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Serving Miami and nearby cities Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · (561) 933-9440

Wallpaper Removal in South Miami, FL

The short answer

We strip old wallpaper from South Miami homes by testing first, choosing the gentlest method that works, washing off leftover adhesive and repairing any torn surface. The result is a wall ready for paint or new paper.

Old wallpaper rarely comes off in one clean sheet. In South Miami houses it may be a thin border from decades ago, several layers stacked over each other, or vinyl that was hung straight onto unprimed drywall. Years of humid summers can also leave the adhesive either brittle or gummy. WallStyle Installers removes wallpaper for homeowners who want to paint, re-paper or sell, and we drive about 11 miles northeast from our Miami base to do it. The point of good removal is not just getting the paper off; it is leaving a wall that is smooth and ready for whatever comes next. This page walks through how we assess the job, the methods we use, and the repairs that sometimes follow.

The first test patch

Before committing to a method, we lift a corner in an inconspicuous spot. That small test answers most of the questions that matter. Is this strippable paper that releases dry? Does the face peel and leave a paper backing behind? Is there a second layer, or paint, underneath? And critically, was the wall primed before the paper went up?

Unprimed drywall is the hardest case. Paste bonds directly to the paper face of the drywall, and aggressive scraping can tear it. Plaster over concrete block, common in older local homes, is usually tougher and handles soaking better, though it can hide cracks that show up once the paper is gone.

Methods we use, from gentlest to strongest

We start with the least invasive option and step up only if needed. The goal is to protect the wall underneath.

  • Dry stripping: modern strippable papers often pull off by hand once a corner is lifted
  • Peel and soak: remove a vinyl face, then wet the remaining backing with warm water and a removal solution
  • Perforating: lightly score stubborn paper so solution can reach the adhesive, used with care on drywall
  • Steaming: for multiple layers or old pastes that resist soaking, steam softens the bond so it can be scraped

Adhesive residue is the real finish line

Once the paper is gone, a film of old paste usually remains. Paint over it and the finish can crack, peel or show a crackled pattern within weeks. New wallpaper may not bond properly either. We wash the walls with warm water and a residue remover, then rinse until the surface no longer feels slick or tacky.

In South Florida's damp air, walls can take longer to dry after washing. We run fans when helpful and ask that the AC stay on so the surface dries fully before any repair or primer goes on.

Repairs after removal

Even careful removal can reveal problems the paper was hiding: nail holes, old anchors, hairline cracks in plaster, or areas where drywall paper tore. Torn drywall paper must be sealed with an oil-based or shellac-based primer before any patching compound, otherwise the compound bubbles. After that we skim, sand and spot-prime.

If you plan to paint, we leave the wall primed and ready. If new wallpaper is going up, we use a wallpaper-specific primer so the next removal, whenever it happens, is far easier.

Planning around the home

Removal is messy and wet. We cover floors, mask baseboards and outlets, and shut off power to circuits where water is used near receptacles. Bathrooms and kitchens with paper behind fixtures or cabinets may need a mirror or plate removed temporarily. A typical bedroom often takes a day; multiple layers or tricky drywall can stretch that. If you are preparing a house for listing, mention your timeline so we can schedule removal before painters arrive.

Homeowners sometimes start a removal themselves and stop halfway after hitting a stubborn layer. That is fine; we can pick up from wherever you left off. Just avoid sanding painted-over paper or gouging the wall with a putty knife, since those shortcuts usually create more repair work. Leave the remaining paper in place, let the room dry with the AC running, and we will assess the surface fresh when we arrive.

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What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Honest assessment

    If a wall is too damp, too textured or a poor match for the paper you picked, we say so and suggest a fix or an alternative before work begins.

  2. Careful layout

    We measure, check pattern repeats and plan where each strip lands so the finished room looks balanced from the doorway.

  3. Clean, respectful work

    Floors and furniture are covered, fixtures are removed and replaced, and paste and trimmings are cleaned up before we go.

FAQ

Common questions

Don’t see your question? Call (561) 933-9440 and we’ll talk it through.

Can you just paint over my old wallpaper?

We do not recommend it. Seams and texture show through, and moisture from paint can loosen the old paste and cause bubbles.

Will removal damage my walls?

Some surface damage is possible, especially on unprimed drywall. We test first, use the gentlest method, and repair any tears afterward.

How long does it take?

Many single rooms take about a day. Multiple layers, very old paste or extensive repairs can add time.

Do you install new paper after removal?

Yes. We can strip, repair, prime and hang new wallpaper as one project, or leave the wall ready for your painter.

Do you handle removal near South Miami too?

Yes. We remove wallpaper in Coral Gables, West Miami, Miami Springs, Sweetwater and Doral as well.

Ready to plan your walls?

Tell us about the room, the paper you have in mind and your timing. We will set up a visit to look at the walls and talk through the next steps.

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