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Eatonville Wallpaper Removal and Wall Prep

The short answer

We remove wallpaper from Eatonville homes, including old, painted-over and multi-layer paper. After stripping, we wash off adhesive, fix damaged spots and prime, so the wall is ready for paint or a new wallcovering.

When wallpaper has outlived its style, getting it off cleanly is what makes the next step possible. In Eatonville, about 11 miles north of our Orlando base, we take down old wallpaper from homes that range from mid-century concrete block houses to renovated and newer properties. Removal here often means dealing with paper that has seen many hot, humid summers, adhesive that has hardened over time and walls that may have been papered more than once. Our focus is not just stripping the covering but leaving a surface that is clean, repaired and ready for paint or new wallpaper. Below is a practical look at how it works.

Signs it is time to remove, not cover

Homeowners sometimes ask whether they can simply paint over old wallpaper. It is tempting, but it usually leads to trouble. Seams show through, edges that were already loose start to curl, and the moisture in paint can cause bubbles that are difficult to repair.

If your wallpaper is peeling at the seams, has brown water marks, shows mildew spots in a bathroom, or is simply a pattern you no longer want, removal is the better path. It also lets us inspect the wall itself, which is often worth knowing in an older home.

  • Seams lifting or edges curling
  • Stains or mildew in bathrooms and kitchens
  • Bubbles under paint applied over paper
  • Dated borders along ceilings

Choosing the right removal method

We start by testing a small area. If the top layer peels away dry, the paper is probably strippable, and the job will go quickly. Peelable papers leave a thin backing behind, which then needs to be soaked and scraped. Traditional papers and many vinyls need moisture to release the adhesive.

For papers that resist water, such as vinyl or paper that has been painted, we perforate the surface lightly so a removal solution can reach the paste. Steam helps on plaster walls and on layered paper, which is common in older homes that have been redecorated more than once. We adjust the method as we go, since one wall can behave differently from the next.

Protecting plaster and drywall

Plaster over concrete block is durable and handles steam and scraping well. Drywall is more delicate. If paper was applied without a primer, it can bond to the drywall's paper facing, and aggressive scraping or soaking will tear it. We use plastic scrapers where possible, work in smaller sections and avoid over-wetting.

When facing does tear, the damaged area must be sealed with a moisture-blocking primer before any patching compound or paint. Skipping that step causes bubbles. After sealing, we skim-coat and sand the area smooth.

Cleaning off adhesive

Removing the paper is only half the job. Old paste stays on the wall as a thin, often invisible film. Paint applied over it can crack, peel or dry with an uneven sheen. New wallpaper may not bond properly either.

We wash every wall with warm water and an adhesive remover, scrubbing until the surface no longer feels slick, then rinse and dry. In humid months, which here run from June through September with almost daily afternoon storms, we keep the air conditioning on so the walls dry thoroughly before priming.

What we do if we find mildew

Bathrooms and rooms on the shady side of older homes sometimes hide mildew under vinyl wallpaper, since vinyl traps moisture against the wall. If we uncover dark spots or a musty smell, we stop to show you, clean and treat the surface and recommend looking into ventilation or possible leaks. Covering mildew without addressing the cause tends to bring the problem back.

Next steps after removal

Once the walls are clean and repaired, we apply a primer suited to the next finish. If you are painting, the room is ready for your painter. If you want new wallpaper, we can schedule installation right after, saving a separate trip.

We also handle wallpaper removal in Maitland, Winter Park, Ocoee, Edgewood and Sky Lake.

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What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Honest prep advice

    If your wall has glossy paint, torn drywall facing or a lingering moisture problem, we say so before work starts and suggest the fix that makes sense for that surface.

  2. Patterns that line up

    We plot where the repeat falls at eye level and in corners, so the match holds across the whole room instead of drifting by the last strip.

  3. A tidy work area

    Drop cloths go down first, scraps leave with us, and paste residue is sponged off trim and ceilings before we call the job done.

FAQ

Common questions

Don’t see your question? Call (561) 944-3314 and we’ll talk it through.

Can I just paint over my old wallpaper?

We do not recommend it. Seams show through and moisture in paint can cause the paper to bubble.

How do you remove painted-over wallpaper?

We lightly perforate the paint so a solution can reach the adhesive, then soak or steam and scrape.

Will my walls be damaged?

Sometimes drywall facing tears. We seal, skim and sand any damage so the wall is smooth again.

Why wash the walls after removal?

Leftover paste can crack paint and stop new wallpaper from bonding. Washing leaves a clean base.

What if you find mold?

We show you, clean and treat the area and suggest checking ventilation or possible leaks.

Can you hang new wallpaper after removing the old?

Yes. Once walls are repaired, primed and dry, we can install new paper as part of the same project.

Tell Us About Your Walls

Send a few photos and the room dimensions, mention the paper you have in mind, and we will reply with questions and next steps for a visit.

Request Service Call (561) 944-3314
Call (561) 944-3314 Request Service