Ideally, wallpaper removal is quick and easy—just peel it off, with no mess, no wall damage, and no stubborn adhesive left behind. In a perfect scenario, the paper was installed correctly on a properly prepped wall, making removal a smooth process that leaves your walls clean and ready for fresh interior painting .
Careful testing, enzyme/steam removal, residue neutralization, and wall prep for paint or new paper.
Unfortunately, wallpaper removal rarely goes as planned. Many walls were never properly sized (primed before wallpaper installation), meaning the paper has bonded tightly to the drywall or plaster. Instead of peeling off in large, satisfying strips, it tears into tiny, stubborn pieces. The adhesive might refuse to release, leaving behind a sticky, patchy mess. The removal process can quickly turn into a nightmare—damaged walls, gouged drywall, unexpected repairs, and frustration levels rising. What starts as a simple DIY project often ends in regret, stress, and maybe even a drink to ease the pain.