Stripping old wallpaper looks simple until the paper tears in strips, the backing stays glued to the wall and the surface underneath peels in layers. Many people start the job themselves on a weekend and call us once they are tired of the mess. We are glad to take over at any stage.

In Penticton we remove wallpaper from houses, condos and rentals, and we do not stop at the paper. The glue residue and the damaged wall both need attention before paint will look right.

What stripping a room includes

Testing how the paper comes off, whether it peels dry or needs scoring and wetting
Removing the paper face and the paper backing, along with old adhesive
Washing the wall to remove paste, since leftover glue makes paint bubble
Repairing gouges, torn drywall paper and open seams
Sanding the wall smooth and priming to seal any remaining residue
Covering floors and trim and cleaning up the scraps

What we find behind the paper

Wallpaper went up in many Penticton homes over the years, and several layers on top of each other are not unusual. Behind older layers the wall may be painted plaster or drywall that was never primed, and that decides how hard the paper fights back. We test a small area before pricing so the quote reflects what is really on the wall.

If your house is older, mention the build year. Health Canada says lead paint is probable in homes built before 1960 and possible from 1960 to 1990, and old paint under wallpaper can be disturbed during scraping, so we plan for it ahead of time.

Once the paper is off, you have a clean slate. Many people repaint, others decide to hang something new. We can finish the wall for either option, and we will mention if the surface needs a skim coat first to get a smooth result.

Getting down to bare wall

Test a patch. We lift a corner somewhere hidden to find out whether it is vinyl, paper or a layered mix, and how the wall holds up.
Strip the layers. Paper is scored, softened and scraped off, working carefully so we do not tear the drywall face.
Wash and repair. Every trace of paste is washed away, then cracks and gouges are filled and sanded.
Seal and hand off. A primer seals the surface, and we walk the room with you before it is painted or papered again.

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

Wallpaper Removal in Penticton: questions

Can you paint straight over wallpaper instead of removing it?

Sometimes, but seams may show through and moisture can loosen the paper later. We explain when it is sensible and when stripping is better.

What if the drywall tears while the paper comes off?

It happens on unprimed walls. We repair torn spots with compound and primer as part of the job, and the quote covers that.

Will removing wallpaper add dust or moisture to the room?

Wet removal adds moisture, so we protect floors and let the walls dry fully before priming. Sanding afterwards creates fine dust that we contain and clean.

Other painting services in Penticton

Wallpaper Removal in nearby towns

Tell us how many rooms are papered and we will send a free written quote for wallpaper removal in Penticton.

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

More about wallpaper removal and Penticton

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

Further reading: Penticton on Wikipedia and Wallpaper on Wikipedia.

Watch: wallpaper removal in action

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