Wallpaper Removal
We strip every layer, repair the walls, and leave a surface that holds fresh paint for years.
Wallpaper removal strips every layer, neutralizes the paste, repairs and skim-coats the wall, and seals it with primer so it holds fresh paint, with most single rooms finished in one to two days. KB Painting uses its own employees and Sherwin-Williams products. Ask us to confirm coverage for your specific scope in the written estimate.
What wallpaper removal includes
We handle the full process from start to painted wall. That means scoring and wetting the paper, pulling every layer including the backing, neutralizing the paste residue, and repairing the wall surface before a single drop of paint goes on. We don’t hand the wall back to you half-done and call it prep — the service ends when the surface is smooth, primed, and ready.
Our prep-first process
Wallpaper removal is mostly wall repair. Pulling the paper is the easy part; what you find underneath determines how much work comes next. Our crew assesses the wall condition before we start and builds the repair scope into your estimate. Damaged drywall facing gets skim-coated and sanded. Plaster walls get any cracks filled and feathered. Everything gets a shellac or oil-based primer to seal the old paste and prevent bleed-through. That primer layer is what separates a paint job that holds from one that bubbles six months later.
We use our own employees on every job — no subcontractors. The same people who strip your walls prime them and paint them, so nothing falls through the cracks between crews.
Florida considerations
South Florida’s humidity slows drying times and keeps old paste slightly tacky longer than you’d expect in a drier climate. We schedule removal work with that in mind, giving walls adequate dry time before skim-coating. In homes closer to the coast, salt-air moisture can already be working on the drywall paper before we arrive, which is another reason we don’t rush the assessment step.
Older CBS and concrete-block homes in the area sometimes have plaster walls rather than drywall, and plaster responds differently to the removal process. We’ve worked on both and adjust our approach accordingly.
Why KB Painting
Our crew brings 25+ years of combined experience perfecting the craft, and Braiden and Kaylee Smith still run every job. We use Sherwin-Williams products throughout, including their primers, because the finish is only as good as what’s under it. Ask us to confirm coverage for your specific scope in the written estimate. Our published warranty describes interior and exterior painting and cabinet refinishing coverage.
Estimates are written, free, and itemized. You’ll see exactly what we’re doing and why before you decide.
What happens after wallpaper is removed?
Once the wallpaper and adhesive are removed, the wall needs to be properly prepared before it can be painted. With professional wallpaper removal, KB Painting checks for damaged drywall paper, leftover paste, cracks, holes, and uneven areas. We repair and skim-coat where needed, allow the surface to dry fully, sand it smooth, and apply the appropriate primer before painting. This process helps prevent bubbling, peeling, and visible imperfections from showing through your new paint.
The timeline depends on the condition and number of layers. A straightforward single-room project may take one to two days, while older wallpaper, multiple layers, damaged drywall, or extensive skim-coating can require additional time. We explain the expected process and timeline during your free written estimate.
Plan any drywall repair before the final interior painting coats.
Get a free wallpaper removal estimate
No pressure. We'll schedule a walkthrough and provide a written, itemized quote.
Common questions
How long does wallpaper removal take for a typical room?
Most single rooms take one to two days — one day to strip and clean, another to skim-coat, sand, and prime before we ever open a paint can. Homes with multiple rooms or older glued-on paper can run three to five days. We give you a timeline in your written estimate so there are no surprises.
South Florida humidity makes my drywall feel soft after stripping — is that a problem?
It's common here. When the backing paper on drywall gets wet during removal, the surface can feel papery or fuzzy. We let the wall dry completely, skim-coat any damaged areas with joint compound, and sand everything smooth before priming. Skipping that step is the main reason paint peels within a year — we don't skip it.
My wallpaper was hung over bare drywall with no primer — will removal damage the walls?
Yes, and we'll tell you that upfront. Unprimed drywall bonds directly to wallpaper paste, and removal almost always pulls the paper facing with it. We'll skim-coat the entire surface rather than patch spot by spot, which gives you a uniform finish and a wall that paints cleanly. The cost is higher than a clean-strip job, but we'd rather quote it honestly than hand you a rough wall.
Ready to start your wallpaper removal project?
Phone & online inquiries: 24/7. On-site work is scheduled separately.