Cost, Common Problems & What Facility Managers Should Know
Real Project Walkthrough: Senior Living Facility
Quick Answer
Commercial wallpaper removal in Schaumburg, IL typically costs between $2–$3 per square foot depending on:
- Type of wallpaper
- Condition of the walls underneath
- Amount of drywall repair required
- Adhesive removal difficulty
- Priming and sealing requirements
Most professional commercial wallpaper removal projects include:
- Wallpaper removal
- Adhesive residue removal
- Drywall and surface repairs
- Sealing and priming for new finishes
For difficult surfaces, we commonly use GARDZ Problem Surface Sealer to stabilize and prepare the walls properly.
The Question Facility Managers Always Ask
“Can’t We Just Wallpaper Over the Existing Wallpaper?”
In most commercial environments, the answer is no.
And depending on the building type and wallcovering system, layering wallpaper may create code compliance concerns.
More importantly, it creates long-term adhesion risks.
Why Wallpaper Over Wallpaper Fails
Old wallpaper introduces multiple unknowns:
- Weak or deteriorated adhesive underneath
- Poor original installation methods
- Multiple existing layers
- Moisture or drywall damage hidden behind the wallcovering
If the original wallpaper installation fails, every layer installed on top of it eventually fails too.
What We Found on This Schaumburg Project
This wallpaper dated back to the early 1990s.
In several areas, wallpaper had been installed directly over unprimed drywall.
If a new layer had been installed over the existing surface, the entire system would eventually separate from the wall.
The correct approach was:
- Full wallpaper removal
- Surface repair
- Proper sealing and priming before reinstalling finishes
Your new wallcovering is only as reliable as the surface underneath it.
What We Found Behind the Wallpaper
This project quickly became more than a basic wallpaper removal job.
Behind the existing wallcoverings, we discovered:
- Unpatched wall damage
- Drywall deterioration from the original installation
- Areas with bare drywall under the wallpaper
- Heavy clay-based adhesive buildup
- Uneven surfaces hidden for decades
Without complete removal and preparation, any future finish would have failed prematurely.
Our Commercial Wallpaper Removal Process
40 Hours of Removal, Cleaning & Prep Work
This project required approximately 40 labor hours due to the level of adhesive cleanup and wall repair involved.
Step 1: Remove Fixtures & Wall Items
We carefully removed mounted fixtures and secured artwork using specialty tools to avoid unnecessary wall damage.
Step 2: Apply Wallpaper Removal Solution
We used a DIF wallpaper removal solution system:
- Spray application
- Roller saturation for deeper penetration
- Proper dwell time before removal
Allowing the solution to fully penetrate the adhesive significantly reduced drywall damage during removal.
Step 3: Strip Wallpaper
Once saturated, wallpaper was removed carefully in sections to minimize tearing and substrate damage.
Step 4: Remove Adhesive Residue
This is the step many contractors rush.
Complete adhesive removal required extensive washing and cleaning — approximately 30 labor hours alone.
Residual glue left on walls often causes:
- Paint adhesion failure
- New wallpaper failure
- Uneven finishes
- Bubbling and texture issues
Step 5: Repair Damaged Walls
After removal, we repaired:
- Holes and dents
- Torn drywall facing
- Uneven wall surfaces
- Areas damaged during previous installations
Step 6: Seal & Prime the Surface
This is one of the most important steps in the process.
We sealed the walls using GARDZ Problem Surface Sealer to:
- Stabilize damaged drywall
- Lock down porous surfaces
- Improve adhesion for future finishes
- Create a consistent surface for repainting or wallcovering installation
DIY vs. Professional Wallpaper Removal
| Factor | DIY Removal | Professional Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | Often 2–5x longer | Efficient and scheduled |
| Risk of Wall Damage | High | Controlled and minimized |
| Adhesive Removal | Frequently incomplete | Thoroughly cleaned |
| Final Finish Quality | Inconsistent | Properly prepared surface |
| Equipment & Materials | Limited | Commercial-grade systems |
DIY wallpaper removal often appears less expensive initially.
However, incomplete glue removal or drywall damage frequently leads to higher repair costs later.
Common Problems in Commercial Wallpaper Removal
Facility managers often encounter the same issues repeatedly:
Hidden Conditions
- Wallpaper installed over bare drywall
- Multiple wallpaper layers
- Adhesive residue never removed from prior renovations
- Damage concealed behind older wallcoverings
Timeline Challenges
- “Simple removal” becomes a repair project
- Occupied buildings limit work hours
- Coordination with tenants or residents
- Unexpected prep requirements after removal begins
Special Considerations in Senior Living Facilities
This Schaumburg project took place inside a senior living facility.
That changes how the work must be handled.
In occupied healthcare and senior living environments, projects require:
- Safe work practices around residents
- Reduced noise and disruption
- Daily cleanup and accessibility
- Coordination around resident schedules and activities
Experience matters in occupied commercial environments.
Why This Wallpaper Removal Took 40 Hours
At first glance, 40 labor hours may sound excessive.
But older commercial wallcovering projects are rarely simple.
This project involved:
- 30+ year-old wallpaper
- Improper original installation methods
- Extensive adhesive cleanup
- Hidden drywall damage
- Significant repair and prep work
Wallpaper removal is often less about removing the paper itself — and more about properly preparing the surface afterward.
Fast and inexpensive wallpaper removal usually means corners are being cut somewhere in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wallpaper over wallpaper?
In commercial settings, it is generally not recommended and may create code or adhesion concerns.
Why does wallpaper damage drywall?
When wallpaper is installed over unprimed drywall, the adhesive bonds directly to the paper facing, which tears during removal.
What is the best way to remove wallpaper?
Proper saturation with removal solution, adequate dwell time, careful stripping, and complete adhesive removal.
How long does commercial wallpaper removal take?
Commercial projects can require dozens of labor hours depending on wall condition, adhesive buildup, and repairs needed.
Is priming necessary after wallpaper removal?
Absolutely.
Without sealing and priming, surfaces remain unstable and future finishes may fail.
Who This Service Is For
We regularly help:
- Facility managers
- Property managers
- Commercial building owners
- Senior living administrators
- Healthcare facilities
These projects require more than basic painting knowledge.
They require surface restoration, coordination, and careful project management.
Why Facility Managers Choose D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper
We understand that commercial clients are not simply hiring painters.
They’re hiring a contractor who can complete the project professionally without creating additional problems.
What We Offer
- Vetted and background-checked crews
- Free touch-ups within one year
- Complimentary color consultations
- Clean, respectful work practices in occupied spaces
- Experience working in healthcare and senior living environments
Referral Program
Know another property or facility that needs wallpaper removal or repainting?
Refer a project and receive $200 through our referral program.
Schedule a Commercial Wallpaper Removal Estimate
If you manage a commercial property in Schaumburg or the surrounding area, we can help evaluate:
- Existing wallcovering conditions
- Surface preparation needs
- Repair requirements
- Realistic project timelines and costs