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Old Wallpaper Removal in Wilton Manors

The short answer

Wallpaper removal in Wilton Manors often means dealing with layered or painted-over paper on older plaster or drywall. We test the wall, remove each layer with the gentlest effective method, wash off paste, then repair and prime so the wall is ready for paint or new wallpaper.

Some of the most interesting walls we strip in Wilton Manors hide a little history: a vinyl print from a long-ago remodel, a layer of foil paper underneath that, and sometimes a coat of paint rolled over the top by an owner who did not want to deal with it. Removing that stack without gouging plaster or tearing drywall takes patience and the right tools. Our team travels about 9 miles south from Pompano Beach to take down wallpaper throughout the city, in houses, townhomes and condos. This page explains how we approach layered and painted-over papers, what we do about the wall underneath, and how to get ready for removal day.

Layers, paint and other surprises

In older homes it is common to find more than one layer of wallcovering. Each layer adds its own paste, and the deeper ones may have been hung on bare plaster or unsealed drywall. Painted-over paper is another frequent find. The paint forms a seal that keeps water and steam from reaching the adhesive, so standard soaking does little until the surface is opened up.

We start with a small test in a hidden spot to see how many layers there are, what each is made of and how the wall underneath behaves. That test shapes the plan for the rest of the room.

Plaster versus drywall underneath

Plaster walls are hard and tolerate water well, so they usually allow more aggressive soaking and scraping. Drywall is more delicate. Its surface is paper, and when old wallpaper paste has bonded to that paper, careless removal can peel the drywall face and leave a fuzzy, torn surface.

Knowing which material you have changes our technique. On plaster, we can soak more heavily and use wider scrapers. On drywall, we use controlled moisture, soften the paste gradually and scrape at a low angle to protect the face paper.

Step by step

Every job is different, but most follow a similar sequence once the test is done.

  • Shut off power to outlets on affected walls and remove cover plates
  • Protect floors and furniture with absorbent cloths over plastic
  • Peel any removable top layer or vinyl face
  • Score painted or coated paper so solution can penetrate
  • Soak or steam in small sections until the paste releases
  • Scrape gently and bag wet paper as we go
  • Wash the wall to remove remaining adhesive
  • Allow the wall to dry fully before priming

Repairing what removal reveals

Once the paper is off, we deal with whatever was hiding. Torn drywall face is sealed with a shellac- or oil-based primer so it does not bubble when wet compound or paint hits it, then skimmed and sanded. Plaster cracks are filled, old anchor holes patched and loose edges along door casings secured.

Bathrooms deserve a closer look. Paper near tubs and showers sometimes conceals mildew or softened drywall, often from years of steam in a humid climate. If we find that, we will show you, because covering it again without fixing the cause invites the same problem back.

Timing, drying and next steps

Removal introduces a lot of water into a room, and South Florida air does not always help it leave. During the wet season, roughly May through October, drying can take longer, so we keep the AC on and give walls the time they need before priming. Priming too soon can lock moisture in and cause peeling later.

When the wall is dry and repaired, we prime for its next finish, either paint-ready or wallcovering-ready. We also take on removal projects in Oakland Park, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, North Lauderdale, Margate and Lighthouse Point. A few photos of the paper, including a close-up of a seam or lifted edge, help us plan the right method.

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What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Clear scope before work begins

    After measuring and checking the walls, we explain what prep is needed, how many rolls to order and how long the job should take.

  2. Patterns that line up

    We plan seam placement around windows, doors and corners so repeats stay aligned from one strip to the next across the whole room.

  3. Respect for your home

    Drop cloths go down first, paste is wiped off trim as we go, and we leave the room ready to use at the end of each day.

FAQ

Common questions

Don’t see your question? Call (561) 823-3201 and we’ll talk it through.

Can you remove several layers of old wallpaper?

Yes. We take layers off one at a time, adjusting the method to each layer and the wall beneath.

Is it harder to remove paper from drywall than plaster?

Usually yes. Drywall has a paper face that can tear, so we use controlled moisture and careful scraping.

What if you find mildew under bathroom wallpaper?

We point it out and recommend fixing the moisture source before the wall is painted or papered again.

How long should the wall dry after removal?

It depends on the wall and the season. In humid months drying can take longer, and priming waits until the wall is fully dry.

Can you remove wallpaper in a condo?

Yes. We work within building rules and contain the mess so common areas stay clean.

Ready to talk about your walls?

Tell us which room you are thinking about, where you live and what paper you have in mind. We will set up a visit to measure and look at the surface.

Request Service Call (561) 823-3201
Call (561) 823-3201 Request Service