Smooth Walls Ready for a Fresh Coat

Wallpaper removal and surface preparation services for homes in the greater Akron, Ohio area

If your home in Akron or surrounding area has old wallpaper that is peeling, stained, or simply outdated, removing it properly before painting prevents bubbling, uneven texture, and adhesive bleed-through. Many older homes in Akron have layered wall treatments that were applied decades ago, and the adhesive residue can interfere with new paint if not fully removed.

Towpath Painting provides wallpaper removal and surface preparation to create smooth, paint-ready walls. The process includes stripping away the wallpaper, removing adhesive residue with solvents or steam, repairing damaged drywall underneath, and skim coating or sanding to create an even surface. Proper prep ensures the new paint adheres correctly and looks smooth once it dries.

If you are planning to repaint and need wallpaper removed first, reach out to schedule a surface preparation estimate in Akron.

What happens when wallpaper is not fully removed

When you schedule wallpaper removal in Akron, the crew starts by testing a small section to determine how the paper was applied and what removal method will work best. Steam or chemical solvents loosen the adhesive, then the paper is scraped away in sections. Residue left behind is scrubbed off to prevent it from reactivating under new paint.

After removal and repair, your walls will be smooth, free of texture or bumps, and ready to accept primer and paint without showing seams or adhesive marks. Skim coating is applied where needed to fill low spots and create a uniform surface across the entire wall.

This service covers wallpaper removal, adhesive cleanup, and surface repair but does not include painting. Painting is scheduled separately once the walls are fully prepped and dry.

Questions homeowners ask about removing wallpaper

People in Akron often want to know how long removal takes, whether it damages the walls, and what happens if multiple layers are present. These questions cover the most common concerns that come up during wallpaper removal estimates.

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How long does wallpaper removal take?
Most rooms take one to two days depending on the type of wallpaper, the number of layers, and how well it was adhered. Heavier vinyl or textured papers take longer to remove than thinner printed papers.
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Will removing wallpaper damage my drywall?
Some surface damage is common, especially if the wallpaper was applied directly to unprimed drywall. Any torn or gouged areas are repaired with joint compound and sanded smooth before painting.
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What if there are multiple layers of wallpaper?
Each layer is removed separately, starting with the top layer and working down to the wall surface. Adhesive from older layers can be more difficult to remove and may require additional scrubbing or steam treatment.
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When should I remove wallpaper instead of painting over it?
You should remove wallpaper if it is peeling, bubbling, or textured, as painting over it will show imperfections and may cause the paper to lift further. Smooth, well-adhered wallpaper can sometimes be primed and painted, but removal is safer.
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What should I do to prepare before wallpaper removal starts?
Move furniture away from walls and remove wall hangings, outlet covers, and switch plates. The removal crew will protect floors and baseboards with plastic sheeting to catch debris and water.

Towpath Painting works with homeowners throughout Akron to strip old wallpaper and prepare walls for smooth, long-lasting paint finishes. If your walls need proper prep before repainting, contact us to schedule your estimate.