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Old Wallpaper Removal in Margate, FL

The short answer

We take down old wallpaper in Margate by testing the paper type first, then dry-stripping, soaking or steaming with as little water as the job allows. We wash off the paste film, repair any torn drywall and prime so the wall can be painted or papered.

If you bought a Margate home or condo and found wallpaper in the kitchen, the hall bath or behind the bedroom closet doors, you are in good company. Plenty of older properties in 33063 still carry paper from earlier owners, sometimes painted over, sometimes topped with a second pattern. Removing it is the first step to a clean, modern wall, and the way it comes off decides how much repair the drywall needs afterward. PrimeWall Interior Solutions removes wallpaper across Margate, about seven miles northwest of our Fort Lauderdale base. This page covers what we look for, how we strip each type, the cleanup most people skip and how we leave the wall ready for its next finish.

Signs it is time to take it down

Seams lifting at the corners, bubbles in the middle of strips and dark spots near the ceiling of a bathroom all point to paper that has lost its bond. In a humid climate, those issues tend to get worse, not better. Painting over failing paper only buys a little time; the edges usually curl again within a season or two.

Others simply want a different look. If you plan to paint, sell or install new wallpaper, starting from a clean, primed wall gives a far better result than layering over what is already there.

  • Peeling seams or corners
  • Bubbles or loose areas in the middle of strips
  • Stains or dark spots suggesting moisture behind the paper
  • Dated patterns or borders you want gone before painting
  • Paint that has started cracking over old paper

Testing before we start stripping

Every removal begins with a small test in a hidden area. We lift an edge with a putty knife and see how the paper behaves. Some modern strippable papers pull away cleanly. Vinyl papers often peel, leaving a paper backing that then needs soaking. Older pulp papers and anything painted over are bonded more tightly.

We also check whether the drywall was primed before the paper went on. If it was not, the drywall's own paper face can tear with the wallpaper, so we switch to a gentler, slower process.

How we remove it

Dry stripping is the easiest and happens first wherever it works. For anything that resists, we score the face lightly, apply a warm solution that softens the paste, wait for it to soak in and lift the paper with a wide scraper held at a low angle. Steam is a last resort for heavy or painted layers.

Inland Margate homes do not deal with salt air, but indoor humidity still runs high for much of the year. Adding a lot of water to a room can soften drywall and encourage mildew. We work one section at a time, keep the AC on and run fans to dry the wall as we go.

The cleanup step that matters most

After the paper is gone, a thin layer of paste stays on the wall. You might not see it, but you will feel a slightly slick surface. Paint over that residue often crackles or peels, and new wallpaper may struggle to stick. We wash the wall with clean water, rinse and repeat until the surface feels like bare drywall.

Once dry, any torn drywall paper is sealed with an oil- or shellac-based primer so moisture from joint compound will not bubble it. We patch, sand and, where needed, skim the whole wall to restore a smooth finish.

Getting ready for the next finish

A final coat of primer prepares the wall for paint or new wallpaper. If you want to repaint, you can do it yourself or hire a painter; if you would like new paper, we can install it once the primer has cured. Many clients bundle removal and installation into one project to save time.

We also remove wallpaper in North Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill.

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What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Honest prep advice

    If a wall needs skim coating, crack repair or a moisture check first, we tell you before the job starts, not halfway through it.

  2. Pattern planned on purpose

    We decide where the first strip lands so the motif centers on a focal point and the least visible seam ends up in a corner.

  3. Climate-aware materials

    We help you pick papers and adhesives suited to humid bathrooms, salty coastal air and rooms where the AC cycles all day.

FAQ

Common questions

Don’t see your question? Call (561) 823-3201 and we’ll talk it through.

How do I know what kind of wallpaper I have?

We test a small hidden spot. How the paper peels tells us whether it is strippable, peelable or traditional and which method will work best.

Is it okay to paint over wallpaper?

It can work short term, but seams often show and peeling can return. Removing it gives a cleaner, longer-lasting result.

Will removal damage my walls?

Small areas of torn drywall paper are common, especially on unprimed walls. We repair and prime them as part of the job.

What if there is mold behind the paper?

We will point it out. Small areas can be cleaned and treated, but the moisture source should be fixed before new finishes go on.

Can you remove wallpaper borders only?

Yes. Borders are often glued over existing paint, so we take care to limit damage to the paint around them.

Do you install new wallpaper after removal?

Yes. Many Margate clients have us remove the old paper and hang new paper as one project.

Tell us about the room you want to change

Send a few photos and the rough size of the walls, and we will talk through prep, paper options and timing for your home.

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