Old wallpaper and borders are still on the walls of many San Bernardino kitchens, baths and dining rooms. Taking them off cleanly, washing away the paste and repairing the wall is what makes the new paint look right.
Many San Bernardino homes still have wallpaper from past decades: kitchen and bathroom borders, a papered dining room, a feature wall in a bedroom. Removing it is slow, careful work. How it goes depends on what is under the paper. If the wall was primed before the paper went up, the paper often comes off in sheets. If it was hung on bare drywall, the paste has bonded to the drywall face and removal takes much longer.
We protect floors and cover outlets, then score the paper if needed and wet it with a remover solution or steam. The paper and backing come off, and then the paste has to be washed off the wall. That step matters. Paint over leftover paste can crackle or peel. Once the wall is clean and dry we repair any torn drywall paper, seal it with the right primer and patch gouges.
After removal, most walls need some repair before paint. Light damage takes spot patching and sanding. Heavier damage may need a skim coat, a thin layer of joint compound over the whole wall, to make it smooth again. Many local homes have textured walls, and we can match the texture after repairs. You get a free estimate and a written quote that covers removal, wall repair, primer and paint. Call or text (909) 487-2695.
Wallpaper removal in San Bernardino: common questions
Can you just paint over wallpaper?
It can be done when the paper is tightly bonded and smooth, but it is not the best way. Seams and texture show through, and moisture from the paint can loosen the paper. Removing it gives a better and longer lasting result.
How long does wallpaper removal take?
It depends on the size of the room and how the paper was hung. Paper on a primed wall can come off in hours. Paper glued to bare drywall can take much longer. We tell you what we expect after a test patch.
Will my walls be damaged after the wallpaper comes off?
Some damage is common, mainly torn drywall paper and gouges. We seal torn spots, patch and sand, or skim coat the wall where needed, so the paint finish looks even.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.