Wallpaper was a common interior finish through the 1970s and 1980s, with many homeowners using bold patterns and textures in dining rooms, hallways, and other spaces. As design tastes shifted in the mid‑1990s toward simpler, painted walls, wallpaper fell out of favor. Many of these older installations still remain today—sometimes even painted over—and can be especially challenging to remove after decades in place.
In a recent project at a church in Wake Forest, we were asked to remove wallpaper from the lower portion of the walls throughout the hallways and prepare the surfaces for paint. The walls were divided by chair rail molding, with wallpaper below and painted drywall above, finished with baseboard molding along the floor. The wallpaper had been in place for many years, so we took a careful, step-by-step approach to remove both the paper and the adhesive.
Why Old Wallpaper Removal Is Difficult and Messy
Removing older wallpaper is often more challenging than it looks. Over time, the adhesive hardens and the paper can become brittle, making it prone to tearing. This means it rarely comes down in clean strips, and leftover backing and glue can stick stubbornly to the walls.
The process is also inherently messy. Wetting, scraping, and cleaning are required to remove both paper and adhesive, and without proper care, debris and sticky residue can spread across floors, trim, and fixtures. Protecting these surfaces and working in controlled sections helps contain the mess and ensures the walls are left clean and ready for wall prep.
Meticulous Prep for a Flawless Paint Finish
To ensure a professional, long-lasting result, we handle each of the following parts of the wall preparation carefully:
- Repairs: Damaged or stressed areas are patched with joint compound and feathered to blend seamlessly.
- Sanding: Walls are sanded smooth to eliminate minor texture inconsistencies that could show through paint.
- Priming: A high-quality, stain-blocking or high-adhesion primer (shellac- or oil-based) is applied to seal any remaining adhesive and create a uniform base for paint.
This ensures walls are fully ready for a durable, flawless repaint.
Why Professional Removal Matters
Wallpaper removal may seem simple, but projects like this demonstrate why experience and preparation make all the difference. Proper removal, adhesive elimination, wall repair, and priming ensures a smooth, lasting finish.
If you’re planning a wallpaper removal project, especially on older walls, contact Adams Painting Company. Our team provides expert removal, meticulous prep, and a flawless repaint — done right the first time.
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