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Outdated wallpaper is one of the most common issues homeowners face—especially in kitchens and master bathrooms. While it was popular in past decades, wallpaper often ages quickly and can be difficult and expensive to remove or replace.

At VIP Services, we’ve spent years helping homeowners remove wallpaper and restore walls to a clean, modern finish.

Why Wallpaper Removal Can Be Difficult

In many homes, wallpaper was originally installed by the builder without proper wall preparation. Specifically, walls were not treated with “sizing” or primer before installation.

This step is critical because sizing:

• Seals the drywall surface
• Prevents adhesive from bonding too aggressively
• Allows for easier removal later

Without proper preparation, wallpaper bonds directly to the drywall paper. As a result, removal becomes a slow, manual process—often requiring small sections to be scraped off while damaging the wall surface underneath.

This damage must then be repaired before any new texture or paint can be applied.

Alternative Solutions When Removal Is Difficult

If wallpaper cannot be removed cleanly, there are effective alternatives that avoid excessive wall damage.

The process typically includes:

• Sealing the wallpaper with a shellac-based primer
• Removing any loose or peeling sections
• Sealing all exposed edges
• Applying joint compound over seams
• Caulking edges for a smooth transition

If the wallpaper has an embossed or textured pattern, a thin skim coat of joint compound is applied to create a smooth surface before texturing.

Once completed, the wall is ready for a new finish without the need for full removal.

Texture Options for Updated Walls

After preparation, homeowners can choose from several texture options to achieve the desired look.

• Spray textures – Knockdown, splatter-drag, and orange peel finishes
• Hand-applied textures – Skip trowel and other custom finishes

Hand-applied textures are especially popular for homeowners looking for a more custom, upgraded appearance. Multiple samples can be created to ensure the final result matches expectations before application.

For additional visual depth, faux finishes or antique glaze techniques can be applied over textured surfaces.

Long-Term Durability

When completed properly, this process creates a long-lasting finish that will not peel or separate over time.

The system includes:

• Sealed base layer
• Textured surface
• Primer coat
• Two coats of paint

This layered approach ensures durability and resistance to humidity and wear—providing a clean, modern result that lasts for years.