So will a painter and decorators remove wallpaper in a house?

A common question homeowners ask when planning a renovation is, Will a painter and decorator remove wallpaper? The answer is yes. Professional painters and decorators often include wallpaper removal as part of their services. Removing wallpaper can be tricky and time-consuming, especially without experience. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done efficiently and without damaging your walls.

Why Hire a Painter and Decorator for Wallpaper Removal?

Hiring a painter and decorator for wallpaper removal comes with several advantages, especially if you plan to repaint or redecorate. Here’s why it’s worth relying on professionals:

1. Expertise and Efficiency

Although removing wallpaper seems straightforward, it often proves challenging, especially if it’s old or applied incorrectly. Professional decorators use the right tools and methods to remove wallpaper quickly and without damage.

• Specialist Tools: Experts use steamers, scrapers, and other tools to remove wallpaper effectively and efficiently.
• Handling Tough Jobs: They know how to handle multiple layers of wallpaper or stubborn adhesives, saving you frustration and effort.

2. Protect Your Walls

DIY wallpaper removal can easily damage the plaster or drywall underneath. Professionals know how to carefully remove wallpaper while protecting your walls, ensuring they remain in good condition for repainting.

• Prevent Wall Damage: Without experience, DIY efforts may cause gouges, cracks, or uneven surfaces. Professionals avoid these mistakes.
• Proper Surface Prep: After wallpaper removal, decorators prepare the wall for new paint or wallpaper by smoothing and priming the surface.

3. Save Time and Avoid Hassle

Wallpaper removal can be a laborious and messy process. By hiring a professional, you save yourself the hassle of managing the clean-up and time-consuming work, especially in large or heavily wallpapered rooms.

• Quick Turnaround: Professionals complete the task much faster than most DIY attempts.
• No Mess: They take care of all the clean-up, leaving your space ready for the next stage of decorating.

How Do Painters and Decorators Remove Wallpaper?

The removal process varies based on the type of wallpaper and how it was applied. Here’s how painters and decorators typically approach the task:

1. Assessing the Wallpaper

Before starting, professionals assess the type of wallpaper and how it was applied. Some types come off easily, while others may require more effort due to age or multiple layers.

• Peelable or Traditional: Some wallpapers peel off easily, while others require steaming or special solutions.
• Wallpaper Condition: Older wallpaper or those with paint on them often require more attention and extra steps for removal.

2. Preparing the Area

Before starting, decorators protect the room by covering floors, furniture, and nearby areas to prevent damage or mess.

• Protecting Surroundings: They use drop cloths to shield your furniture and floors from debris or moisture.
• Switching Off Power: When necessary, they turn off power to outlets in areas where steam or water will be used.

3. Wetting or Steaming the Wallpaper

Next, professionals loosen the adhesive by either wetting the wallpaper or using a steamer, depending on the material.

• Steaming: Steamers soften the adhesive, making it easier to scrape off traditional wallpaper.
• Water Solutions: In some cases, decorators apply a water solution to dampen the wallpaper and loosen the glue.

4. Scraping the Wallpaper

Once the adhesive softens, decorators use scrapers to peel or scrape the wallpaper off, ensuring they do not damage the wall underneath.

• Careful Scraping: Using the right tools, professionals gently scrape off the wallpaper without harming the wall.
• Adhesive Removal: Leftover glue is removed completely to leave a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering.

5. Preparing the Walls for New Decoration

After wallpaper removal, decorators prepare the wall for its next look, ensuring it’s smooth and primed for new paint or wallpaper.

• Sanding the Walls: Walls are sanded to ensure a smooth surface.
• Filling Gaps: Any cracks or holes are filled and repaired for a flawless result.
• Priming the Surface: A coat of primer helps the new paint or wallpaper adhere better and last longer.

Benefits of Removing Wallpaper Before Redecorating

If you’re thinking about painting over your wallpaper, it’s worth knowing why removing it first has multiple advantages:

1. Better Surface for Painting

Painting over wallpaper can result in a rough surface and uneven adhesion. By removing it, you ensure a smooth, clean surface for your new paint.

• No Bubbles or Peeling: Paint over wallpaper often causes bubbles or peeling as the moisture loosens the adhesive. Removing it prevents these problems.
• Smooth Finish: Without textured wallpaper, the new paint will have a flawless finish.

2. Avoid Future Problems

Leaving old wallpaper under fresh paint may lead to issues later. Over time, wallpaper can peel, damaging your new paint job and requiring costly repairs.

• Long-Term Durability: Removing wallpaper ensures your paint job lasts longer and avoids future touch-ups.
• Easier Future Renovations: A clean, wallpaper-free surface makes future decorating easier, whether repainting or adding new wallpaper.

3. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Removing old wallpaper gives you a fresh start, allowing for a more polished, professional look when redecorating.

• Bright, New Look: Old, faded wallpaper can drag down the look of a room. Once removed, your walls will have a cleaner, more updated appearance.
• Modern Style: Removing outdated wallpaper allows you to modernise your space with fresh colours and designs.

Conclusion

Yes, painters and decorators will remove wallpaper and ensure your walls are prepared for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Whether you’re planning to repaint or apply new wallpaper, removing the old wallpaper first guarantees the best possible outcome. Professionals handle the task with care, preventing wall damage and saving you time and effort. By hiring experts, you’ll ensure your next renovation starts on the right foot.

At A-Z Decorators, we offer professional wallpaper removal and decorating services. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help with your next home transformation. For more tips on home improvement, check out our blog on what do decorators do? and read about How do I find a local decorator?.