Refreshing your home’s walls is a great way to update your space—but before you can apply that perfect new paint color, proper preparation is key. One of the most overlooked yet important steps is removing old wallpaper correctly and preparing the surface for a smooth, clean paint finish. With the right strategy and expert support, you can achieve stunning, long-lasting results.

1. Assess the Wallpaper & Wall Condition

Start by examining the condition of your wallpaper and underlying wall surface. Some wallpapers come off easily, while others—especially older or improperly installed ones—may be more stubborn. If you’re unsure, it’s worth consulting professionals who can assess whether concrete floor skim coat work or wall repairs will be needed afterward.

2. Safe & Thorough Wallpaper Removal

Proper wallpaper removal involves more than just peeling off layers. A thorough process typically includes:

  • Scoring the wallpaper surface to loosen the adhesive

  • Applying a wallpaper remover or warm water

  • Gently peeling or scraping the paper off

  • Cleaning off all residual paste

Hiring experienced professionals like Purely Paint for wallpaper removal services helps avoid damaging your walls and ensures the job is done cleanly and efficiently.

3. Repair and Skim Coat

Once the wallpaper is removed, your walls might need some repair work. This could include patching holes, filling cracks, or skim coating the surface to create a smooth foundation. Skim coating is especially useful if the wall texture is uneven or if adhesive has soaked into the drywall.

4. Prep for New Paint

After repairs, the walls need to be cleaned, sanded, and primed before applying any paint. Dust, grease, and old paint flakes should be removed. Primer is critical to help the paint adhere properly and to prevent old stains or marks from bleeding through.

5. Paint or Add New Wallpaper

Now comes the fun part—transforming your walls with a fresh coat of paint or a new wallpaper design. With a properly prepped surface, your new finish will look flawless and last longer. If you’re located in Long Island or nearby, working with a trusted interior painting Nassau County specialist ensures a polished result.

Why Use Purely Paint?

DIY efforts can sometimes lead to uneven surfaces, leftover adhesive, or wall damage. Our skilled professionals bring experience, tools, and techniques to make sure everything is handled carefully—from start to finish. You’ll save time and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you need professional wallpaper removal or full wallpaper removal and painting, turning to us can make all the difference.

Contact Us!

Prepping your home for wallpaper removal and new paint may sound simple, but each step matters. Whether you’re updating a single room or your entire home, proper preparation leads to beautiful, lasting results. For a stress-free experience and superior finish, consider working with our experienced technicians who specialize in wallpaper removal service and interior upgrades. 

Ready to get started? Contact Purely Paint today for an estimate.