Taking down old wallpaper is slow, damp work, and the result depends on what is hiding behind the paper. In Keremeos we have seen walls come out clean and walls come out torn, and the difference is usually how the paper was originally put up.

We remove the paper, deal with the leftover glue, repair what is underneath and, if you want, paint over the top so the room is finished in one go.

What stripping a room involves

Testing a corner to see how the paper and backing release
Scoring and soaking of non-peelable papers
Hand scraping of paper and backing layers from the wall
Washing off every trace of paste, which otherwise stops paint sticking
Patching of gouges and torn drywall paper once the wall is bare
Priming and painting as an add-on, as a single package

Old paper, unknown walls

Older Keremeos houses sometimes have paper applied directly to unprimed drywall, and that is the hard case. The paste soaks into the board face, so peeling the sheet takes the surface with it. We warn you about this at quote time, because repair work then becomes part of the job.

If the house predates 1990, mention the age. Health Canada says lead paint can be present in older homes, and wallpaper sometimes covers layers of it. We plan testing before any heavy scraping.

Expect a bit of a mess and a bit of patience. Wet paper and scraped backing end up on the floor, so we cover everything and bag the waste as we go. Walls can look rough once the paper is off, and that is normal. The honest outlook is that most rooms need some skim coating or patching before paint goes on, and that repair is where a careful finish is earned. If you want new paper afterwards, we prime the bare wall so the next layer is easier to remove in years to come.

Our stripping routine

Test a patch. We lift a corner to find out whether the paper peels dry, needs steam, or has to be scored and soaked.
Strip and soak. Paper comes away in sections, backing is wetted and scraped, and floors stay covered throughout.
Wash the paste. Walls are rinsed and left to dry fully so no sticky residue remains.
Repair and prime. Damaged spots are patched, sanded and sealed, and the wall is primed for paint or new paper.

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

Wallpaper Removal in Keremeos: questions

Why can’t I just paint over the old paper?

Moisture in the paint can loosen the paste, and bubbles or seams will show through. Removal gives you a stable wall.

How long does one room take?

It depends on the paper and the wall, so we give a timeline in the written quote after we test a corner.

Do you remove borders and half-height paper too?

Yes. Borders and partial runs are listed as separate lines so you can see exactly what is included.

Other painting services in Keremeos

Wallpaper Removal in nearby towns

To clear old paper from a Keremeos room, ask for a free written quote and we will test a corner first.

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

More about wallpaper removal and Keremeos

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

Further reading: Keremeos on Wikipedia and Primer on Wikipedia.

Watch: wallpaper removal in action

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