Why Pressure Washing Matters Before Exterior Painting in Frederick, MD
July 14, 2026
Front Door Paint Colors That Boost Curb Appeal in Frederick, MD
July 28, 2026
Pulling down dated wallpaper is one of the most satisfying home updates—until a “quick weekend project” turns into days of scraping, gouged drywall, and stubborn glue residue. Before you start peeling, it pays to understand what you’re really taking on. This guide compares DIY and professional wallpaper removal in Frederick, MD, breaks down the methods and costs, and helps you decide which approach makes sense for your walls and your schedule.
Why Wallpaper Removal Is Trickier Than It Looks
Wallpaper seems simple: grab a corner and pull. But most wallpaper comes off in frustrating little pieces, leaving behind a layer of dried adhesive that has to be softened and scraped away. Underneath, the condition of your walls is the real wildcard. Homes around Frederick range from new builds with primed drywall to older houses where paper was hung directly on unprimed walls or even plaster—and those surfaces are far more prone to damage.
Get it wrong and you’re not just removing wallpaper; you’re repairing torn drywall paper, filling gouges, and skim-coating before you can paint. That’s why removing wallpaper before painting is a step worth doing carefully.
The Main Removal Methods
There’s no single “right” way—the best method depends on the wallpaper type and what’s behind it.
- Soaking and scraping. Warm water mixed with a removal solution is applied, allowed to soak in, then the paper is scraped off. Effective but slow and messy.
- Steam wallpaper removal. A steamer loosens the adhesive with heat, which works well on stubborn or multiple layers. It’s faster but requires care to avoid damaging plaster or overheating drywall.
- Scoring tools. A perforating tool lets water or steam reach the adhesive behind non-porous papers. Press too hard and you’ll score the wall itself.
- Peel-and-stick / strippable papers. Newer papers may pull away cleanly in full sheets—the best-case scenario, but you won’t know until you test a corner.
DIY vs. Professional: An Honest Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower out of pocket | Higher, but includes repair |
| Time | Days for one room | Hours to a day per room |
| Wall damage risk | High, especially on older walls | Low; repairs handled |
| Mess and cleanup | Yours to manage | Handled |
| Ready to paint after | Often needs prep work | Yes, surface left paint-ready |
DIY can absolutely work—particularly with newer strippable wallpaper over primed drywall in a small room. Where homeowners get burned is older homes, textured or layered wallpaper, and large or high-ceiling spaces where the time and damage risk climb quickly.
What Professional Wallpaper Removal Includes
Professional wallpaper removal isn’t just faster—it’s a complete service. A pro typically:
- Tests a section to identify the wallpaper and wall type.
- Protects floors, trim, and outlets.
- Removes all layers of paper and adhesive cleanly.
- Repairs any damaged drywall or plaster.
- Primes and leaves the wall smooth and paint-ready.
That last point matters. The goal isn’t a bare wall—it’s a wall ready for a flawless finish. To understand why prep is so important, see why wallpaper removal matters before painting in Frederick homes.
What Does Wallpaper Removal Cost?
Wallpaper removal cost varies with the number of layers, the adhesive, wall condition, and room size. DIY costs little beyond a steamer rental and supplies—but the hidden cost is your time and any repairs you may trigger. Professional pricing is usually quoted per room or by square footage and folds in cleanup and minor repairs. For an accurate number, an in-home estimate is the only reliable way to price your specific walls.
For a step-by-step look at homeowner removal techniques, Family Handyman is a solid outside resource.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
Choose DIY if you have a small room, newer strippable wallpaper, primed drywall behind it, and time to spare. Choose a professional if you have older or plaster walls, multiple or textured layers, large rooms, or you simply want the walls left smooth and paint-ready without the risk. When the goal is a clean repaint, having a pro handle removal and prep in one pass often saves money over fixing DIY damage later.
Ready to get that outdated paper off the walls? Explore our wallpaper removal service in Frederick, and if you’re nearby, we also help homeowners with interior and exterior painting in Middletown.
Frederick Painting & Supply, Inc. proudly serves Frederick, MD and the surrounding communities of Urbana, Walkersville, Middletown, Braddock Heights, Ballenger Creek, and Spring Ridge. Call 301-473-4773 or visit our contact page to request a free, no-pressure estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to remove wallpaper or paint over it?
It’s almost always better to remove it. Painting over wallpaper can trap seams, bubbles, and adhesive that telegraph through the new paint and peel over time. Proper wallpaper removal before painting gives you a smooth, durable surface that looks far better.
Can I remove wallpaper myself?
Yes, especially newer strippable papers over primed drywall in a small room. The risk rises with older walls, plaster, textured or layered paper, and large spaces, where DIY removal can gouge the wall and create repair work. When in doubt, test a corner first.
What is the easiest way to remove old wallpaper?
For stubborn or layered paper, steam wallpaper removal is usually the most effective method because heat loosens the adhesive. For strippable papers, simply peeling from a corner may work. Soaking with warm water and a removal solution, then scraping, is the classic approach.
How much does professional wallpaper removal cost in Frederick, MD?
Wallpaper removal cost depends on layers, adhesive, wall condition, and room size, so pricing is typically quoted per room or by square footage. Professional quotes usually include cleanup and minor repairs. An in-home estimate is the most accurate way to price your specific walls.
Will removing wallpaper damage my walls?
It can, particularly on older or unprimed walls and plaster. Adhesive that bonds tightly to drywall paper can tear the surface during removal. Professionals minimize this by identifying the wall type first and repairing any damage, leaving the wall smooth and ready to paint.
Shawn Zimmerman started painting in the summer of 1991, the year before he graduated high school. Shawn decided to pursue his career in the family business and continued to develop his skills in the trade while also developing the necessary skills to manage the business. Shawn enjoys being outdoors, canoeing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing and spending time with family.
