Taking down old wallpaper sounds like a weekend project until you are three hours in, scraping a hand-sized patch while the rest of the wall holds on. Some papers peel off in sheets. Others tear into a thin top layer and leave a backing stuck to the wall, and the glue underneath is usually more of a problem than the paper itself.

We remove wallpaper from Kaleden homes as the first stage of a repaint. The job is to get every scrap of paper and paste off, fix whatever the process damages and leave you with a wall that is clean, smooth and primed, so the new paint looks as though it had always been there.

What we take care of

Testing a corner to see whether the paper strips dry, needs scoring or requires a steaming approach
Protecting floors and baseboards with plastic and absorbent sheeting against water and wet paste
Removing the paper and any backing layer, then washing off every trace of adhesive
Repairing torn drywall paper and gouges with skim coat once the wall has dried
Sanding the surface smooth and priming it so the paint does not soak in unevenly
Hauling away the bagged waste so you are left with a clean room

What is behind the paper

In older Kaleden houses, wallpaper was often applied straight to bare drywall. That is a problem, because the glue bonds with the board face and tearing the paper can pull the surface off with it. When that happens the wall needs a skim coat, and we say so in the quote rather than surprising you halfway through.

There is also a fair chance the paper has been up long enough to hide a story. Cracks, old patching and the odd water mark all turn up once it comes down. If the house dates from before 1990, remember that old wall paints may contain lead according to Health Canada, so we ask the age first and plan any testing before we scrape or sand. It adds a day or two but removes uncertainty.

How a stripping job proceeds

Trial strip. We peel a test area to find out what kind of paper and glue is there, then confirm the method and price in your free written quote.
Soak and lift. The paper is scored and softened, then scraped carefully so the drywall face stays as intact as we can keep it.
Wash and dry. All adhesive residue is washed off, since paint will not stick well to leftover glue. The wall then dries before we touch it again.
Repair, prime, hand over. Damage is patched and sanded, primer goes on, and we walk the room with you. Painting can follow the same week if you like.

The full process, prep and pricing factors are on our main wallpaper removal page.

Wallpaper Removal in Kaleden: questions

Can I just paint over the wallpaper?

It is risky. Seams can show, moisture in the paint can loosen the paper and bubbles appear. Removal is the reliable route, although a tightly bonded, smooth paper can sometimes be primed instead.

Will removal damage my walls?

It can, particularly where paper was glued to bare drywall. Minor tears are normal and we repair them. Larger areas may need a skim coat, and we flag that in advance.

How long does one room take?

A small room can be stripped in a day, while large rooms or stubborn papers take longer. Drying time between stages also counts, and we put the expected timeline in writing.

Other painting services in Kaleden

Wallpaper Removal in nearby towns

To clear old paper from your Kaleden walls, request a free written quote and tell us roughly how many rooms are covered.

Request your free written quote or call (778) 760-0346.

More about wallpaper removal and Kaleden

Have a question first? Read the FAQ, learn about Alto Pro Painters or contact us.

Further reading: Kaleden on Wikipedia and Primer on Wikipedia.

Watch: wallpaper removal in action

How to strip wallpaper, by This Old House on YouTube.