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Wallpaper Removal Services in Miami, FL

The short answer

We remove wallpaper from Miami homes by testing how it is attached, then stripping it with the least damaging method and cleaning off leftover adhesive. Afterward we repair any damage and prime so the wall is ready for paint or new paper.

Old wallpaper in Miami homes tends to come in three conditions: peeling at the seams after years of humid summers, painted over by a previous owner, or stuck so tightly to unprimed drywall that pulling it tears the paper face of the board. Each one needs a different method. We come in from Hialeah, about 9 miles to the northwest, to strip paper from houses, condos and townhomes throughout the city, and we leave the wall ready for paint or new wallcovering. If you have tried a scoring tool and a spray bottle and ended up with a wall full of gouges, or you simply do not want to spend a weekend on a ladder, here is how professional removal works.

Testing before stripping

We start in an inconspicuous spot, often behind a door, and lift a corner. Strippable papers peel off in full sheets and leave only a backing or light paste. Peelable papers lose their top layer and leave a paper backing that has to be soaked. Older traditional papers, especially ones that have been painted, need to be perforated and soaked or steamed.

The wall underneath matters just as much. Plaster over concrete block, which is common in older Miami houses, tolerates water and steam well. Drywall is more fragile: if it was never primed before the original paper went up, the adhesive is bonded straight to the drywall's paper face, and aggressive scraping will tear it.

  • Strippable: dry peel, then a quick wash
  • Peelable: peel the face, soak and scrape the backing
  • Traditional or painted-over: score lightly, soak or steam, scrape
  • Vinyl over unprimed drywall: slow, careful work to protect the board

Protecting the room

Removal is wet, messy work. We cover floors with absorbent drop cloths over plastic, tape off baseboards and outlets, and shut off power to the circuits on walls where we are using a lot of water. Furniture goes to the center of the room or into another space.

In condos we also protect hallways and elevator interiors when we haul out debris, and we follow the building's rules on work hours and noise. Old paper and paste go into contractor bags and leave with us.

Humidity, mildew and what we may find

South Florida's long wet season, combined with homes that may have sat closed up between owners, means we sometimes find dark spots or musty patches behind old wallpaper. Vinyl wallcoverings on exterior walls can trap moisture against the surface. When we see staining, softness or anything that looks like mildew, we stop and show you before going further.

Light surface staining is often handled with cleaning and a stain-blocking primer. A wall that is soft, damp to the touch or crumbling points to a leak or moisture problem that should be investigated by the right trade before the wall is refinished.

Leaving the wall ready for its next finish

Getting the paper off is only half the job. Leftover paste dries into a thin film that causes paint to crack and wrinkle, so we wash walls with warm water and a paste remover until the surface no longer feels slick. Then we let them dry fully, which in a Miami summer means keeping the air conditioning running.

Next comes repair. Torn drywall face paper gets sealed with a dedicated primer before any patching, otherwise joint compound will bubble. Gouges and nail holes are filled and sanded. A final coat of primer gives you a uniform base whether you plan to paint or install new wallpaper.

  • Adhesive residue washed off and checked by touch
  • Torn drywall sealed, then patched and sanded
  • Primer applied to match the planned finish

Removal service area

We remove wallpaper throughout the city of Miami, covering ZIP codes 33101, 33125, 33126, 33127, 33128, 33129, 33130, 33131, 33132 and 33133. We also serve West Miami, Miami Springs, North Miami, Opa-locka and Doral. If you plan to repaper afterward, we can handle both jobs so prep and installation are done by the same crew.

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What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Prep you can see

    We explain what the wall needs, from crack repair to paper removal and primer, before any new paper goes up.

  2. Layout planned ahead

    We show you where seams and pattern centers will fall so the finished wall lines up with windows, beds and furniture.

  3. Respect for your space

    We protect floors and furniture, follow HOA and condo rules, and leave the room clean at the end of each day.

FAQ

Common questions

Can you remove wallpaper that has been painted over?

Yes. Paint seals the paper, so we score it lightly to let water or steam in. It takes longer than unpainted paper, but it comes off.

Will removal damage my walls?

Some minor damage is common, especially on drywall that was never primed. We repair and prime as part of the job so the wall is smooth afterward.

How long does removal take?

A small bathroom may take a few hours. Large rooms, multiple layers or painted-over paper can take a day or more, plus drying time before priming.

Can new wallpaper go over the old?

It is rarely a good idea. Seams and bubbles in the old layer show through, and the new paste can loosen the old paper. Removing it gives a cleaner result.

Do I need to be home during the work?

Not for the whole day. We ask that someone be there at the start to confirm the scope and at the end to look over the finished walls.

Is there any concern with very old wallpaper?

In older homes, painted layers may contain lead. If your house is old enough for that to be a question, testing the paint before removal is a sensible step.

Ready to plan your wallpaper project?

Tell us about the room and the look you want. We will set up a visit, check the walls and send you a clear, written quote.

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