Wallpaper Removal for Commercial Buildings and Offices

Advantages of Wallpaper and Vinyl Wallcoverings

For many years, wallpaper and vinyl wall coverings have been popular in residential homes as well as commercial buildings. There are many advantages to wallpaper and vinyl wallcoverings including a wide variety of styles available, overall durability, washable nature, as well as their ability to hide imperfections in the sheetrock. While all of these are great benefits, there are also a handful of disadvantages to wall coverings.

Disadvantages of Wallpaper and Vinyl Wallcoverings

The biggest downside for most homeowners and businesses is the wallcovering style becomes obsolete in 5-10 years after installation. Additionally, wallpaper can be hard to maintain as the edges and seams notoriously come loose and peel. Wallpaper is tricky long-term as well since wallpaper can be very difficult and messy to remove.

At Major Painting, we believe the largest disadvantage of wallpaper and vinyl wall coverings is something many aren’t aware of - mold and mildew - which can often be found behind the wall covering. Mold and mildew frequently reside behind wall coverings due to moisture intrusion between the wallcovering and sheetrock and having no way to escape. The wallcovering does not usually reveal these mold or mildew areas in an obvious manner due to the stain blocking and durability of the wall covering.

Wallpaper Pros and Cons

Why Your Wallpaper Should Be Removed

After removing thousands of square feet of wallpaper and vinyl wallcoverings over the last decade, Major Painting has come to realize the largest benefit to wallpaper removal is the improved air quality due moisture no longer being trapped behind wallcoverings!

Whether you’re looking to improve aesthetics, air quality or anything in between, you may be interested in removing your wallcovering at some point. It’s very important to understand that removing wallpaper can be a very challenging and tedious process. We recommend you consult with an experienced professional at the very least and consider contracting this work to a qualified contractor.

Wallpaper Removal

Our Wallpaper Removal Method for Best Results

After years of experience and tens of thousands of square feet of wallpaper and vinyl wall covering removal, we can say there is one ideal method we recommend to yield “like new” walls. It seems every contractor has their own method to the wallcovering removal madness. Some competitors may even say Major Painting’s method is extensive and tedious due to the preparation required, but what we can guarantee is your walls will look like new when this method is executed correctly.

1) Remove wall coverings from wall

It is very important to be as careful as possible in this first step not to damage the underlying sheetrock more than what’s absolutely necessary. Due to the existing adhesive used, you’re going to damage the sheetrock to a certain degree, but we recommend taking your time and minimizing the damage as it will save you time in the later steps. If you’re having a hard time you can try the following:

For residential wallpaper, you can dampen it using a pump-up sprayer to help loosen the glue, or they make wallpaper removal steamers.
Typically, commercial vinyl wall coverings will pull nicely, but if you’re having troubles you may try a heat gun.

2) Remove Glue Residue

In this step you will want to remove as much glue residue as possible using an orbital hand sander. It’s very important to get this step right as it sets up the whole project for success.

3) Apply Wall Sealer

At Major Painting we use Roman RX-35 Interior Dywall Repair and Sealer primer. We have had great luck with this product as it helps seal the sheetrock, resulting in a good base from which to build.

4) Skim the Walls Complete and Sand

After your wall sealer has cured, you will want to skim the walls with drywall mud with the goal of creating a smooth surface. After the drywall mud has dried you will take an orbital sander to it sand the wall smooth, resulting in a smooth new wall! We highly recommend an experienced professional completing this step as it’s an acquired skill.

5) Prime Walls with Drywall Primer

Now that you have a smooth new wall, you will want to apply (1) coat of drywall primer to the wall to seal the drywall mud and ensure your finish paint will properly adhere to the wall.

6) Detail and Apply Two Coats of Finish Paint

After the drywall primer has cured, you will want to review the wall and look for any imperfections in it. If you find any nicks or dings you, then should apply a thin coat of drywall mud to these areas and sand smooth. Your wall should be smooth as possible and free of imperfections before applying any finish paint. Lastly, apply two coats of a high-quality interior finish paint!

Wallpaper Removal Methodology

Start Your Wallpaper Removal Project

Keep in mind, wallpaper removal is a delicate process that benefits greatly from a trained expert. If you’re interested in professionally removing your wallpaper from your commercial building, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Major Painting to setup a time to review your project.

The team at Major Painting would be happy to consult with you and provide an estimate to complete your project!

Content Reviewed by Chase DeRousse