Wallpaper Removal Toronto | Steam & Strip

Quick Answer

Wallpaper removal in Toronto costs $1-$2 per square foot. A standard bedroom costs $150-$300. We use steam and scoring method to carefully remove paper, strip adhesive residue, repair walls, and prepare for paint. The result is clean walls ready for fresh colour.

Get your free wallpaper removal quote here.

Professional Wallpaper Removal

Painting over wallpaper is the most expensive shortcut in interior finishing. Within six to twelve months, the paste underneath releases moisture from the new paint film, the seams telegraph through as visible ridges, and the entire wall has to come off and start over. The right answer is always to remove the paper first, strip the adhesive residue completely, repair whatever the wallpaper was hiding, then prime and paint.

The technique depends on what we find under a scored corner. Modern strippable papers from the 1990s onward release in long, intact sheets with a basic perforator-and-warm-water soak. Older Toronto buildings frequently have multiple layers (we've pulled five layers off a single Annex bedroom wall: 1970s vinyl, 1960s flock, two layers of mid-century paper, and the original 1920s burlap), and each layer takes its own approach. Heritage burlap and grasscloth get steamed at low pressure to avoid scorching the underlying plaster. Vinyl-coated papers get scored aggressively first because the vinyl face blocks moisture penetration.

What comes off the wall reveals what's underneath, and that's where most quotes go sideways. Wallpaper hides cracks, water stains, drywall damage, and sometimes raw unprimed gypsum that absorbs paint unevenly. We assess the wall the same day we finish removal and price any drywall repair (see our drywall repair scope) before paint goes on. Skipping the assessment and rolling paint straight onto a freshly stripped wall is the second most reliable way to get a callback.

What's Included in Wallpaper Removal

• Scoring: We perforate the wallpaper surface so moisture penetrates
• Steaming: We use steam to soften adhesive and loosen paper
• Careful scraping: We scrape paper away without gouging drywall
• Adhesive stripping: We remove all remaining adhesive residue
• Wall assessment: We identify damage, holes, cracks, or stains revealed by removal
• Wall repair: We repair any damage found (holes filled, cracks taped and spackled)
• Sanding: We sand smooth any rough areas or repairs
• Wall prep: We prime any patched areas so paint coverage is even
• Cleanup: All wallpaper debris removed, walls cleaned, ready for paint

Wallpaper Removal Pricing in Toronto (2026)

Pricing includes removal, adhesive stripping, basic wall repairs, and prep for paint. Extensive wall repairs or difficult wallpaper may increase cost.

Identifying What You're About to Remove: Era and Adhesive Chart

The technique that works on 2010s peel-and-stick is the same technique that destroys 1950s plaster underneath original burlap. Identifying what's on the wall determines whether removal takes one day or three, and whether the underlying surface needs heavy repair or just a wash. The rough Toronto era chart we use at walk-through:

The two highest-risk wallpapers in a Toronto context are vinyl-coated (the vinyl face blocks moisture and frustrates standard steaming) and pre-1970 hide-glue paper on lath-and-plaster walls (steaming saturates the plaster and can cause sections to detach from the lath). On both, we test a small section before committing to full-room removal and discuss alternative options including overlay drywall (1/4" applied over the existing surface) when removal would damage the substrate more than it's worth.

Wallpaper Removal Techniques

The Steam and Score Method (Our Approach)

Step 1: Scoring We perforate the wallpaper surface using a scoring tool. This creates tiny holes that allow steam and moisture to penetrate and loosen the adhesive.

Step 2: Steaming We apply steam to the scored surface using a commercial steamer. Steam softens the adhesive. We let steam sit briefly so moisture penetrates.

Step 3: Scraping We carefully scrape away softened wallpaper using a plastic scraper (metal would gouge drywall). We work in sections, re-steaming as needed.

Step 4: Adhesive Removal After paper is removed, residual adhesive remains. We use a solution to further loosen adhesive and scrape remaining residue. Multiple passes may be needed.

Step 5: Cleaning We rinse walls with clean water and allow to dry. We may apply a cleaning solution to remove any remaining stickiness.

This method is gentler than alternatives and works well for most wallpaper. It takes longer than dry scraping but results in less wall damage.

Types of Wallpaper and Removal Difficulty

Standard Paper Wallpaper (Easiest)

• Single-layer paper backing with water-based adhesive
• Absorbs moisture readily
• Removes relatively easily with steam
• Common in older Toronto homes

Removal time: Quickest, usually 4-8 hours per room.

Vinyl Wallpaper (Moderate Difficulty)

• Plastic-coated paper layer
• Water and steam do not penetrate easily
• Vinyl layer must be peeled away first, leaving paper backing
• Then paper backing is removed

Removal time: Longer, requires more scoring and steaming.

Fabric-Backed Wallpaper (Difficult)

• Cloth backing instead of paper
• Does not absorb moisture as readily
• Requires aggressive steaming
• Sometimes needs chemical solutions

Removal time: Slowest, labour-intensive.

Grasscloth and Specialty Finishes (Difficult)

• Natural materials woven into backing
• Moisture can damage the material
• Requires careful, gentle technique
• May need chemical solution instead of steam

Removal time: Varies, depends on material.

Wall Damage Under Wallpaper

Wallpaper often hides wall problems. Once removed, we may find:

Holes and Gouges

From nails, picture hangers, or wallpaper seams. We fill these with spackling compound before painting.

Cracks

Walls crack due to settling, temperature swings, or foundation movement. We tape and spackle cracks before painting.

Water Stains

Indicate past or present moisture problems. We block stains with primer before painting.

Mould or Mildew

Wallpaper traps moisture and mould can grow. If we find mould, we clean with antifungal solution and address ventilation before painting.

Peeling Paint Under Wallpaper

Sometimes wallpaper was applied over painted walls that are peeling underneath. We remove peeling paint, sand smooth, and prepare before painting.

Rough or Textured Walls

Old walls may have bumpy plaster or uneven surfaces. We assess and discuss options, smooth with joint compound or paint and accept texture.

Wallpaper Removal and Painting as One Project

Combining wallpaper removal and painting is efficient and makes sense.

The Process:

1. Remove wallpaper, Scored, steamed, scraped, cleaned
2. Assess walls, Identify damage and repairs needed
3. Repair walls, Fill holes, tape cracks, patch damage
4. Prepare for paint, Prime repaired areas, sand smooth
5. Paint, Fresh colour goes on properly prepared walls

Timeline: Wallpaper removal day one, repairs dry overnight, painting days two and three. Total project time: 3-5 days.

Cost: Removal + painting is usually less than separate contractors.

Special Wallpaper Situations

Wallpaper Removal in Bathrooms

Bathrooms are humid. Wallpaper absorbs moisture and can trap mould. After removal, ensure good ventilation. Prime with moisture-blocking primer before painting.

Wallpaper Removal in Kitchens

Kitchen wallpaper absorbs grease and cooking residue. Adhesive is often stronger due to buildup. Removal is labour-intensive. Walls often need extensive cleaning and repair.

Wallpaper on Ceilings

Ceiling wallpaper is less common but sometimes present. Removal is more difficult (working overhead). Steam and gravity work against you. We handle it but it takes longer.

Multiple Layers of Wallpaper

Old walls sometimes have wallpaper over older wallpaper. Removal takes longer because each layer must be scored and steamed separately.

Wallpaper Removal Process

Step 1: Free Assessment

You request a quote and we visit. We assess wallpaper coverage, type (paper, vinyl, fabric), and wall condition underneath if visible. We estimate square footage and give you a fixed price.

Step 2: Protection

We protect flooring and furniture with drop cloths. Wallpaper removal is wet and messy.

Step 3: Scoring

We use a scoring tool to perforate wallpaper across the wall surface.

Step 4: Steaming

We apply steam to scored areas, allowing moisture to penetrate and loosen adhesive.

Step 5: Scraping

We carefully scrape wallpaper away using plastic scrapers. We work in sections, re-steaming as needed.

Step 6: Adhesive Stripping

After paper is removed, we clean remaining adhesive using solutions and scraping.

Step 7: Wall Assessment

We inspect walls and identify any damage or repairs needed.

Step 8: Repairs

We fill holes, tape cracks, and sand smooth any rough areas or damage.

Step 9: Wall Preparation

We prime any patched or repaired areas so paint coverage is even.

Step 10: Final Cleanup

All wallpaper debris removed, walls cleaned, home cleaned and ready for painting.

Why Choose Condo Painters Pro for Wallpaper Removal

• Systematic approach. Scoring, steaming, scraping, cleaning, we do it methodically.
• Gentler technique. Steam and score method is gentler than aggressive dry scraping.
• Wall care. We minimize wall damage during removal. Any damage is repaired before painting.
• Combined services. We remove wallpaper and paint as one efficient project.
• Experience with Toronto homes. We have removed wallpaper in hundreds of homes and condos.
• Fixed-price quotes. Honest pricing with no hidden fees.
• Preparation matters. Good wallpaper removal and wall prep ensures paint goes on to a perfect surface.

Wallpaper removal is the foundation of a quality paint job. Walls must be clean, smooth, and properly prepared. We handle this work with care and expertise.

Toronto Neighborhoods We Serve

We remove wallpaper across the Greater Toronto Area: Downtown Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville, and beyond.

Related Services

Pair wallpaper removal with these complementary services:

• Interior Painting, Paint walls after wallpaper removal
• Bedroom Painting, Remove bedroom wallpaper and paint
• Drywall Repair, Repair wall damage discovered during removal
• Kitchen Painting, Remove kitchen wallpaper and paint

Get Your Free Wallpaper Removal Quote

Ready to ditch that wallpaper? Call us at (416) 896-1071 or request your free quote. We will assess the wallpaper, discuss the removal process, and give you an honest price. Combine with painting for an efficient, complete project.