Pulling off old wallpaper is the sort of job that looks like a weekend and turns into three weeks. Layers of paper, stubborn paste and torn drywall paper underneath all conspire to make it slow. We do it regularly, which is mostly the difference.

In Naramata, we remove wallpaper from kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and bedrooms, then repair the walls and leave them ready for paint or for new paper. Removal is a standard part of our process when it is in the scope, not an afterthought.

What removal covers

Stripping paper and any borders, in one layer or several
Scoring the surface so water and remover can soak in
Scraping loosened paper without gouging the wall
Washing off every trace of adhesive
Repairing torn or lifted drywall paper and dents
Priming the clean wall so paint does not soak in unevenly
Disposal of scraped paper and masking debris

What lies behind the pattern

Naramata sits on the east shore of Okanagan Lake, north of Penticton, and its older homes can still hold paper put up decades ago. Behind it, you sometimes find unprimed drywall, where paper has bonded to the wall surface and tears away with the wallpaper. That does not ruin the job, but it does mean extra repair time.

Because we handle the removal and the painting together, the walls go straight from stripped to repaired to primed without a gap where moisture or dust can mark them. See the wallpaper removal page for more on how we approach it.

If you plan to repaint after removal, ask us to include the priming and a first coat in the same quote. That keeps the bare wall from sitting exposed, where it can pick up marks, and saves you a second round of scheduling. We also dispose of the scraps and clean the floors before we leave.

Expect some mess and a damp smell while the paper soaks. We protect baseboards, floors and outlets with plastic and tape, and we switch off power to any outlet near wet walls. Rooms are usable again once the wall is dry and primed, and we tell you roughly how long that will take.

Taking it down

Test the paper. We check whether it peels dry or needs soaking, and plan the method for each room.
Soak and scrape. The surface is scored, wetted and left to work, then the paper is scraped off in sections.
Wash and inspect. Paste is washed away and the bare wall is checked for damage.
Repair and prime. Damaged areas are patched and sanded, then the wall is primed for its next finish.

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

Wallpaper Removal in Naramata: questions

Will removal damage my walls?

It can, especially where the wall was never sealed before papering. We repair what we find and tell you about it ahead of the finish.

Can I leave the paper and paint over it?

Sometimes, if it is tight and flat, but seams and patterns often telegraph through. We will advise after seeing it.

How many layers can you handle?

We handle multiple layers, though more layers mean more time. We assess the number at the quote visit.

Other painting services in Naramata

Wallpaper Removal in nearby towns

For clean walls in Naramata, request a free written quote for wallpaper removal and we will list the rooms and the repairs.

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

More about wallpaper removal and Naramata

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

Further reading: Naramata on Wikipedia and Wallpaper on Wikipedia.

Watch: wallpaper removal in action

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