Taking down old wallpaper is one of those jobs that looks quick on a Saturday morning and stretches into a month. The top layer peels off, the backing stays, and the glue underneath turns to a sticky film that no paint will cover. People often start the job themselves and call us once they hit that stage.

In West Kelowna we remove wallpaper from single walls, whole rooms and the odd hallway that has three layers of different decades. The quote spells out the rooms, the removal method and what happens to the wall afterwards.

What removal covers

Peeling the face layer and soaking off the paper backing
Scoring and steaming for stubborn or vinyl-coated papers
Washing away all adhesive residue, which paint cannot cover
Skim coating or patching where the paper pulled off the wall’s surface
Priming the cleaned wall so new paint or paper sticks well
Floor and baseboard protection against water and wet scraps

Old paper in newer-looking houses

Homes on the west side of the lake range in age, and wallpaper turns up in houses that otherwise look fully updated: a dated border in a dining room, a patterned wall behind a vanity, an entire den left as it was. Whatever the era, the removal steps are the same.

The surprise is usually the wall underneath. If paper was hung straight onto unprimed drywall, it can tear the top layer off along with it, and that damage needs repair before paint. We tell you at the quote that this is possible, and we price the repair clearly so it does not appear as an extra at the end. For a related repair, see drywall repair in West Kelowna.

Plan on some moisture and mess. We lay drop cloths, keep wet scraps in bags as we go, and ask for outlet covers off so water never gets near live electrical fittings.

Getting the paper off the wall

Test a corner. We try a small section to see whether the paper strips dry, needs wetting or has to be scored and steamed.
Strip and soak. The face comes away, the backing is dampened and lifted, and we avoid soaking the board more than we must.
Wash the wall. Every trace of paste is rinsed off, because leftover glue stops primer from bonding and shows through paint.
Repair and prime. Torn spots are patched and sanded, and the wall is primed so it is ready for paint or new paper.

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

Wallpaper Removal in West Kelowna: questions

Why is there glue left after the paper is gone?

The paste stays on the wall when the paper lifts. It must be washed off completely. Painting over it can cause bubbling and poor adhesion.

Is there a risk of damaging the drywall?

Yes, especially when paper went up on bare board. We go slowly with water, and any torn paper face is repaired before priming.

Can I paint straight over wallpaper instead?

Sometimes on well-bonded paper, but seams and texture usually telegraph through the paint. We look at the wall and tell you whether removal is the better route.

Other painting services in West Kelowna

Wallpaper Removal in nearby towns

Request a free written quote for wallpaper removal and we will include the wall repair and prep for painting.

Request your free written quote or call (778) 946-6363.

More about wallpaper removal and West Kelowna

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

Further reading: West Kelowna on Wikipedia and Primer on Wikipedia.

Watch: wallpaper removal in action

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