Wallpaper in older Providence houses is often several layers deep, sometimes painted over, and stuck to bare plaster. It comes off slowly. After removal we wash off the paste, repair the wall and prime it so the paint finish is smooth.
Wallpaper is common in older Providence homes, in dining rooms, stair halls and bedrooms most of all. It is often two or three layers deep. Sometimes a past owner painted over it, and sometimes the paper was hung straight onto bare plaster with no primer under it. All of that makes removal slower. We test a corner at the estimate to see how many layers there are, how well they are stuck and what the wall behind is like.
Removal is patient work. The face of the paper is scored or peeled, the backing is soaked with water or a removal solution, and the paper is scraped off in strips. Painted paper has to be cut through before water can reach the paste. Steam is used where soaking is not enough. Then every trace of paste is washed off the wall. Paste left behind makes new paint crackle and peel, so this washing step is not skipped.
Old paper often hides cracks, old patches and rough plaster, and in some houses it is the paper that has been holding a weak finish coat together. Expect some repair after it comes off. The wall is filled, skimmed where needed, sanded and sealed with a primer made for walls that had paste on them. Then it is ready for paint. The written quote gives the rooms, an allowance for repair and what happens if the wall is worse than expected.
Wallpaper removal in Providence: common questions
Can you just paint over wallpaper?
It is possible, but we do not recommend it in most cases. Seams and edges show through, moisture from the paint can lift the paper, and removal later is much harder. Taking it off gives a better wall.
How long does wallpaper removal take in an old house?
It depends on the layers and the wall. One layer on a primed wall comes off quickly. Several layers, painted paper or paper glued to bare plaster can take days for a room. We test a small area first so the quote is realistic.
Will the plaster be damaged when the paper comes off?
Sound plaster is not harmed by careful removal. Weak or already cracked plaster may show its faults once the paper is gone. Repairs are planned for in the quote, and we show you the wall before going further.
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.