Wallpaper removal is one of those jobs that looks simple but rarely is. What starts as a DIY project often becomes a frustrating mess of half-removed paper, torn drywall, and sticky residue. Professional wallpaper removal saves you time, protects your walls, and ensures a smooth surface ready for paint.
Westchase Painting Company provides professional wallpaper removal throughout Westchase, Carrollwood, South Tampa, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
Wallpaper Removal Services
- Standard wallpaper removal – Traditional paper-backed wallpapers
- Vinyl wallpaper removal – Requires different techniques due to water resistance
- Painted-over wallpaper – Scoring and steam techniques for sealed paper
- Multiple layer removal – When previous owners papered over paper
- Adhesive removal – Complete glue and residue cleanup
- Wall repair – Patching and smoothing damaged drywall
- Priming and painting – Complete finish ready for your new color
Why Professional Wallpaper Removal
Many homeowners attempt wallpaper removal themselves. Here is why professionals get better results:
- Right tools – Professional steamers, scoring tools, and scrapers work faster and damage walls less
- Technique – We know how to remove different wallpaper types without gouging drywall
- Complete removal – No adhesive residue left behind to show through paint
- Wall assessment – We identify and repair damage as we go
- Proper prep – Walls are ready for paint when we finish, not still tacky
Our Wallpaper Removal Process
- Protection – Floors and furniture are covered with drop cloths
- Assessment – We determine wallpaper type and best removal method
- Scoring – Perforate the surface to allow moisture penetration
- Application – Apply water/solution or steam to loosen adhesive
- Removal – Carefully strip wallpaper in sections
- Adhesive cleanup – Remove all remaining glue residue
- Wall repair – Patch holes, smooth gouges, fix damaged areas
- Priming – Seal the walls with appropriate primer
- Painting – Apply your chosen paint color (if included in scope)
Common Wallpaper Challenges in Tampa Bay
Many homes in established neighborhoods like Carrollwood, Town N Country, and older parts of South Tampa have wallpaper from the 1980s and 1990s. Common issues include:
- Drywall not primed – Paper bonds directly to drywall facing, making removal difficult
- Multiple layers – New wallpaper installed over old without proper removal
- Painted wallpaper – Previous owners painted over wallpaper instead of removing it
- Heavy vinyl – Bathroom and kitchen wallpapers with thick vinyl surfaces
Wallpaper Removal Costs
- Standard removal (per room) – $300 to $700
- Vinyl or difficult removal – $500 to $1,000 per room
- Multiple layers – Add 50-100% to base cost
- Wall repair (minor) – Included in removal cost
- Wall repair (significant) – $200 to $500 additional
- Priming and painting – See our interior painting page
Related Services
- Interior painting – Complete the transformation with fresh paint
- Drywall services – Repair damaged walls after removal
- Color consultation – Help choosing your new wall color
Ready to remove that wallpaper? Contact Westchase Painting Company at (813) 320-8710 for a free estimate.