Wallpaper removal services provide an essential solution when you’re looking to update the aesthetics of your home’s interior. They are professional services dedicated to safely and efficiently removing old wallpaper to pave the way for new wall treatments or a fresh coat of paint. In this blog, we delve into everything you need to know about these valuable services, their importance, costs, and how they operate.

Have you been sitting at home recently staring at your old wallpaper? There’s only so long you can stand to look at it without wondering how you can get rid of it quickly and efficiently! Because, after all, the times change over the years, and what was trendy and current becomes passé. It’s so worth it, even if it can be a bit messy and a time-consuming process.  If you want to learn everything you can about wallpaper removal services, keep reading!

Understanding Wallpaper Removal Services

A wallpaper removal service is a specialty service typically offered by painting and decorating companies. But you might also find businesses dedicated solely to wallpaper removal. These professionals use various tools and techniques to remove old, stubborn or delicate wallpaper without damaging the wall underneath.

Wallpaper removal can prove to be a tricky job, especially if the wallpaper has been on the wall for a significant amount of time. It requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. These professionals minimize the risk of wall damage, saving homeowners considerable time and effort.

Why Hire a Wallpaper Removal Service?

1. Expertise and Efficiency

The process of removing wallpaper can be tedious and time-consuming. It requires a particular set of skills to complete efficiently, which professional services bring to the table. They have the expertise to remove all types of wallpaper, including those painted over, without fuss or mess.

2. Saves Time

A professional service can complete the task much faster than a DIY approach. They come prepared with all the necessary tools and a tried and true action plan.

3. Prevent Wall Damage

Incorrect removal techniques can damage walls, leading to costly repairs. Professionals use specialized tools and techniques to avoid potential damage.

Wallpaper Removal Prep Spraying Wallpaper With Water
Painter Removing Wallpaper

4. Preparation for What’s Next

A wallpaper removal service ensures that your walls are smooth, clean, and ready for the next step, whether that’s a new wallpaper installation, paint, or another wall treatment.

Wallpaper Removal Service Cost

The cost of hiring a Toronto wallpaper removal service can vary depending on a few factors.

The cost usually runs anywhere from $3 – $5/square foot. There is a minimum amount of $1,200 at Home Painters Toronto. Usually, an average-sized room with wallpaper costs around $500 – $800. But it’s a better deal if you get 2 – 3 rooms done for the same service to meet the minimum requirements. The cost includes everything from the set-up, wallpaper removal, skim plaster, caulking, sanding, priming and clean-up.

However, when considering the costs, always remember that hiring a handyman for wallpaper removal can save you from mishaps that could lead to expensive wall repairs.

Variables Affecting Wallpaper Removal Costs

Many variables factor into the pricing when you hire professional wallpaper services for removal.

So, why does the price vary so much? Here are the main considerations:

  1. The length of time the wallpaper has been on the wall. Has your wallpaper been up for 20 or 30 years, or just a few? It can make a massive difference in the work and time involved in removing it.
  2.  Plaster vs. drywall. The pricing also depends on the materials your walls are made of. Drywall is cheaper and easier to work with if there are damages, while plaster walls are pricier to fix.
  3. The height of the walls. It means more time and resources if the space that you need your wallpaper removed has high ceilings or even a long stairwell.
  4. Extraneous furniture in the room. Sometimes there are rooms with lots of extra furniture that needs to be removed before beginning the process.
  5. Schedule flexibility. It affects the price if you need a rush job or have a schedule where you need to book the job in the evenings or weekends.
 
Painter Scraping Wallpaper

What Does the Process Entail?

Here’s what the process involves if you’re wondering what the timeline looks like.

  1. Scouring the walls: For this step, they use a putty knife while making a criss-cross motion on the wallpaper to scour the wallpaper. By doing this, it will absorb into the wallpaper layer properly.
  2. Apply hot water + wallpaper solution: For this step, it’s best to use hot or boiled water and mix the hot water in with wallpaper removal solution. Putting the two together and spraying this across the wallpaper will help to break down the wallpaper faster.
  3. Let it soak & work in sections: It’s crucial to work in spray the wall in smaller sections and let each section have some time to soak in. About 5 – 10 minutes should work.
  4. Peel off wallpaper: Once the sections are entirely soaked, go to the top of the wall or any edge and begin to peel off the wallpaper. The use of a scraper will definitely help here in removing those sections that are stuck to the wall.
  5. Rinse & repeat: Spraying the wallpaper with water, letting it soak and then removing it may have to be repeated a few times due to the nature of the wallpaper. 
  6. Repairs & skim plastering: It’s time to skim plaster once the wallpaper is removed. This step will ensure that any little dents in the wall are handled. Then sanding is required.
  7. Priming the wall: The priming step is as crucial as removing the wallpaper. It’s crucial to use an oil-based primer once the plastering is finished. You want to protect the wall from bubbling after paint application, and an oil-based primer will do that. 

Wallpaper Removal – What’s The Process?

Last Few tips on what to look for in a contractor who does wallpaper removal service

As always, we want to ensure you get the best service when hiring a contractor to remove your wallpaper. Here are a few things to watch out for as you go through the hiring process:

  1. 5 – 10 years experience minimum: You want to hire a contractor accountable for their work and know what they’re doing. So, be sure to read online reviews, like on Homestars. And see if they have any customer testimonials as well.
  2. Ask questions about their process. You want to ensure they use the right materials for wallpaper removal. For example, an oil-based primer is crucial when they’re priming the walls afterwards. Also, you’re going to want good plasters and tapers on deck as well.
  3. Get a second opinion. It never hurts to reach out to someone else for a quote or second opinion. A good contractor always wants to ensure their client is comfortable and happy, so any reputable one will probably even recommend this.
  4. Get a fixed quote. You don’t want to be price-gauged down the line. So, it’s always best to ask for a fixed quote from your painting contractor.
  5. Trust your gut. It’s always essential to go with your intuition. If the contractor is responsive, friendly and has many happy clients, go with your gut!
Wallpaper Scraping Off
Painters Scraping Off Wallpaper

Conclusion

Wallpaper removal services provide invaluable assistance when giving your home a fresh look. They offer a convenient, fuss-free means of removing your old wallpaper that is both time-efficient and guarantees that your walls stay in top condition for whatever design vision comes next. Though the service comes at a cost, the blend of expertise, convenience, and peace of mind these professionals offer makes it worthwhile.

Before and After Transformations

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We’ve given you a lot to consider in terms of updating your home. But what about the process afterwards when it comes to fresh interior painting? If the work involved in interior house painting sounds like it involves too much time and energy to do yourself, let our interior house painters handle everything! Call us at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote. And don’t forget to check us out on our social media channels below!