Wallpaper Removal Services in the Bay Area: Safe, Clean Removal and Painting Prep

That dated floral wallpaper in your dining room. The busy pattern in the hallway that made sense in 1985. The peeling, water-stained paper in the bathroom. Wallpaper that once felt fresh and stylish can quickly become the most dated element in your home—and getting rid of it is rarely as simple as just peeling it off.

Here's what makes wallpaper removal tricky: different wallpaper types require different removal methods, the adhesive underneath can be incredibly stubborn, and aggressive removal techniques can damage the drywall surface beneath. Tear off the wallpaper too quickly and you might rip away the paper face of the drywall. Leave adhesive residue behind and your fresh paint will bubble, peel, or show texture through the finish. Use the wrong solvent and you can weaken the drywall or create a mess that takes days to clean up.

Professional wallpaper removal isn't just about scraping and peeling—it's about understanding what you're working with, using the right tools and techniques for that specific paper and adhesive combination, protecting the wall surface underneath, and preparing it properly for paint. At Lamorinda Painting, we've removed wallpaper from hundreds of Bay Area homes across Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, and throughout Contra Costa County. We handle everything from modern peel-and-stick paper to old vinyl-coated patterns to ancient multi-layer installations that have been painted over multiple times.

Whether you're preparing to sell, updating your home's style, or finally tackling that renovation project you've been putting off, we'll remove your wallpaper safely and completely, repair any wall damage, and leave your walls smooth, primed, and ready for beautiful fresh paint.

Why Professional Wallpaper Removal Matters

Wallpaper removal looks deceptively simple in online videos: spray some solution, wait a few minutes, peel off the paper, wipe the walls clean. But real-world wallpaper removal—especially in older Bay Area homes—is often far more complicated.

Not all wallpaper comes off the same way

Modern peel-and-stick or pre-pasted wallpaper installed on properly primed drywall can often be removed relatively easily. You score the surface, apply a removal solution, let it soak in, and peel or scrape the paper away in large sections. The adhesive softens with water or commercial remover, and clean-up is straightforward.

But that's the best-case scenario, and it's not what we usually encounter. Many Bay Area homes—especially older properties in Moraga, Orinda, and Lafayette built in the 1960s through 1980s—have wallpaper installed directly onto unprimed drywall. The paste soaked into the porous gypsum and paper face, creating a bond that's nearly as strong as the drywall itself. Remove this paper aggressively and you tear the drywall surface, leaving fuzzy damage that requires extensive skim-coating to repair.

Vinyl-coated wallpaper presents a different challenge. The vinyl layer is waterproof, so removal solutions can't penetrate unless you score or perforate the surface first. Too much scoring damages the drywall. Too little and the solution won't reach the adhesive. Finding the right balance requires experience and the right tools.

Then there's the worst-case scenario: multiple layers of wallpaper, some of which have been painted over. We've seen homes where three or four generations of wallpaper were installed one on top of the other, with layers of paint in between. Removing this archaeological stack without destroying the drywall underneath takes patience, careful solvent application, and often steam to soften the accumulated layers.

Wall damage is common with improper removal techniques

The most frequent problem we see from DIY wallpaper removal attempts is damage to the drywall face. When someone attacks stubborn wallpaper with a scraper, putty knife, or even a power sander, they often gouge, tear, or abrade the paper surface of the drywall. These damaged areas show through paint as rough patches, discoloration, or texture variations.

We've repaired countless walls where homeowners tore off the top layer of wallpaper but left the backing paper fused to the drywall, then tried to paint over it. The backing paper absorbs moisture from the paint, swells, bubbles, and eventually peels—taking the new paint with it.

Another common mistake: using too much water or removal solution without protecting floors, baseboards, and adjacent surfaces. Wallpaper removal is a wet process, and if you're not careful, you'll end up with water damage to flooring, swollen baseboards, or water stains on the ceiling below.

We use controlled application methods—spray bottles, sponges, and steamers instead of buckets of water poured on the walls. We protect floors with heavy-duty drop cloths and plastic sheeting. We remove baseboards when necessary to avoid water damage and to ensure we get all the wallpaper and adhesive off the wall edges.

Proper surface prep is essential for a lasting paint job

Removing the wallpaper is only half the job. What's left behind—adhesive residue, rough patches, uneven texture, damaged drywall—has to be addressed before you can prime and paint.

Wallpaper adhesive residue must be cleaned completely. Even a thin film left on the wall will prevent primer and paint from bonding properly. We've seen fresh paint jobs fail within months because residual paste caused the paint to peel or bubble.

We wash walls thoroughly after wallpaper removal, using clean water and TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a TSP substitute to cut through adhesive residue. We wipe down the surface multiple times, letting it dry between passes, then inspect under bright work lights for any sticky spots or shiny areas that indicate remaining paste.

If the drywall surface is damaged—fuzzy, torn, or gouged from removal—we skim-coat it with joint compound to create a smooth, uniform base. This step is critical in older homes where the drywall wasn't primed before the original wallpaper installation. A thin coat of compound seals the damaged paper face, fills minor imperfections, and provides a fresh surface for primer.

Finally, we prime the walls with a high-quality stain-blocking primer designed for post-wallpaper surfaces. This seals any remaining adhesive, prevents tannins or stains from bleeding through, and creates a uniform base for the finish paint. Skipping this step or using the wrong primer leads to poor paint adhesion, uneven sheen, and visible patches.

Common Wallpaper Types and How We Remove Them

Not all wallpaper is created equal. Here's what we encounter most often in Bay Area homes and how we approach each type.

Traditional paper-backed wallpaper

This is the classic wallpaper found in many homes built before the 1990s. It consists of a decorative face layer bonded to a paper backing, adhered to the wall with wheat paste or cellulose-based adhesive.

Removal method: We score the surface lightly with a wallpaper scoring tool to create tiny perforations that allow removal solution to reach the adhesive. We spray or sponge on a commercial wallpaper remover or a hot water and fabric softener solution, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then peel or scrape the paper off in sections. The key is keeping the wall wet enough to soften the adhesive without oversaturating the drywall.

If the paper was applied to unprimed drywall, we work slowly and carefully to avoid tearing the drywall face. We use plastic scrapers or wide putty knives at low angles to lift the paper without gouging. If the backing paper stays fused to the wall, we treat it as a separate layer and remove it with additional solvent and gentle scraping.

Vinyl-coated and solid vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper has a plastic face layer that's water-resistant or waterproof. This makes it durable and washable, but also much harder to remove because water and solvents can't penetrate the vinyl to reach the adhesive.

Removal method: We score the vinyl surface more aggressively than traditional paper, using a scoring tool or perforating wheel to create hundreds of tiny holes per square foot. This allows removal solution to reach the adhesive layer behind the vinyl. We apply hot water or commercial remover, let it soak for 15-20 minutes, then peel the vinyl layer off. Often it comes off in large sheets, leaving the paper backing stuck to the wall.

The backing layer is removed separately, using the same techniques as traditional wallpaper. This two-stage process takes longer but prevents wall damage and ensures complete removal.

In some cases—especially with older vinyl wallpaper bonded with strong adhesive—we use a steamer to heat and soften the adhesive. Steam penetrates more effectively than liquid removers and can loosen even the most stubborn paste. We hold the steamer plate against the wall for 30-60 seconds per section, then peel or scrape while the adhesive is still hot and pliable.

Peel-and-stick or temporary wallpaper

Modern removable wallpaper is designed to peel off cleanly without leaving adhesive residue. It's popular in rentals, kids' rooms, and for homeowners who like to change styles frequently.

Removal method: In theory, you just grab a corner and pull it off the wall. In practice, it depends on how long the paper has been up, the wall texture underneath, and the quality of the product. We've removed peel-and-stick paper that came off in five minutes with no residue, and we've dealt with paper that left behind sticky adhesive that required solvent and scraping.

We start by peeling slowly at a low angle to the wall. If the paper tears or leaves residue, we switch to solvents or steam to soften the adhesive. Even "removable" paper can bond strongly to textured walls or porous surfaces over time.

Fabric-backed or grasscloth wallpaper

High-end wallpapers often have fabric, grasscloth, or natural fiber faces bonded to a paper or fabric backing. These are beautiful but notoriously difficult to remove because the fibers absorb water slowly and the adhesive is often heavy-duty to support the weight of the material.

Removal method: We score the fabric surface carefully—too much scoring shreds the material into tiny fibers that clog scrapers and create a mess. We apply removal solution liberally and let it soak for 20-30 minutes, reapplying as it dries. Steam works well on fabric-backed paper because it penetrates the fibers and softens the adhesive without oversaturating the wall.

We peel or scrape the fabric layer off first, then remove the backing paper and adhesive with additional solvent applications. This process is slow and labor-intensive, but rushing it leads to wall damage.

Painted-over wallpaper

This is one of the most frustrating situations: wallpaper that's been painted over, sometimes multiple times. The paint seals the wallpaper to the wall, making it nearly impossible for solvents to penetrate. Worse, you can't always tell what's under the paint until you start removing it.

Removal method: We score the painted surface aggressively to break through the paint layer and create pathways for solvent. We use hot water, commercial remover, or steam to soften both the paint and the adhesive underneath. This often requires multiple applications and extended soak times.

In extreme cases—thick layers of paint over multiple layers of wallpaper—we sometimes skim-coat over the entire surface instead of attempting removal. This creates a smooth base for painting without the risk of destroying the drywall. We discuss this option with homeowners when removal would cause more damage than it's worth.

Borders and accent strips

Wallpaper borders are common in kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms. They're usually narrower and easier to remove than full-wall paper, but they often use stronger adhesive to ensure they stay put despite steam and moisture.

Removal method: We peel borders slowly, using heat from a hairdryer or steamer to soften the adhesive as we go. For stubborn borders, we apply removal solution along the edges and let it wick under the paper. We clean adhesive residue thoroughly because borders often leave a visible line of paste along the wall.

Step-by-Step: How We Remove Wallpaper and Prep Your Walls for Painting

Our process is designed to remove wallpaper completely and safely, minimize wall damage, and prepare the surface for a flawless paint finish.

Step 1 – Assessment and room preparation

We start by identifying what type of wallpaper we're dealing with. We check a corner or seam to see if it's paper, vinyl, fabric, or multiple layers. We test whether it peels easily or resists removal. This tells us which tools and solvents to use.

We move furniture to the center of the room and cover it with plastic sheeting. We remove outlet covers, switch plates, and any wall-mounted fixtures that might interfere with removal or get damaged by moisture. If baseboards are in poor condition or likely to swell from moisture exposure, we remove them as well and reinstall them after painting.

We lay heavy canvas drop cloths on the floor, then cover them with plastic sheeting to catch water and adhesive runoff. Wallpaper removal is messy and wet—proper protection saves your flooring and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 2 – Scoring the wallpaper surface

For vinyl, painted, or multi-layer wallpaper, we score the surface using a wallpaper scoring tool. This creates small perforations that allow removal solution to penetrate without tearing the drywall underneath. The tool has small wheels or blades that pierce the paper but don't dig deep enough to damage the wall.

We work in overlapping passes across the entire surface, creating a consistent pattern of holes. Too little scoring and the solvent won't penetrate. Too much and we risk damaging the drywall. Experience teaches us the right balance for each paper type.

For traditional uncoated paper, we often skip this step and rely on the natural porosity of the paper to absorb removal solution.

Step 3 – Applying removal solution and letting it soak

We mix our removal solution—either a commercial wallpaper stripper, a hot water and fabric softener mixture, or a combination of both. Commercial removers contain enzymes that break down paste, while fabric softener helps water penetrate and soften adhesive.

We apply the solution with pump sprayers, sponges, or paint rollers, working in manageable sections (usually 4-6 feet at a time). We saturate the wallpaper thoroughly without drenching the wall. The goal is to keep the paper wet long enough for the solution to reach the adhesive layer and soften it.

We let the solution soak for 10-20 minutes, depending on the paper type and thickness. We reapply if the wall starts to dry before the adhesive has softened. Patience at this stage saves time and wall damage later.

Step 4 – Peeling and scraping the wallpaper

Once the adhesive has softened, we peel the wallpaper away from the wall. For paper that's bonded well, we use wide plastic scrapers or putty knives to lift it in strips. We work at a low angle to the wall to avoid gouging the drywall surface.

Vinyl wallpaper often peels off in large sheets, leaving the paper backing stuck to the wall. We treat this backing as a second layer, reapplying solvent and scraping it away separately.

For stubborn areas—especially corners, seams, and spots where the adhesive hasn't softened—we use a handheld steamer. We hold the steamer plate against the wall for 30-60 seconds to heat the adhesive, then scrape while it's still warm and pliable.

We work section by section, removing all the wallpaper from one area before moving to the next. This keeps the workflow organized and prevents half-stripped walls from drying out before we finish.

Step 5 – Removing adhesive residue

After the wallpaper is off, we wash the walls to remove all adhesive residue. We use clean sponges and warm water with TSP or a TSP substitute, wiping down the entire surface in overlapping passes.

We change the water frequently to avoid spreading paste around instead of removing it. We feel the wall with our hands as we go—sticky or slick spots indicate residual adhesive that needs more attention.

We let the walls dry, then inspect them under bright work lights. Any shiny areas or spots that feel tacky get washed again. Complete adhesive removal is critical for proper paint adhesion.

Step 6 – Repairing wall damage

If the drywall surface was torn, gouged, or fuzzy from wallpaper removal, we skim-coat it with joint compound. We apply a thin layer with a wide trowel, feathering the edges smooth. For extensive damage—especially walls where the paper face was ripped away in large areas—we may apply multiple thin coats, sanding lightly between each one.

We fill any holes from removed anchors, repair cracks, and address nail pops or other issues that were hidden under the wallpaper. This is the time to fix everything so the final paint job is flawless.

We let all repairs dry completely, then sand smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. We vacuum and wipe down the walls to remove all dust.

Step 7 – Priming the walls

We apply a high-quality primer designed for post-wallpaper surfaces. This type of primer seals adhesive residue, blocks stains, and creates a uniform base for the finish paint.

In many cases, we use an oil-based or shellac-based stain-blocking primer. These products lock in any remaining adhesive, prevent tannins from the old paste from bleeding through, and provide superior adhesion compared to standard latex primers.

We apply the primer with rollers and brushes, covering the entire wall surface in a single even coat. Proper priming is the most important step for ensuring the finish paint looks smooth, bonds well, and lasts for years.

Step 8 – Final inspection and painting prep

Once the primer is dry, we inspect the walls one last time. We look for rough spots, visible adhesive residue, or areas where the drywall damage wasn't fully corrected. We touch up any issues before proceeding to paint.

At this point, your walls are smooth, sealed, and ready for finish paint. We can paint them immediately or leave them primed for you to paint later. Most of our clients choose to have us complete the painting as well, since we're already set up and familiar with the surfaces.

Common Wallpaper Removal Mistakes (and How We Avoid Them)

Wallpaper removal has a learning curve. Here are the most common mistakes we see from DIY attempts and less-experienced contractors—and how we do it right.

Trying to peel or scrape without using removal solution

Dry scraping wallpaper is a recipe for disaster. The adhesive is too strong to remove cleanly without softening it first, and aggressive scraping tears and gouges the drywall surface.

We always use removal solution, steam, or both. The chemicals and heat break down the adhesive and make removal gentle and controlled. Spending an extra 20 minutes on solvent application saves hours of drywall repair later.

Oversaturating the walls and causing water damage

Too much water or removal solution can soak through the drywall, weaken the gypsum core, and cause swelling or crumbling. It can also run down the wall and damage baseboards, flooring, or the ceiling below.

We apply just enough solution to soften the adhesive without drenching the wall. We use spray bottles and sponges for controlled application, and we protect all adjacent surfaces with plastic sheeting. We work in sections so we're not soaking the entire room at once.

Leaving adhesive residue on the walls

This is the most common mistake we see. Homeowners remove the wallpaper, wipe the walls down once, and assume they're done. But invisible adhesive residue remains, and when they prime and paint, the paint doesn't bond properly. Months later, the paint peels or bubbles.

We wash walls thoroughly with TSP solution, changing the water frequently and wiping the surface multiple times. We inspect the walls by touch and under bright lights. We don't move on to repairs and priming until every trace of paste is gone.

Using the wrong primer or skipping it entirely

Some people assume they can paint directly over the cleaned walls, especially if the surface looks smooth and clean. But post-wallpaper walls are porous, uneven, and often contaminated with trace amounts of adhesive or staining. Paint applied directly to these surfaces will flash, peel, or show through unevenly.

We always prime with a dedicated stain-blocking or adhesion primer. For challenging surfaces—walls that had vinyl wallpaper, heavily pasted paper, or multiple layers—we use oil-based or shellac-based primers that seal and lock down any residual contaminants.

This step costs a few hours and a gallon or two of primer, but it's the difference between a paint job that lasts 10 years and one that fails in six months.

Damaging the drywall and not repairing it properly

When wallpaper tears off the drywall face, many people try to paint over the fuzzy, torn surface. This never works. The damaged areas absorb paint differently, show through as rough patches, and often continue to peel.

We skim-coat damaged areas with joint compound, feathering the edges smooth and sanding to a perfect finish. We treat the damaged wall as if we're doing a new drywall installation—because in many ways, we are. This takes extra time, but it's the only way to get a smooth, professional paint finish.

Removing baseboards improperly or ignoring them

Wallpaper is often tucked behind baseboards or adhered to them. Trying to remove paper around baseboards without addressing them leads to torn edges, residual adhesive, and a messy finish line.

We remove baseboards when necessary—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with damaged or low-quality trim. This gives us complete access to the wall edges, prevents water damage to the trim, and creates a clean line for painting. We reinstall and caulk the baseboards after painting for a factory-fresh look.

How Much Does Wallpaper Removal Cost in the Bay Area?

Wallpaper removal pricing varies based on the type of paper, the condition of the walls underneath, and the size of the project. Here's what affects cost and what to expect.

What drives wallpaper removal pricing

Type of wallpaper: Traditional paper-backed wallpaper is the easiest and cheapest to remove. Vinyl-coated wallpaper takes longer because it requires scoring and often two-stage removal. Fabric, grasscloth, and painted-over wallpaper are the most time-consuming and expensive to remove.

Condition of the walls: If the wallpaper was applied to properly primed drywall, removal is straightforward. If it was applied directly to unprimed drywall or plaster, removal is slower and requires more care to avoid damage. If the drywall is already damaged, we'll need to factor in skim-coating and repair time.

Number of layers: Single-layer wallpaper is easier than multiple layers, especially if some layers have been painted. Each additional layer adds time and complexity.

Room size and ceiling height: Larger rooms take longer, and rooms with high ceilings require ladders or scaffolding for safe access. Bathrooms and powder rooms are often the most time-consuming per square foot because of tight spaces, fixtures, and high humidity exposure that makes adhesive more stubborn.

Adhesive difficulty: Some wallpaper paste softens easily with water. Other pastes—especially older cellulose or vinyl adhesives—require multiple solvent applications, steam, and persistent scraping. We can't always predict adhesive difficulty until we start removing the paper.

Wall preparation needs: If you want the walls repaired, skim-coated, primed, and painted, that adds to the total cost. Most of our clients choose a complete package so their walls are ready to enjoy immediately.

Typical Bay Area wallpaper removal price ranges

For small to medium rooms (bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms) with straightforward single-layer wallpaper, expect to pay $400-$800 for removal and basic wall prep (cleaning, minor repairs, priming).

For larger rooms or more complex wallpaper (vinyl, multiple layers, painted-over), costs typically range from $800 to $1,500 per room, including removal, adhesive cleanup, wall repairs, and priming.

For whole-house wallpaper removal—common in homes from the 1970s-1990s where wallpaper was applied in multiple rooms—we provide project-based pricing. A typical 2,000-square-foot home with wallpaper in 4-6 rooms might range from $3,000 to $6,000 for complete removal, wall repair, and priming.

If you're also having us paint after removal, we often discount the combined project since we're already set up and working on the surfaces. Bundling wallpaper removal with full interior painting saves you time and money compared to hiring separate contractors.

How to get an accurate estimate

Photos help immensely. If you can send us clear images of the wallpaper (close-ups showing texture and seams), the room layout, and any visible damage, we can usually provide a ballpark estimate.

For a firm quote, we recommend an in-home visit. We'll test a small section of the wallpaper to see how it responds to removal, check the condition of the walls underneath, and assess any complicating factors like ceiling height, room access, or furniture that needs moving.

We offer free estimates throughout Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding East Bay. Contact us with your address and a brief description of the project, and we'll schedule a time to evaluate your walls and provide a detailed quote.

Why Lamorinda Painting Is a Top Choice for Wallpaper Removal in Contra Costa County

We've removed wallpaper from hundreds of Bay Area homes, and we've built a reputation for thorough, careful work that protects your walls and prepares them perfectly for paint.

We've seen it all and know how to handle it

From traditional paper in 1960s ranch homes to high-end grasscloth in Danville estates to painted-over vinyl in Concord townhomes, we've tackled every type of wallpaper removal scenario. We know which solvents work on which adhesives. We know when to use steam and when to be patient with repeated applications of removal solution. We know how to remove stubborn paper without destroying the drywall underneath.

This experience means fewer surprises, less wall damage, and faster completion times. We can look at your wallpaper and give you an honest assessment of how the removal will go and what challenges we might encounter.

We protect your home and clean up thoroughly

Wallpaper removal is a wet, messy process. We take protection seriously: heavy drop cloths on all floors, plastic sheeting over furniture and fixtures, careful masking of trim and adjacent surfaces.

We remove baseboards when necessary to avoid water damage and ensure complete paper removal. We protect electrical outlets and switches from moisture. We contain the work area to prevent dust and debris from spreading throughout your home.

When we're done, we haul away all stripped wallpaper, disposal bags, and materials. We vacuum and wipe down all surfaces. We leave your home clean and your walls ready for the next step.

We repair walls properly and prime for lasting results

Many contractors remove wallpaper and walk away, leaving you with damaged walls and adhesive residue. We complete the job: we repair torn drywall, skim-coat damaged areas, sand everything smooth, and apply the right primer for the surface.

We don't cut corners on prep work. We know that the quality of the final paint job depends entirely on the condition of the walls underneath. We take the time to get the walls perfect before priming and painting.

We offer complete painting services after removal

Most homeowners who remove wallpaper want to paint immediately. We offer full interior painting services across Pleasant Hill, Martinez, San Ramon, Clayton, and throughout Contra Costa County.

We'll help you choose colors, recommend sheens for different rooms, and apply premium paints that look beautiful and last for years. Because we've already prepped the walls during wallpaper removal, the painting process goes smoothly and the results are flawless.

Bundling wallpaper removal and painting with one contractor saves you time, coordination headaches, and often money compared to hiring separate companies.

We're licensed, insured, and local

Lamorinda Painting is a fully licensed and insured painting contractor based in Lafayette, CA. We carry general liability and workers' compensation coverage. We're not a handyman service or a fly-by-night crew—we're an established local business with deep roots in the community.

We've worked on homes throughout the Lamorinda area and across Contra Costa County. We understand local home styles, construction methods, and the specific challenges that Bay Area homes present. We're your neighbors, and we care about doing the job right.

FAQs About Wallpaper Removal in the Bay Area

How long does wallpaper removal take? A typical single-room wallpaper removal project takes 1-2 days: half a day to a full day for removal and cleanup, then additional time for wall repairs, priming, and drying. Complex projects—multiple layers, painted-over paper, or extensive wall damage—can take 3-4 days or longer. If we're also painting after removal, add 1-2 days for painting depending on room size and color choices.

Will removing wallpaper damage my walls? It depends on how the wallpaper was installed and the removal method used. Wallpaper applied to properly primed drywall usually comes off with minimal damage. Wallpaper applied directly to unprimed drywall often tears the paper face when removed. We use careful techniques, proper solvents, and controlled removal methods to minimize damage. Any damage that does occur is repaired during the wall prep phase.

Can I paint over wallpaper instead of removing it? In most cases, no. Painting over wallpaper rarely works well. The seams and texture show through the paint, the wallpaper can bubble or peel when exposed to moisture from the paint, and you're left with a surface that looks worse than before. The only exception is in cases where the wallpaper is extremely well-adhered, smooth, and in perfect condition—and even then, we recommend removal for a lasting result.

What if my wallpaper has been painted over? Painted-over wallpaper is more difficult to remove, but we handle it regularly. We score the paint layer aggressively to allow solvent penetration, use steam to soften both the paint and the adhesive, and work patiently to peel away the layers. In extreme cases with multiple coats of paint over multiple layers of wallpaper, we may recommend skim-coating over the surface instead of removal to avoid excessive wall damage.

How do I know if my wallpaper contains asbestos? Wallpaper manufactured before the mid-1980s occasionally contains asbestos fibers, though it's less common than in other building materials. If your home was built before 1980 and you're unsure, we can coordinate asbestos testing before beginning removal. If asbestos is present, we'll either encapsulate the wallpaper with paint and skim-coating, or coordinate with a licensed abatement contractor for safe removal.

Do I need to empty the room before wallpaper removal? You don't need to empty the room completely, but we do need to move furniture away from the walls and cover it with plastic. Removing small items, wall hangings, and breakables makes our job easier and protects your belongings. For larger furniture that's difficult to move, we'll work around it and protect it carefully.

Can you match the texture if the wallpaper damages the drywall? Yes. If the drywall is damaged during removal, we skim-coat the affected areas to create a smooth surface. If your walls have texture (orange peel, knockdown, etc.), we match it after repairs are complete so the finished surface is uniform. Texture matching is part of our standard wall prep process.

How soon can I paint after wallpaper removal? After we've removed the wallpaper, cleaned off all adhesive, repaired damage, and primed, you can paint as soon as the primer is dry—usually within 24 hours. If we're doing the painting, we typically complete wallpaper removal and wall prep one day, then paint the next day or the day after, depending on drying times and the project schedule.

Ready to Get Rid of That Dated Wallpaper?

Whether you're dealing with old floral patterns, stubborn vinyl, or painted-over layers from decades past, Lamorinda Painting has the tools, experience, and patience to remove it safely and prepare your walls for beautiful fresh paint. We serve homeowners throughout Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Danville, San Ramon, Clayton, El Cerrito, Richmond, Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and across Contra Costa County.

Our wallpaper removal services include:

• Safe removal of all wallpaper types (paper, vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, painted-over)
• Complete adhesive residue cleanup
• Drywall damage repair and skim-coating
• Texture matching when needed
• Stain-blocking primer application
• Full interior painting services

We're fully licensed and insured, we protect your home carefully during the work, and we clean up thoroughly when we're finished. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our estimates are always free.

Contact Lamorinda Painting today for a free quote on your wallpaper removal project. Call us, fill out our online form, or send us photos of your wallpaper for a quick estimate. Let's get those walls smooth, clean, and ready for the fresh paint color you've been dreaming about.

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