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Remove It the Right Way

Old wallpaper rarely comes off easily. Most of the wall damage we see on jobs happens during a removal that wasn't done properly, and it shows up later when new paint won't stick or a fresh wallpaper install won't bond cleanly.

At Pro Wallcoverings, we remove existing wallpaper using heat removal, then prime the walls so the surface is actually ready for whatever is going on next. Repaint, new wallpaper, or a clean smooth wall on its own. The goal is the same: leave the wall in better shape than we found it.

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Wallpaper being prepared for removal

What We Actually Do

Every removal job is a little different, but the process is consistent:

We start by checking what's on the wall. Older vinyls, paste-the-wall papers, and prepasted papers all come off differently, and we adjust the approach to match. Heat is our main tool. It softens the adhesive without soaking the drywall the way a steamer can.

Once the paper is off, we wash the walls to get the remaining adhesive residue off, and we prime properly. That priming step is what most DIY removals skip, and it's the reason new paint flashes or new wallpaper bubbles a few weeks after the install.

When we leave, the walls are smooth, sealed, and ready for the next step.

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Wall after wallpaper removal

Why DIY Removal Causes Most of the Damage We See

We've been called in to fix walls after a homeowner tried to pull old wallpaper off themselves. By the time we arrive, the drywall paper is usually torn, the adhesive is dried out and patchy, and the only way forward is repair work that costs more than the original removal would have.

The two most common DIY mistakes:

  • Pulling paper off dry, which tears the drywall facing underneath
  • Skipping the priming step, so new paint or wallpaper won't bond

If you've already started a removal and hit a wall (literally), call us. We can pick up from where you stopped.

Damaged drywall from improper wallpaper removal

Frequently Asked Questions

In almost every case, yes. We use heat to soften the adhesive instead of pulling dry, which is what causes most of the drywall damage we see. If the walls do come up with some torn paper underneath, we handle the repair as part of the prep before priming.
Yes. Priming is part of every removal we do. It seals the drywall, locks down any residual adhesive, and gives whatever comes next (paint, new wallpaper, or just a finished wall) something stable to bond to.
Most single rooms come down in a day. Larger spaces or older multi-layer wallpaper can take longer. We'll give you a clear timeline on the on-site quote.
Yes. Peel-and-stick usually comes off easier than traditional wallpaper, but the wall underneath often needs more cleanup than people expect because of the residue the adhesive leaves behind.
You can, but we don't recommend it. The seams telegraph through the paint, and any moisture in the room can cause the wallpaper underneath to bubble. Proper removal and priming gives you a better result that holds up over time.
If you're installing new wallpaper, we can often handle both in the same project. Depending on wall condition, we may recommend a skim coat between removal and the new install for the smoothest possible surface.
We're based in the Tampa Bay area and regularly work across St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, and the surrounding Florida communities. Reach out with your address and we'll confirm.

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