We know that stripping paper can get a bit splashy. That’s why we take extra care to cover your floors and furniture with thick drop sheets. We use a tidy wallpaper steamer setup to keep water drips to a minimum, and we take all the old, soggy paper away with us when we’re done. You won’t be left with a bin full of sticky scraps!
Sometimes, older Geelong homes have multiple layers of history on the walls. We’ve seen cases where there are three or four layers of paper dating back decades! During our initial look, we assess the type of paper – whether it’s vinyl, woodchip, or traditional paper – so we can use the right strategy. This prevents unnecessary moisture from sitting on your walls for too long.
Not all glues are created equal. Some older adhesives can be quite stubborn and resistant to heat alone. In these cases, we use eco-friendly, non-toxic removal solutions that break down the chemical bond of the paste without leaving harmful fumes in your home. This ensures that the wall smoothing phase results in a surface that is truly clean, not just “visually” clear.
Why It’s Best to Call in the Pros
Old wallpaper can hide all sorts of things - cracks, holes, or even layers of old glue from the 1980s. If you try to remove wallpaper from drywall without the right gear, it’s very easy to accidentally gouge the wall, which means more repairs later.
The Right Steam
We use a professional wallpaper steamer to gently soften the old glue. It’s much faster and safer for your walls than just soaking them with a sponge.
Saving Your Walls
We use a gentle technique to lift the paper without scratching the plaster underneath.
Getting Rid of the "Goo"
We don't just take the paper off; we make sure every bit of old, sticky paste is washed away.
Wall Smoothing Getting a Perfect Surface
Once the old paper is gone, your walls might look a bit tired. That’s where our wall smoothing comes in. As part of our wallpaper removal and surface preparation Geelong service, we make sure the “bones” of your room are perfect.
Patching Holes
We fix any dents or cracks that were hiding under the old paper.
A Light Sand
We give the walls a quick sand to make sure they are flat and smooth to the touch.
The All-Important Primer
We put on a special sealer. This makes sure that any new paint or paper sticks perfectly and doesn't flake off later.
Ready for a Fresh Start
Whether you’ve just moved into a place with “interesting” vintage wallpaper or you want to update a room you’ve lived in for years, we’re here to help. By the time we’ve finished the stripping wallpaper and smoothing things out, your room will be a blank canvas ready for whatever colour or pattern you choose next.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be a bit wet and sticky, but we do our best to keep it contained. We use drop sheets to protect your carpets or floorboards and clean up all the paper bits as we work so your home stays tidy.
If you scrape a dry wall, it will definitely leave marks. By using a wallpaper steamer, we turn the old glue back into a liquid, which lets the paper slide right off without hurting the drywall underneath.
Most standard-sized rooms can be stripped, cleaned, and smoothed out in about a day or two. If there are multiple layers of paper, it might take a little longer, but we'll let you know upfront.
We really don't recommend it. The moisture in the paint can make the old wallpaper bubble or peel off later, ruining your new paint job. It's much better to do the wallpaper removal and surface preparation properly from the start.
Don't worry! Part of our wallpaper removal and surface preparation Geelong service is fixing up those "surprises." We handle minor plastering and wall smoothing to make sure the wall looks brand new again.
Yes, we bring everything - from the wallpaper steamer to the scrapers and cleaning supplies. You don't need to provide a thing.
Sometimes old paste can have a bit of a musty scent when it gets wet, but once we’ve washed the walls down and they’ve dried, the smell disappears completely.
Almost! Once we’ve finished stripping the wallpaper and priming the surface, the walls usually need a few hours to dry completely. After that, they are perfect for new paper or paint.
