Updated on 26 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
Wallpaper goes out of fashion and, once you're sick of it, it's time to strip it off properly so you can paint. I'm Pepe, a painter in Elche, and in this guide I'll explain how it's really done, without wrecking the wall, and what makes it cost more or less.
A heads-up: the hard part isn't pulling the paper off, it's leaving the wall smooth and sound so the paint comes out perfect. That's where the real work is.
How wallpaper is stripped
The paper is softened with hot water (a wallpaper steamer is best) so the paste lets go, and it's peeled off with a scraper without digging in, so you don't score the plaster. Then you have to clean off all the paste residue, because if any's left, the new paint won't grip and it'll craze over time.
- Wet it in sections and give the water time to do its work.
- Peel the paper off with a wide scraper, without scratching the wall.
- Get ALL the paste off with water and let it dry before carrying on.
The hard part is leaving the wall right
When the paper comes off you usually find patches, small chips or a slightly uneven wall. Before painting I repair those flaws, skim on a coat of filler where needed and smooth the surface, just like when I strip textured coating. Then it's primer and paint.
That step is what makes the difference between a smooth, professional finish and a wall with lumps that show the moment the light catches it.
How much it costs to remove wallpaper
It depends mainly on how many layers there are, the state of the wall underneath and the metres. A recent paper that comes off in one piece is a world away from several layers stuck on decades ago. That's why I look at it and give you a fixed, free price, with the stripping, smoothing and paint all included: you know the total before I start.
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Can you paint straight over wallpaper?
- I don't recommend it. Even if it holds for a while, the paper ends up peeling with the moisture from the paint and drags the colour off with it. What lasts is stripping it, sorting the wall and painting onto a smooth surface.
- Does removing wallpaper damage the wall?
- Done carefully, no. I soften the paste so the paper comes off without tugging and repair any marks before painting. The wall ends up better than before, smooth and ready.
- Do you leave everything ready to paint?
- Yes. I strip the paper, clean off the paste, repair and smooth the wall and leave it prepped. If you like, I carry on with the paint myself and hand you the room finished.