Best way to smooth walls that have peeled and bubbled wallpaper
Martha Hughes 27/07/2026 - 7.57 AM
Hi, both small bedrooms in my house have old wallpaper that has been painted over multiple times and is starting to peel. Some of it is badly bubbled in the corners of each room too. Under some of the peeling, I can see hairline cracks in the plasterboard.
What is the simplest and most cost effective way to get smooth walls please? I can't afford to fully plaster and reboard both bedrooms but I want to do a good enough job that all walls looks smooth and fresh. Is it possible to remove the paper myself for someone skim over what's underneath? Thanks in advance
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
I wouldn’t recommend skimming over old wallpaper, especially if it’s already peeling and bubbling, as the new plaster is only as good as the surface underneath. Removing the wallpaper yourself is a great way to save money, and most plasterers will be happy to skim once the walls are clean and properly prepared.
Hi there .I can tell you now that all the paper will need to be removed.And there isn’t any other way apart from re skimming the areas where you need the paper to be done .You won’t need to reboard it.After you take the paper off it will need to be painted with blue grit as the walls are too old the PVA only will not be the best option.You can get in touch with me I can help you sort it out and will give you the best possible cost
Everything is possible!
Best tool to remove wallpaper completly is a steamer(for £30 you can get from b&q or in some online shops with tools). Once you removed wallpaper scrape any loose parts of the wall. If you have any cracks on it fill them with tourpet flex- fill. If cracks are bigger on top of that is good to use mesh tape(drywall joint tape) and fill it with any drywall filler. Wait until completly dry and sand it down. You might required to put another coat sometimes. Once dry sand it down again (120 sand paper grid). Prime entire wall with some PVA and paint.
