Paint only looks as good as the wall under it. Old wallpaper, textured ceilings and patched plaster or drywall are the three things that most often stand between a homeowner and a smooth finish. In older Boston homes all three can turn up in the same room.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Boston labor rates, the age of the building and the amount of prep move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
Can you paint over wallpaper?
You can paint over wallpaper, but it is rarely the best choice. The seams and texture show through, and water in the paint can loosen the paste so the paper bubbles. It makes later removal harder too. Painting over is reasonable only when the paper is tight and removing it would wreck the wall. Then the seams are sealed and an oil-based or sealing primer goes on first.
How much does wallpaper removal cost?
Wallpaper removal costs $0.80 to $3.00 per square foot nationally, or $320 to $1,200 for an average room. Paper that has to be soaked and scraped runs $3 to $8 per square foot.
| Room | National range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $160 to $900 |
| Kitchen | $200 to $1,050 |
| Bedroom | $240 to $1,200 |
| Living room | $400 to $2,100 |
On old plaster the paper usually comes off cleanly. Paper stuck straight onto unprimed drywall, or several layers painted over, is the slow kind.
My walls are torn up after removing wallpaper. Can they be painted, and do they need skim coating?
They can be painted after repair, and badly torn walls usually need a skim coat. A skim coat is a thin layer of joint compound spread over the whole wall and sanded smooth. Torn drywall paper is sealed first so it does not bubble. HomeGuide puts skim coating at $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot of wall, or $580 to $800 for a 12 by 12 bedroom.
Can you paint a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?
Yes. You can paint a popcorn ceiling, and it is far cheaper than removing it. It is best sprayed or rolled gently with a thick roller, because the texture soaks up paint and can come loose when wet. The national figure for painting a textured or popcorn ceiling is $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot. Paint makes later removal harder, so decide first whether you want it gone.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?
Popcorn ceiling removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot for removal alone, or $2 to $6 per square foot with new texture and paint, by the national figures. HomeGuide lists 500 square feet at $1,000 to $3,000 and 1,000 square feet at $2,000 to $6,000.
Could my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Yes, it could. Some popcorn ceiling texture from past decades contained asbestos, and you cannot tell by looking. Have a sample tested by a lab before anyone scrapes or sands it. HomeGuide puts lab testing at $20 to $80 per sample and a full asbestos inspection at $250 to $850. If the test is positive, removal is a job for a licensed asbestos contractor, not a painter. Leaving the ceiling alone and painting it is often the simpler path.
Is skim coating cheaper than painting over textured walls?
No. Painting over textured walls is cheaper than skim coating them. HomeGuide adds $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot to paint texture, and puts a skim coat at $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot before any paint. You pay for the skim coat only if you want smooth walls. In old houses, a skim coat is also how tired, patched plaster is made to look even again.
Why does paint show every drywall repair?
Paint shows a repair when the patch was not primed or the texture does not match the wall around it. Joint compound is smoother and more absorbent than painted wall, so the patch looks dull or shiny from the side. This is called flashing. Prime every patch, feather the edges wide and paint the whole wall. Lower sheens hide repairs better.
Can a painter fix holes and dents in drywall?
Yes. Painters fix nail holes, dents, small holes and cracks as part of the job, and drywall repair is one of our services. HomeGuide puts small holes under 4 inches at $300 to $500 as a stand-alone job and large holes at $500 to $800 or more. Many Boston homes have plaster, not drywall. Plaster repair uses different materials, and loose plaster has to be secured or cut out before patching.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (617) 553-6484.