Brown Torn Paper on the Wall
Likely cause: Gypsum facing pulled off with the paper.
What we do: Sealed with an oil-based primer, then skimmed.
Al Salam Tower, Office 15B, Al Barsha, DubaiEvery day, 8am to 10pm
Even careful removal can reveal torn gypsum facing, old fixing holes, scraper gouges and uneven patches that the wallpaper used to hide. We seal torn facing, fill and sand defects and skim the wall where needed, so it is smooth enough for paint or new paper.
Diagnose
Likely cause: Gypsum facing pulled off with the paper.
What we do: Sealed with an oil-based primer, then skimmed.
Likely cause: Water paint soaked into torn facing.
What we do: Cut out, sealed and filled.
Likely cause: Scraper held at a steep angle.
What we do: Filled and sanded flush.
Likely cause: Fixings hidden behind paper.
What we do: Filled and spot primed.
When gypsum board facing tears, the brown paper underneath is exposed. Water-based paint or skim soaks into it and makes it bubble. Sealing it first with a solvent-based primer is essential.
We check finished walls with a light held flat against the surface, which shows up any ridges before paint does.
For bigger damage, see drywall repair. For leak damage, see water-damaged drywall repair, and for painting, wall preparation.
Side Light
A flat light shows ridges before paint does.
Seal First
Never paint straight onto torn gypsum facing.
Smooth Again
Removal often uncovers damage the paper was hiding.
We seal, fill, skim and sand walls smooth.
Process
An oil-based or shellac primer stops paint soaking into exposed paper.
Holes and gouges are filled with lightweight filler.
Patchy walls get a thin skim coat for a uniform surface.
The wall is sanded and checked with a side light.
Yes. Torn paper facing is sealed, gouges and holes are filled and the wall is skimmed and sanded where needed, so it is ready for paint or new wallpaper.
It can if paper was hung without primer or is ripped off dry. We score, soften and lift paper gently and repair any torn surface, so the wall ends up smooth.
Yes. When removal, wall repair and painting are booked together, the total is lower than booking each separately, because the team, protection and access are shared.
Wallpaper removal starts from AED 15 per square metre for easy papers and from AED 25 per square metre for vinyl, fabric or painted-over paper. Wall repairs and priming are quoted after the paper is off. Prices vary and can change depending on your exact requirements, the materials and access to the property, so the final price is confirmed after we see photos or visit.
Pricing Guide
Repairs priced per square metre or per wall.
From AED 10*/m²
Solvent primer.
From AED 25*/m²
Sanded smooth.
From AED 150*
Per wall.
Quoted on inspection
Severe damage.
*Prices shown are starting guides only. They vary and can change depending on your requirements, the size of the job, the surface, the materials and access to your building. You agree the final price before any work begins.
Tools and Materials
Seals torn facing. Stops bubbles. Essential.
Fills holes and gouges. Low shrink. Smooth.
Thin, even coat for patchy walls. Uniform. Paint ready.
Smooth finish with less dust. Clean. Precise.
Based in Al Barsha since 2014, we work across every Dubai community with trade-specialist technicians and a workmanship guarantee on every job.
Torn facing sealed first. Paint stays flat. Lasting.
Side light inspection. No ridges. Premium.
Skim only where needed. Fair price. Right result.
Paint or paper straight after. Simple. Quick.
We repair walls after wallpaper removal across Dubai.
Based at Al Salam Tower, Office 15B, Al Barsha First
Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Palm Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan
Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Barsha, Tecom, The Greens
Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills, The Springs, The Meadows, Damac Hills, Motor City, Sports City, JVC, JVT, Town Square
Deira, Bur Dubai, Mirdif, Al Warqa, Silicon Oasis, Al Qusais
Send photos and we will quote repair.