A paint job is only as smooth as the wall under it. In the Bronx that wall is very often old plaster, sometimes under wallpaper, sometimes under a textured coating.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. New York City labor, building rules, access and the state of your own walls 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. Seams show through, edges lift and the moisture in paint can loosen the paste.
It is sometimes the lesser evil. If the paper is stuck fast to old plaster or to unprimed drywall and removal would wreck the wall, the paper can be sealed with an oil based primer, the seams filled and the wall painted. We test a corner to see how it comes off.
How much does wallpaper removal cost?
Wallpaper removal costs $0.80 to $3.00 per square foot of wall, by the national figures, or $320 to $1,200 for an average room.
| Room | National range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $160 to $900 |
| Kitchen | $200 to $1,050 |
| Bedroom | $240 to $1,200 |
| Living room | $400 to $2,100 |
Several layers, painted over paper and paper on bare plaster all push toward the high end. Soaking and scraping is listed at $3 to $8 per square foot.
Walls are torn up after removing wallpaper. Can they be painted, and do they need skim coating?
Yes, they can be painted, and badly damaged walls usually need a skim coat first. A skim coat is a thin layer of compound spread over the whole wall and sanded smooth.
Leftover paste must be washed off or sealed, or it cracks the new paint. Skim coating costs $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot of wall by the national figures.
Can you paint a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?
Yes, you can paint a popcorn ceiling. It is done with a thick roller or a sprayer, gently, because the texture softens when wet and can come off on the roller.
Painting a textured ceiling costs $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot by the national figures. Painting also makes later removal harder, since paint seals the texture against water.
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 the ceiling refinished and painted, by the national figures.
Popcorn ceilings are less common in the Bronx than in newer suburbs. They turn up in buildings and renovations from the 1960s to the 1980s. Old plaster ceilings here more often have a swirled or stippled plaster texture.
Could my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Yes, it could, if it was applied before the 1980s. You cannot tell by looking. A lab test of a sample is the only way to know.
By the national figures, an asbestos inspection with testing costs $250 to $850, and lab testing is $20 to $80 per sample. Do not scrape or sand the ceiling until you have the result. If it contains asbestos, removal is not painting work. In New York City, asbestos work is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection and must be done by licensed asbestos contractors.
Is skim coating cheaper than painting over textured walls?
No. Painting over a textured wall is cheaper than skim coating it. Skim coating adds $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot before any paint.
Skim coating is the choice when you want flat, modern walls. It is common in pre-war apartments where plaster has been patched many times and no longer reads as one surface.
Why does paint show every drywall repair?
You see the repair because the patch and the wall around it have different texture and absorb paint differently. The effect is called flashing.
The cure is to feather the patch wide, sand it flush, prime it and then paint the whole wall from corner to corner. Dabbing paint on the patch alone almost always shows. Low sheen paint hides repairs better than a shiny one.
Can a painter fix holes and dents in drywall?
Yes. Holes, dents, cracks and popped screws are everyday work for a painter, in drywall and in plaster.
By the national figures, a drywall contractor charges $300 to $500 for small holes and $500 to $800 or more for large ones, with a minimum job fee. As part of a paint job, small repairs are included in the prep. Whole sheets, water damaged ceilings and structural cracks are quoted as their own line.
Can cracked or bulging plaster be repaired?
Yes, in most cases. Cracks are opened, taped and filled. Loose plaster is fastened back or cut out and patched.
A bulge means the plaster has let go of the lath behind it. Small areas are cut out and patched. If a whole ceiling is loose, it should be replaced or covered with new board, and we will say so.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (718) 866-3263.