Professional Wallpaper Removal in Chicago

Service Overview

Removing old wallpaper is one of the most tedious and frustrating home improvement tasks. Done incorrectly, it can damage drywall paper facing, gouge plaster, and leave behind stubborn adhesive residue that ruins future paint or wallpaper applications. Our professional wallpaper removal service eliminates the guesswork and physical labor, delivering clean, smooth walls ready for their next finish.

Elite Wallpaper Designs uses professional-grade steamers, eco-friendly stripping solutions, and specialized scraping tools to remove wallpaper efficiently without damaging the wall substrate underneath. Whether you have a single layer of modern strippable wallpaper or decades of accumulated layers in a historic home, our team has the expertise and patience to get it done right.

• Single and multi-layer wallpaper removal
• Adhesive residue cleaning and wall washing
• Drywall repair after removal (torn paper, gouges)
• Plaster wall preservation during removal
• Surface preparation for new wallpaper or paint
• Disposal of all removed materials and cleanup

Our Removal Process

1. Assessment — We identify the wallpaper type, number of layers, adhesive used, and wall substrate to determine the safest and most efficient removal method.
2. Protection — We cover floors, baseboards, and furniture with drop cloths and plastic sheeting to protect against water and debris.
3. Scoring — For vinyl-coated or painted-over wallpapers, we score the surface to allow steam or solution to penetrate the adhesive layer.
4. Stripping — Using professional steamers or eco-friendly chemical strippers, we soften the adhesive and carefully remove wallpaper in large sections.
5. Adhesive Removal — We wash walls thoroughly to remove all remaining adhesive residue, ensuring a clean surface for the next finish.
6. Wall Repair — We repair any minor damage, fill gouges, and smooth the surface so it is ready for new wallpaper or paint.
7. Cleanup — We remove all debris, dispose of old wallpaper, and leave your space clean and ready for the next step.

Types of Wallpaper We Remove

• Strippable wallpaper — Modern non-woven and peel-and-stick types that pull away cleanly from the wall
• Peelable wallpaper — Top layer peels off but leaves a paper backing that requires additional removal
• Vinyl wallpaper — Plastic-coated surface that must be scored before steam or solution can penetrate
• Painted-over wallpaper — Wallpaper sealed under paint layers, requiring careful scoring and extended soaking
• Multiple layers — Homes with 2-5+ layers accumulated over decades, each requiring separate treatment
• Fabric-backed wallpaper — Heavy commercial or residential fabric wallcoverings with strong adhesive
• Borders and trim — Decorative borders applied over painted walls or existing wallpaper

Why Professional Removal Matters

Many homeowners attempt DIY wallpaper removal only to discover it is far more difficult and time-consuming than expected. Common DIY mistakes include:

• Tearing drywall paper — Aggressive scraping damages the paper facing, creating rough patches that show through paint
• Leaving adhesive residue — Incomplete cleaning causes new wallpaper to bubble or paint to peel
• Water damage — Over-soaking drywall causes swelling, warping, and potential mold growth
• Gouging plaster — Improper tool use creates divots and scratches in plaster walls
• Incomplete removal — Leaving paper backing or adhesive patches that create uneven surfaces

Professional removal avoids all of these issues. Our team knows exactly how much moisture to apply, which tools to use for each wallpaper type, and how to work efficiently without damaging your walls.

Removal as Part of New Installation

If you are planning to install new wallpaper after removal, we offer combined removal and installation services at a competitive rate. This approach ensures continuity between the two phases — the same team that removes your old wallpaper prepares the walls specifically for the new material you have chosen.

Combined projects benefit from:

• Single mobilization cost instead of two separate visits
• Wall preparation tailored to your specific new wallpaper material
• Consistent quality from removal through final installation
• Streamlined scheduling and faster project completion

Learn more about our residential installation or commercial installation services.

Pricing Factors

Wallpaper removal costs vary based on several factors unique to each project:

• Total square footage of wall area
• Number of wallpaper layers present
• Wallpaper type (strippable vs. vinyl vs. painted-over)
• Wall substrate (drywall vs. plaster)
• Extent of wall repair needed after removal
• Whether removal is standalone or combined with new installation

We provide free on-site estimates so you know the exact cost before work begins. No hidden fees or surprise charges.

Timeline

Wallpaper removal timelines depend on the scope and complexity of the project:

• Single room, one layer: 4-8 hours
• Single room, multiple layers: 1-2 days
• Multiple rooms: 2-5 days
• Full home removal: 3-7 days

These estimates include wall washing and minor repair. Extensive plaster repair or skim-coating may add additional time.

Areas We Serve

Our wallpaper removal team serves homeowners and businesses throughout the Chicago area.

Frequently Asked Questions