Grand Rapids, MI Wallpaper Removal
We’re going to start with what sounds like bad news, but bear with us. It gets better – promise.
Wallpaper removal is a tough job. Maybe you have friends or neighbors here in Grand Rapids who tackled the project themselves and ended up steaming little, frustrating bits of paper off at a time, gouging and damaging their walls along the way. Once the paper was finally removed, the work was only half done: time for major repairs.
Removing wallpaper in Grand Rapids can have a positive impact on your home’s style, but it has to be approached the right way.
Our Wallpaper Removal Services
Some wallpaper is stylish, chic, and adds a gorgeous dimension and texture to a room. It’s “in”! But there’s very little middle ground: either your paper adds a lot, or it detracts a lot.
If you decide it’s time to update your home, it really is worthwhile to invest in professional wallpaper removal services. We have extensive experience and a proven track record, relying on a process that we know works. And, going beyond the wallpaper removal itself, we also take the time to make sure that your walls are repaired and ready for paint.
1. First, we wash the freshly-stripped walls with a specialized solvent, focusing closely on areas around existing holes and tears.
2.Next, we smooth down any rough edges where the plaster or drywall was damaged, using incrementally finer sandpaper grit to achieve the right foundation for the repair.
3. We then use resurfacing compound to fill the damaged areas.
4. More sanding! This brings the patched sections back to flush with the rest of the wall while also smoothing out and blending the repair.
5. Lastly, we prime your walls then apply two coats of professional-grade interior paint.
Our Expertise in Wallpaper Removal
As we like to say, beautiful walls are what we do! Investing in professional services makes all the difference, especially when you’re tackling a home improvement project that has so little margin for error. Our wallpaper removal approach is grounded in ongoing training, the best products and tools, and what we know works based on experience. You’ll be glad you chose us!
Why Choose New Look Painting?
In short, here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience and expertise
- A proven track record
- Quick and efficient service
- Attention to detail
- Through cleanup!
If you want your wallpaper professionaly removed, contact the Grand Rapids exterior painters at New Look Painting for a free estimate or call us directly at 616.532.3300.
We hired New Look Painting to take care of our our living room and dining room ceilings and walls. We could not be happier or more pleased with the level of professionalism and skill of Mike, our painter, that was assigned to the job. He tackled a big job in 4 days and I would not hesitate to hire him again for jobs around our house or our friends and family. He even worked around our family schedule. A++++
I’ve hired New Look Painting several times for both interior and exterior jobs. They always do a beautiful job and are thorough and professional. Highly recommend!!
I am a local Realtor and not only recommend my clients to use Mike and his crew for all their painting needs but I also use them for my own home which tells you I trust that they are the best. Besides fair pricing and wonderful service, Mike (the owner) is an incredibly kind guy that cares about what he does. They are the only painter to go with!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take to remove wallpaper?
It all depends on your specific job size, the condition and nature of your walls, and unique needs. Some projects might take a couple of days, and others might take a couple of weeks. Following your consultation we’ll provide a detailed estimate that outlines every consideration and the expected timeline.
Q. Does removing wallpaper damage the wall?
It often does – that’s why so many do-it-yourself projects end with heavily damaged surfaces that require costly repairs. But with the right approach the damage can be minimized. We also invest time in surface prep after stripping your walls, ensuring that the job turns out beautifully.
Q. Can I remove wallpaper myself?
Technically, yes. But we advise against it. Most homeowners quickly discover that it’s a messy, frustrating job without the right tools and products. Add on countless wall dings and gouges from your scraper, or damage from peeling the paper, and the scope of your home improvement project can quickly balloon in size.
Q. Can I put new wallpaper over old wallpaper, or should I remove the old layer first?
The short answer? We don’t recommend applying new wallpaper right over the old, as tempting as it might be. It could be an initial timesaver, but you run the risk of bubbling, peeling, and poor adhesion, plus the finished product won’t look as smooth as it will when applied to a freshly prepared surface.
Q. Is the process the same for removing wallpaper from plaster and drywall?
Similar, but not exactly the same. Plaster is more durable than drywall, making wallpaper removal a bit more difficult in some cases (the paper really fuses on). You can use a scoring tool to create small holes, allowing the removal solution to seep through and begin loosening the adhesive.
When you’re removing wallpaper from drywall, you need to be very careful to minimize damage to the surface since it isn’t as forgiving as plaster. A steamer can go a long way to ease the wallpaper’s grip.
Q. What are the different types of wallpaper? Do they all come off the same way?
There are 5 main types of wallpaper: vinyl, fabric, paper, grasscloth, and embossed. You can’t tackle the removal process the same way right across the board, either. Some wallpapers, like vinyl and fabric, call for a special solution to soften the adhesive. Grasscloth and embossed wallpapers are more delicate and have to be removed with even more specialized techniques.
When you’re removing wallpaper from drywall, you need to be very careful to minimize damage to the surface since it isn’t as forgiving as plaster. A steamer can go a long way to ease the wallpaper’s grip.