Wallpaper Removal Chicago — Professional Stripping & Wall Prep
Tired of peeling, bubbling, or outdated wallpaper? Pro Chicago Painters provides professional wallpaper removal services across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We safely strip all types of wallpaper — vinyl, fabric-backed, foil, and grasscloth — without damaging your walls, leaving a perfectly smooth surface ready for paint.
Why Chicago Homeowners Choose Us for Wallpaper Removal
Removing wallpaper is one of the most tedious and potentially damaging DIY projects a homeowner can tackle. Too much moisture and you damage drywall. Too little and the paper tears in strips. Our team uses professional-grade steamers, scoring tools, and removal solutions to get the job done right the first time.
- Licensed and insured Chicago painters with 10+ years of experience
- Safe removal process that protects your drywall and plaster
- Full wall repair and prep included before painting
- Free estimates — no obligation
- Service all Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs
Our Wallpaper Removal Process
Every wallpaper removal job follows a proven process that protects your home and delivers a flawless result:
- Assessment: We inspect the wallpaper type, age, and wall material to determine the safest removal method.
- Preparation: We protect floors, trim, and outlets with drop cloths and plastic sheeting.
- Scoring: We lightly score the surface to allow moisture to penetrate without cutting into the drywall.
- Removal: Using professional steamers or removal solution, we wet the paper and strip it in large sections.
- Wall repair: We skim-coat, sand, and prime the wall surface, repairing any damage from the removal process.
- Final prep: Walls are sanded smooth and ready for your chosen paint color.
Wallpaper Removal Cost in Chicago
Wallpaper removal in Chicago typically costs between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot, depending on the number of layers, wall material, and wallpaper type. Most homeowners pay between $300 and $800 per room. Factors that affect the price include:
- Number of wallpaper layers (some older Chicago homes have 2–3 layers)
- Whether the wallpaper was properly sized before installation
- Wall material — drywall vs. plaster (plaster is more forgiving)
- Accessibility and ceiling height
- Amount of wall repair needed after removal
Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate. We measure your space and give you an exact price before any work begins.
Wallpaper Removal + Painting — Complete Room Transformation
Most customers combine wallpaper removal with interior painting services for a complete room transformation. We handle both in one visit, saving you time and coordination. After removal and wall prep, we paint with premium Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams paints in any color you choose.
We also specialize in full house painting, cabinet painting, and exterior painting in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions — Wallpaper Removal Chicago
How long does wallpaper removal take?
Most single rooms take 4–8 hours for removal and wall prep. Larger spaces or multi-layer wallpaper may take 1–2 days. We provide a timeline estimate before we start.
Can you remove wallpaper without damaging drywall?
Yes — when done by professionals using the right technique. DIY removal often damages drywall because too much water is applied too quickly. Our team uses controlled moisture and the correct scoring pressure to protect your walls.
Do I need to paint after removing wallpaper?
Painting after removal is strongly recommended. The wall surface is never perfectly smooth after stripping — there are adhesive residue spots, skim-coat patches, and texture differences. A coat of primer followed by paint unifies everything and gives a fresh, clean look.
Can old Chicago plaster walls handle wallpaper removal?
Yes. Plaster walls are actually more durable than drywall and handle moisture better during the removal process. Many older Chicago homes and two-flats have original plaster walls that are excellent candidates for wallpaper removal.
Do you remove wallpaper borders?
Yes, we remove borders, chair rails, full-wall paper, and ceiling medallion paper. Any type of wallcovering can be removed with the right approach.
Schedule Your Free Wallpaper Removal Estimate
Ready to say goodbye to that outdated wallpaper? Call us today or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We serve all Chicago neighborhoods including Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Oak Park, Evanston, Naperville, and all surrounding suburbs.
Call: (773) 360-8951 | Serving Chicago and suburbs since 2014
Wondering about the full cost of your refresh? After wallpaper removal, use our free painting cost calculator to estimate interior painting costs before you call.