Professional Wallpaper Removal in Los Angeles

Our Removal Process

Our systematic approach ensures complete removal while protecting the integrity of your underlying walls.

1. Assessment: We identify the wallpaper type, adhesive used, number of layers, and wall material to determine the best removal method.
2. Protection: We cover floors, baseboards, and adjacent surfaces to contain debris and moisture.
3. Scoring: For vinyl or coated papers, we carefully score the surface to allow steam or solution to penetrate the adhesive layer.
4. Steam Application: We use professional steamers to soften adhesive bonds, making removal easier and reducing the risk of wall damage.
5. Careful Stripping: Our team removes wallpaper in controlled sections using wide scrapers at the correct angle to avoid gouging.
6. Adhesive Cleanup: All remaining adhesive residue is dissolved and wiped clean using appropriate solutions.
7. Wall Inspection and Repair: We inspect the bare walls, fill any imperfections, and prepare the surface for its next treatment.

Protecting Your Drywall

The most common concern homeowners have about wallpaper removal is damage to the underlying drywall. Paper-faced drywall is particularly vulnerable to gouging from aggressive scraping or excessive moisture exposure. Our team uses techniques specifically designed to protect drywall integrity:

• Controlled steam application that softens adhesive without saturating the paper face of drywall
• Proper scraper angles (15-30 degrees) that glide under wallpaper without digging into the surface
• Section-by-section removal that prevents over-wetting any single area
• Immediate adhesive neutralization to prevent re-bonding and paper fiber damage
• DIF solution application for stubborn adhesives rather than aggressive mechanical removal

Even with the most careful removal, minor surface imperfections may be revealed. Our team addresses these with skim coating and sanding to deliver a perfectly smooth surface.

Post-Removal Surface Preparation

Removing wallpaper is only half the job. What you do with the bare walls afterward determines the quality of your next finish. We offer complete post-removal preparation services:

• Skim Coating: A thin layer of joint compound applied over the entire wall to create a uniform, smooth surface
• Sanding: Fine-grit sanding to achieve a paint-ready or wallpaper-ready finish
• Priming: Application of appropriate primer — wallpaper-specific primer for new installations, or paint primer for those switching to a painted finish
• Spot Repair: Filling nail holes, dents, and any areas where drywall paper was compromised

Whether you plan to install new wallpaper or switch to paint, our preparation ensures the best possible outcome for your next wall treatment.

Materials and Surfaces

We remove all types of wallpaper from all common wall surfaces:

• Vinyl wallpaper (solid and vinyl-coated)
• Non-woven wallpaper (typically peels off cleanly)
• Traditional paste-applied paper
• Fabric-backed wallcoverings
• Painted-over wallpaper
• Multiple stacked layers from decades of use

Pricing Factors

• Number of rooms and total wall area
• Wallpaper type and adhesive strength
• Number of layers to remove
• Wall condition and material (drywall vs. plaster)
• Whether wallpaper has been painted over
• Level of post-removal preparation desired

Timeline and Preparation Checklist

Most single-room removals are completed in one day. Rooms with multiple layers or painted-over wallpaper may require additional time.

• Move furniture away from walls (at least 4 feet clearance)
• Remove wall decorations, outlet covers, and light switch plates
• Ensure electrical outlets near work areas are accessible for steamers
• Provide access to water for steaming equipment
• Plan for moderate humidity in the room during steam removal

Why Choose LA Premier Wallpapers

• Experienced with all wallpaper types and adhesive systems
• Drywall-safe techniques that minimize surface damage
• Complete service from removal through surface preparation
• Clean, contained work areas with thorough cleanup
• Option to bundle with new wallpaper installation

Areas We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions