: Spot-fill divots, skim coat as needed, and sand to a uniform profile.
- Seal: Apply bonding primer made for post-paper surfaces to lock down the substrate and even out porosity.
Care tips we follow on every job: keep rooms ventilated, control moisture, and never over-wet plaster or drywall. These small steps prevent raised nap and help primer lie flat.
Some wallcoverings release through dry stripping, while others require moisture or a removal solution to loosen the adhesive. Regardless of the method, leftover wallpaper paste must be addressed before repainting. We clean the affected surfaces and evaluate whether additional preparation is necessary to help new coatings adhere properly.
Local tip: humidity swings can slow drying after paste removal. If you're timing a repaint, allow a cushion between stripping day and primer so walls reach a stable moisture level. This helps coatings level better during typical summer conditions in Chicagoland.
Say Goodbye to Stubborn Wallpaper Without the Hassle
When you book with Chicago Painters Inc, you get a complete service, not just scraping. We manage furniture moves, cover protection, residue washing, wall repairs, skim coating, sanding, and bonding primer. That means your surfaces are truly paint-ready. If you plan follow-up work like interior painting or cabinet updates later, your walls will already be prepared to a high standard. Once the old wallcoverings have been removed and the surfaces properly prepared, our interior painting service can help complete the transformation with a fresh color and finish.
Have a single accent wall or a whole home filled with dated patterns? We scale the crew to your space so disruption stays low and timelines stay realistic. Clear communication, tidy work areas, and predictable scheduling make the project smooth from the first walkthrough to final cleanup. Our wallpaper removal services are available for different areas of the home, from kitchens and family rooms to bedrooms, hallways, and other interior spaces. Whether your property is older or recently built, we assess the existing wallcoverings and underlying surfaces before determining the most appropriate removal approach.