Wallpaper removal in Warsaw — preparing walls for painting

Old wallpaper is the single biggest obstacle between you and a clean paint finish. In Warsaw apartments — especially the 1960s–80s blocks in Praga-Polnoc or the pre-war tenements in Srodmiescie — one layer of wallpaper often hides two or three more underneath. Decades-old adhesive has bonded to the plaster like concrete, the paper tears into tiny strips, and the wall behind may be crumbling. If you want paint that actually looks good and lasts, proper wallpaper removal and wall preparation is where you start.

How much does it cost and what affects the price

Current prices are in the table below. The cost depends on wallpaper type (paper, vinyl, non-woven), the number of layers, adhesive type, and total wall area. A single layer of paper wallpaper comes off faster than three layers of vinyl glued with PVA. Our tools are included in the price. Consumables (solvents, protective sheeting) are charged separately. Waste removal is available for an extra fee.

How the on-site work goes

1. The technician inspects the walls: identifies wallpaper type, number of layers, adhesive type, and condition of the substrate underneath.
2. Floors and furniture are covered with protective sheeting — water, glue, and wallpaper scraps will be everywhere.
3. Sockets and switches are isolated from the mains and taped over with masking tape (water plus live electrics equals a short circuit).
4. Wallpaper is soaked with warm water from a spray bottle, or a specialist adhesive remover is applied. For vinyl wallpaper, the surface is first scored with a spiked roller so moisture can reach the glue.
5. After 10–15 minutes the softened wallpaper is scraped off with a broad scraper, starting from the seams. A steam stripper is used on stubborn sections.
6. Adhesive residue is washed or scraped away. The wall is checked for flatness and plaster integrity.
7. If the substrate is loose or damaged, the technician recommends next steps: priming, filling, or patch-plastering.

Common customer mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Ripping wallpaper off dry — the paper tears into tiny pieces, the glue stays on the wall, and the job takes three times longer.
• Flooding the wall with water without preparation — water runs down to the floor, gets into sockets, and damages laminate flooring.
• Not checking how many layers there are — you start stripping the top layer and discover two more underneath, blowing the whole time estimate.
• Sticking new wallpaper over old — “to save time”. Six months later the new layer bubbles and peels off together with the old one.
• Leaving sockets energised — a wet scraper touches a terminal and trips the breaker (best case).
• Using an overly aggressive solvent without a patch test — damages the plaster or plasterboard behind the wallpaper.
• Not protecting the floor — scraps of wet, gluey wallpaper dry onto laminate and leave stains.

What to prepare before the technician arrives

• Move furniture at least one metre from the walls, or clear the room entirely.
• Remove pictures, shelves, curtain rails — anything mounted on the walls.
• Ensure access to the consumer unit — the technician will isolate the circuit for the room.
• Have large rubble sacks ready — there will be a lot of waste.
• If you have hardwood or laminate flooring, let the technician know so extra floor protection can be laid.
• Make sure hot water is available — warm water softens adhesive far faster than cold.
• Open a window for ventilation, especially if a chemical remover will be used.
• Tell the technician what you plan after removal: painting, new wallpaper, decorative plaster — the required level of wall preparation varies.
• Provide building access details: intercom code, parking.

A real case from Warsaw

A one-bedroom flat in Zoliborz, a 1972 concrete-panel block, roughly 35 m² of wall area. The new owner wanted to paint everything white for a fresh, modern look. The existing wallpaper was textured vinyl — it looked like one layer, but after scoring and soaking, a second layer of paper wallpaper appeared underneath, glued with what turned out to be casein adhesive. The vinyl top layer came off in large sheets once the spiked roller and warm water did their job — about two hours for the whole flat. The paper layer underneath was a different story. Casein glue, after forty-plus years, had essentially petrified. The technician switched to a steam stripper and worked in half-metre sections: steam, wait ten minutes, scrape. The bottom layer took a full day. Once every scrap was off, the walls were in fair shape — a few hairline cracks and one patch of loose plaster near the window. The technician cleaned the adhesive residue, stabilised the loose patch, primed everything, and left the walls ready for paint. The owner was pleased — the final painted result was clean, smooth, and completely free of the lumps and seams that plagued the old wallpaper.

Frequently asked questions

Can I paint over old wallpaper without removing it?
Technically yes, but the result will be poor. Paint will reveal every seam, bubble, and texture of the wallpaper. If the wallpaper is lifting anywhere, the paint will peel off along with it.

What’s the difference between removing vinyl and paper wallpaper?
Vinyl is waterproof — you need to score the surface first with a spiked roller or a “wallpaper tiger” so water can reach the adhesive. Paper wallpaper absorbs water directly.

Steam stripper or chemical remover — which is better?
A steam stripper is ideal for large areas and multiple layers, and it works without chemicals. A chemical remover is better for localised patches with particularly stubborn glue. We often use both methods on the same job.

How long does wallpaper removal take in one room?
A single layer of paper wallpaper in a 15 m² room — 3 to 4 hours. Multiple layers of vinyl on PVA — it can take an entire day.

Will the plaster be damaged during removal?
It depends on the wall condition and the adhesive type. If aggressive glue (like PVA) was used and the plaster is old, localised damage is possible. The technician will assess this and suggest a repair plan.

Do I need to strip old wallpaper before hanging new wallpaper?
Yes. New wallpaper over old holds poorly — over time it will lift together with the old layer. The only exception is if the existing wallpaper is perfectly flat and firmly bonded, but that is rare.

Who does the work

Wallpaper removal and wall preparation is carried out by experienced decorators who know the quirks of Warsaw buildings from every era. Call or message us — we’ll assess the scope and find a date that suits you.