Wallpaper Removal Services in Atlanta, GA

Safe, methodical removal that protects your drywall face. Complete surface prep and priming included before any new installation.

Professional Wallpaper Removal in Atlanta

Wallpaper removal is one of the most damage-prone DIY projects homeowners attempt. The drywall paper face — the thin layer that holds everything together — is easily torn when moisture or tools are applied incorrectly. Once it's damaged, skim-coating and repair adds significant time and cost to any subsequent installation.

Our removal process is methodical. We use controlled moisture application, appropriate scoring (where suitable), and patient hand tools to separate wallpaper cleanly without pulling the drywall paper face. Then we assess and repair any damage before priming for new wallcovering or paint.

Get a Removal Quote

Wallpaper removal Atlanta Georgia drywall protection

How We Protect Your Drywall During Removal

The biggest risk in wallpaper removal is drywall face damage. Here's how we prevent it:

Dry stripping first: We always attempt dry removal before adding moisture. Many modern papers strip cleanly when dry.
Controlled scoring: Where scoring is necessary, we use a scoring tool calibrated to perforate the paper without cutting into the drywall
Targeted moisture: Hot water with a surfactant, applied in small sections, prevents over-saturating the drywall core
Careful tools: Wide plastic scrapers, not metal, to avoid gouging during stripping
Two-phase removal: Many wallpapers have a decorative layer and a backing layer — we remove each separately

Ready to Get That Old Wallpaper Off?

We handle the hard part so you have a perfect surface for what comes next.

Get a Free Quote Call (678) 345-8344

Post-Removal Surface Preparation

Once wallpaper is removed, the wall almost always needs work before paint or new wallpaper. Our post-removal prep includes:

Removing all adhesive residue with appropriate cleaners
Repairing any drywall face tears with joint compound
Skim-coating damaged or uneven areas as needed
Sanding smooth to an appropriate finish level
Applying oil-based primer or high-build primer to seal and prepare the surface
Final inspection before any new installation begins

Removal Process Step by Step

Room Protection: Floors, outlets, and nearby surfaces are covered and protected
Assessment: We determine paper type, substrate type (drywall vs plaster), and how many layers are present
Dry Stripping Attempt: Start without moisture to assess peel-ability
Controlled Moisture Application: Section by section with hot water/surfactant where needed
Backing Removal: Second phase if a backing layer remains
Residue Cleanup: Wash walls to remove all adhesive traces
Surface Repair: Skim and sand as needed
Priming: Seal the wall for whatever comes next

Get Rid of That Old Wallpaper for Good

We make the walls ready for whatever you have planned next.

Get a Free Quote Call (678) 345-8344

What Makes Removal Harder (or Easier)

Factors that affect difficulty and price:

Number of layers: Multiple layers of old wallpaper increase time significantly
Age of wallpaper: Older papers and adhesives are sometimes more stubborn — but sometimes strip more cleanly
Substrate type: Plaster walls are much more forgiving than drywall during removal
Previous primer application: Properly primed walls before original installation strip far more cleanly
Paper type: Non-woven papers and vinyl strip in single pieces; traditional paste papers often come off in fragments

Wallpaper Removal FAQ

How long does wallpaper removal take?

A single room typically takes 4–8 hours for removal plus prep. Multiple rooms or heavily layered wallpaper may take multiple days. We give you a realistic timeline during our assessment visit.

What if my walls are damaged during removal?

We repair any damage we cause as part of the project. For pre-existing damage or surfaces that are particularly fragile, we'll document the wall condition before starting and discuss the repair plan with you.

Do I need to empty the room completely?

We recommend removing wall hangings and moving furniture away from walls. We can shift lighter pieces, but heavy furniture should be moved beforehand. We protect all floors with drop cloths.

Can old wallpaper be painted over instead of removed?

It's generally not recommended — paint can cause old paper to bubble or separate. Installing new wallpaper over old paper is even more problematic. Removal is almost always the right long-term choice.

Is there a mess involved?

Yes — wallpaper removal involves water and debris. We protect floors and furniture with drop cloths and do a thorough cleanup. Walls will need to dry completely before priming and new installation.

What if my drywall was never primed before the original wallpaper went up?

Unprimed drywall (hanging wallpaper directly on raw drywall) is unfortunately common in homes from the 1970s–90s. This dramatically complicates removal because the paper face and drywall paper bond together. We'll assess this during our visit and advise on the best approach.