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Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. · Saturday – Sunday: ClosedMonday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.Woman ownedContractor license · TN Lic. 000000Lead-Safe Certified Firm (RRP) · US Certificate 000000VerifyGeneral liability · Carrier name added by the owner · Policy # 000000
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  • Lead-Safe Certified Firm (RRP) · US Certificate 000000Verify
  • General liability · Carrier name added by the owner · Policy # 000000
(615) 555-0103
Artis WallcoveringNashville, Tennessee
Book a wall check
Book a wall check
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Removal and wall prep

Old paper off, the wall made ready

Taking down old paper is where the next job is won or lost. We find out what is under it, take it off without gouging the wall, and leave a surface that is flat, sealed and ready for new paper or for paint.

  • Test a corner to see what the paper is

  • Score and soak, or peel dry where the paper allows

  • Wash off the paste and let the wall dry

  • Skim, sand and prime

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Peeling blue and gray paint on an old plaster wall

What we find

What is usually behind it

We can't know until the paper is off, so the quote names what we do if we find it.

  • Layers of paper

    Older houses can have two or three layers. Each one is scored and soaked, and the time is in the quote as a range.

  • Paper pasted to bare plaster

    Plaster that was never sealed can lift with the paper. We stop, seal what is sound and skim what is not.

  • Paint under the paper

    Old paint may be flaking or may be an older lead-bearing coat. We ask the age of the house first and use the work practices the rule asks for.

  • Damp or stained patches

    We point to the likely cause and wait for the wall to be repaired and dry before we prime.

Questions about removal

Will taking the paper off damage the wall?

Sometimes it does, mainly on unsealed plaster and drywall. That is why the quote covers skim coat and priming as a line of its own.

Can I paint over old wallpaper?

We don't recommend it. Seams and texture show through, and the paper can lift under new paint. We take it off first.

Is my house a concern if it was built before 1978?

Federal rules (the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule) apply to paid work that disturbs paint in homes and child-occupied buildings built before 1978. Taking old paper off or sanding a wall can disturb paint, so tell us the age of the house when you call and we will ask again at the wall check. The firm's certification number is on the Credentials list, and terms for any work on an older house are in your written quote.

Do you move the furniture?

We move light pieces. Large furniture is moved by you or by someone you choose, and we cover what stays in the room.

Not sure what is under your wallpaper?

Text a photo of a corner that is peeling and the age of the house.

Text a photoBook a wall check