You just bought a new-to-you house in Chicago, and you are already over the wallpaper. Perhaps it is old, not a style you like or stained. If you keep old wallpaper up, it can make your home look dated and boring. Tackling the project may seem overwhelming. Did you know that an interior painting contractor can help? Our company has helped many people in Elmhurst IL give their interiors makeovers that help them enjoy their living space more. If you are considering what to do with the offending wallpaper, these are some options.

Remove the Wallpaper

If the wallpaper is very old and was not applied correctly, you may be lucky enough to peel it off easily. In recent years, peel-and-stick wallpaper gained popularity because it can easily be peeled away. However, in most cases, wallpaper is applied with an adhesive that can make it hard to remove. A strong adhesive remover is necessary to strip away both the wallpaper and the residue from the adhesive. Also, you will need to have a good scraping tool to help scrape away tough pieces. One of the biggest problems with DIY removal of wallpaper is when the wallpaper is stuck to drywall. When that happens, you must be especially careful since you can easily gouge the drywall with a scraper. In older houses, there may be more than one layer of wallpaper. For example, if the house you just bought is 120 years old, there may be five or more layers of wallpaper. Once you remove the wallpaper, you may decide that you want paint instead.

Paint Over the Wallpaper

Some people choose to paint over wallpaper. When this is the method of choice, it is important to make sure that all the seams or edges of the wallpaper are glued down firmly. If they are not, they will protrude and leave the paint looking uneven. The same is true if there are tears or patches. This is only an ideal choice in some cases. In many cases, the wallpaper is damaged. If there are multiple layers, the paint may make the wallpaper come away from the wall easier. However, if there is one thin layer of wallpaper on drywall, the paint may look smooth when it dries.

Apply More Wallpaper

You may see that there were multiple layers of wallpaper applied to the wall. If this is the case, you may decide to draw some inspiration from past owners’ choices and simply apply a new layer of wallpaper. This is not an ideal solution. However, it may work in some cases. If there is peeling or torn wallpaper, remove it first. You will need to ensure that the existing paper is glued down well. If any areas are not glued properly, you will likely see bubbled areas after you apply the new wallpaper.

Apply a Different Wallcovering

There are other forms of wallcoverings that you can apply. Beadboard is one popular example. It comes in sheet-like pieces that work like panels. You can create a variety of looks with it. For example, you can add some wainscoting to give it a luxurious appearance. You can use it to cover the lower portion of the wall, one wall, the entire room or whatever you want. In comparison with some other forms of materials, beadboard is easier to cut and work with. This is especially true if you want to cover the entire wall. There are other materials you can use as well.

Call a Painting Contractor

This is the easiest, smartest and most effective solution to your wallpaper woes. Interior painters have the right tools and equipment to quickly strip away unwanted tacky wallpaper, saving you hours of arm-tiring scraping. They can also apply wallcoverings or fresh paint. If you are unsure about what to do with old wallpaper or how to get the exact color of paint you want, they can help. Inside house painters have ways to show you how paint colors will look in a large room instead of simply showing you a small square.

Finding Interior Painters in Elmhurst

If you need experienced and reliable inside house painters in Elmhurst, Final Touch Painting & Decorating is here to help. We understand that removing old wallpaper is a painstaking process without the right equipment and tools, and most homeowners do not want to invest money in tools and supplies. Our interior painters can help you determine the right choice for your project and can help you find the right solutions for your interior painting needs. Our painters will be happy to consult with you on scheduling and are flexible to help accommodate your needs. We have years of experience in home remodeling and interior painting, and our team is committed to the highest level of quality customer service. Let us help you turn your home renovation ideas into reality. Our team of friendly and professional tradesmen finish jobs on time and on budget, and they are fully insured and licensed. Please contact us to receive a free estimate or learn more about wallpaper removal options in Elmhurst IL.