Why Professional Removal Matters
Wallpaper removal looks simple until you're three hours in with gouged drywall, stubborn adhesive residue, and a wall that looks worse than when you started. Professional removal isn't just faster — it protects your walls from damage that costs far more to repair than the removal itself. Our team has removed thousands of square feet of wallpaper across San Diego, from 1960s-era papers glued directly to unprimed drywall to modern peel-and-stick that left residue behind.
Our Steam Removal Process
We use commercial-grade steam equipment that penetrates wallpaper and softens adhesive without oversaturating your walls. The process is methodical:
- Score the wallpaper surface to allow steam penetration (without damaging the wall beneath)
- Apply controlled steam in sections — enough to release adhesive, not enough to damage drywall paper face
- Strip wallpaper in large sheets, minimizing small-piece cleanup
- Apply enzyme-based adhesive remover to dissolve remaining paste
- Final wash and inspection under raking light to ensure clean surface
Adhesive Cleanup
The wallpaper itself is only half the battle. Old adhesive left on walls creates bumps, discoloration, and adhesion problems for paint or new wallpaper. We use a combination of chemical removers and careful scraping to achieve a residue-free surface. For particularly stubborn adhesives (common in pre-1990 installations), we employ specialized solvents that break down old paste without damaging the wall substrate.
Wall Repair & Surface Prep
After removal, walls often need attention before they're ready for their next treatment. Our repair services include:
- Patching gouges and holes from previous installations
- Repairing torn drywall paper face (common with improper DIY removal)
- Skim coating for a smooth, uniform surface
- Priming with appropriate product for your next finish — whether paint or new wallpaper
Ready for What's Next
Whether you're planning to paint, install new wallpaper, or apply a decorative plaster finish, we leave your walls in perfect condition for the next step. Many clients combine our removal service with new wallpaper installation for a seamless transition from old to new.
