Wallpaper Removal and Painting Services in Massachusetts

Wallpaper removal is one of the most requested services we provide at JH Painting Services. Many Massachusetts homes, especially those built from the 1960s-1990s, feature wallpaper that's now outdated. Here's everything you need to know about removing it and creating fresh, painted walls.

Why Remove Wallpaper?

Reasons to Remove

Aesthetic Concerns:

• Dated patterns and colors


• Fading or discoloration


• Personal taste changes


• Preparing for sale


• Modern, clean look desired

• Peeling or bubbling


• Moisture damage


• Seams showing


• Difficulty matching for repairs


• Underlying wall damage

Massachusetts Real Estate Impact

When Selling:

• Buyers prefer painted walls


• Wallpaper can date your home


• Easier for buyers to envision space


• Can affect sale price and speed

Types of Wallpaper

Common Wallpaper Types

TypeCharacteristicsRemoval Difficulty

StrippablePulls away from wallEasy
PeelableTop layer removes, backing staysModerate
Vinyl-coatedMoisture resistant surfaceModerate
Fabric-backedWoven backingModerate-Hard
Solid vinylHeavy duty, very adhesiveHard
Painted overMultiple layersVery Hard

Massachusetts Home Considerations

Common in Our Homes:

• Vinyl-coated (bathrooms, kitchens)


• Traditional paper (bedrooms, living areas)


• Multiple layers (older homes)


• Painted-over wallpaper (renovation shortcuts)

The Wallpaper Removal Process

Professional Assessment

What We Evaluate:
1. Type of wallpaper
2. Adhesive type used
3. Number of layers
4. Wall condition underneath
5. Room size and complexity
6. Potential for wall damage

Step-by-Step Removal

Phase 1: Preparation

• Remove switch plates and outlet covers


• Protect floors with plastic and drop cloths


• Cover fixtures and furniture


• Score wallpaper (if needed)

• Apply warm water with removal solution


• Allow to penetrate and soften adhesive


• Use steamers for stubborn areas


• Work in manageable sections

• Strip wallpaper starting from seams


• Use scraping tools carefully


• Remove all backing material


• Clean remaining adhesive residue

• Wash walls to remove all residue


• Assess and repair damage


• Skim coat if necessary


• Sand smooth for painting

Wall Conditions After Removal

Common Issues

What May Be Revealed:

• Damaged drywall paper


• Gouges and holes


• Uneven surfaces


• Underlying damage


• Old paint or multiple layers

Wall Repair Options

ConditionSolutionAdded Cost

Minor adhesive residueTSP washMinimal
Surface scratchesLight skim coat$0.50-1/sf
Torn drywall paperPrimer + skim coat$1-2/sf
Multiple patchesFull skim coat$2-3/sf
Severe damageNew drywall$3-6/sf

When Skim Coating is Needed

Skim coating provides:

• Smooth, uniform surface


• Covers wall imperfections


• Professional paint finish


• Long-lasting results

Cost of Wallpaper Removal

Pricing Factors

What Affects Cost:

• Square footage of wallpapered area


• Number of layers


• Wallpaper type


• Adhesive stubbornness


• Wall condition underneath


• Room accessibility

Average Pricing

Room SizeRemoval OnlyWith Wall PrepWith Painting

Small (100 sf walls)$200-400$350-600$500-900
Medium (200 sf walls)$400-800$700-1,200$1,000-1,800
Large (300 sf walls)$600-1,200$1,000-1,800$1,500-2,700

Additional Services

Optional Add-Ons:

• Ceiling work


• Trim painting


• Multiple rooms (discounts may apply)


• Repairs to underlying damage

DIY vs. Professional Removal

DIY Considerations

DIY Might Work If:

• Strippable wallpaper


• Single layer only


• Good wall condition


• Small area


• You have patience

• More difficult than expected


• Wall damage common


• Proper tools needed


• Time-intensive


• Messy process

Common DIY Mistakes

1. Not testing wallpaper type first
2. Inadequate soaking time
3. Using tools that damage walls
4. Not removing all adhesive
5. Painting over residue
6. Underestimating time needed

Professional Advantages

Why Hire a Pro:

• Experience with all wallpaper types


• Proper tools and solutions


• Minimize wall damage


• Efficient process


• Handle unexpected issues


• Seamless transition to painting

Painting After Wallpaper Removal

Primer Selection

Critical Step:
Proper priming is essential after wallpaper removal

Recommended Primers:

• Zinsser Gardz: Seals damaged drywall paper


• KILZ Original: Blocks stains, seals


• Benjamin Moore Fresh Start: Multi-purpose

Paint Selection

Best Choices:

• Quality latex interior paint


• Proper sheen for room use


• Premium brands for best results


• Consider paint+primer if walls are solid

When to Expect Perfect Results

Realistic Expectations:

• Walls may never be perfect without full skim coat


• Minor imperfections may show in raking light


• Premium prep investment pays off


• Discuss expectations upfront

Alternatives to Full Removal

Painting Over Wallpaper

When It May Work:

• Wallpaper is firmly adhered


• No peeling or bubbling


• Single layer, flat surface


• Budget constraints


• Acceptable risk of future issues

• Texture may show through


• Seams may become visible


• Future removal more difficult


• Bubbling can occur over time

Wallpaper Over Wallpaper

New Wallpaper Installation:

• Only on firmly adhered old paper


• Use appropriate adhesive


• Adds thickness to walls


• Future removal will be harder

Paneling or Other Covers

Alternative Options:

• Beadboard wainscoting


• Shiplap installation


• Decorative panels


• Cover instead of remove

Timeline and Process

Typical Project Timeline

ProjectDuration

Small room removal1 day
Wall prep and repair1-2 days
PrimingHalf day
Painting1-2 days
Total3-5 days

What to Expect

During the Project:

• Messy process (well-contained)


• Strong adhesive odors possible


• Room inaccessible during work


• Daily cleanup


• Communication about findings

Massachusetts-Specific Considerations

Older Home Challenges

Common in MA Homes:

• Multiple wallpaper layers


• Horsehair plaster walls


• Lead paint underneath (pre-1978)


• Historic wall conditions

Lead Paint Concerns

For Homes Built Before 1978:

• Paint under wallpaper may contain lead


• Testing recommended


• Lead-safe work practices if positive


• EPA-certified contractors required

Ready to Remove Your Wallpaper?

At JH Painting Services, we handle the entire process—from careful removal to beautiful finished walls. Our experience with Massachusetts homes means we know what to expect and how to handle any situation.

Call (508) 690-8886 for your free wallpaper removal and painting estimate!