Wallcovering & Installation

RESTORE THE APPEARANCE. PRESERVE THE INVESTMENT.

Consider restoring their appearance prior replacement.

Over time, operable partition walls endure constant use, leaving vinyl, fabric, carpet, and decorative wallcoverings worn, stained, torn, or outdated. Fortunately, a complete wall replacement is often unnecessary. Precision Service & Installation (PSI) specializes in professionally recovering operable partition panels, restoring their appearance while extending the life of the entire system at a fraction of the replacement cost.

Recovering movable wall panels requires far more than applying new material. Our experienced technicians carefully remove existing finishes, prepare panel surfaces, replace damaged substrates when necessary, reinstall trim and edge components, and apply manufacturer-approved adhesives and installation techniques. The result is a professional, factory-quality finish that not only enhances aesthetics but also helps preserve panel performance, acoustical integrity, and long-term durability.

SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST

With more than 40 years of specialized wallcovering expertise.

Partition wall recovery is one of the most specialized services in the operable wall industry, and it requires extensive product knowledge, precision craftsmanship, and years of hands-on experience. PSI has successfully restored movable wall systems throughout the United States, working with convention centers, hotels, municipalities, as well as collaborating with manufacturers, architects, designers, and project managers.

Unlike many contractors who subcontract this highly specialized work, PSI performs every recovery with our own experienced technicians. Our team understands the unique construction of  operable partition systems, ensuring each project is completed using the proper materials, adhesives, safety procedures, and installation methods. We’ve seen firsthand how improper recoveries can compromise appearance, acoustical performance, air quality, and even the structural integrity of the panels. When you choose PSI, you’re choosing proven craftsmanship with industry leading experience.

What you can expect:

  • PSI Inspection with clear, detailed condition reports with expert insight.
  • Rust Remediation – We remove rust from wall systems, preventing further deterioration and ensuring longevity.
  • Adhesive Abatement Services – We ensure that walls have the proper adhesive coating and resolve any previously failed adhesives to maintain structural integrity.
  • We replace and repair wallcovering bringing walls back to their original state, addressing any damage and wear and tear.

THE PROCESS

Operable AirWall Partition Recovery: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Recovering operable partition panels and air walls requires specialized knowledge that goes far beyond traditional wallcovering installation. Unlike wallpapering a stationary wall, operable partitions contain precision engineered components, removable trim, vertical edge assemblies, seals, and hardware that must be carefully disassembled, protected, and reinstalled to maintain the wall’s appearance, acoustical performance, and operational integrity.

Every recovery begins with a thorough inspection of the partition system. Our technicians carefully remove trim pieces, vertical panel edges, and other necessary components before preparing each panel surface for its new finish. Using manufacturer approved adhesives and proven installation techniques, the new wallcovering is applied while the panels remain suspended in their operating position, ensuring proper alignment, consistent seams, and a professional, factory-quality appearance.

Improper installation can lead to loose coverings, damaged panel faces, failed adhesives, reduced sound ratings, misaligned trim, and costly repairs that often exceed the price of doing the job correctly the first time. At PSI, our experienced installers understand the unique construction of operable wall systems and follow industry best practices on every project. The result is a beautifully restored partition system that looks exceptional, operates properly, and provides years of reliable performance.

Problems that often develop:

  • Rust underneath the old wallcovering
  • Wallcovering that has been applied with an adhesive that’s too strong to allow stripping
  • Substituting thicker or thinner wallcovering than what was on the panels originally
  • Improper installation resulting in bubbles and/or wrinkles.

DUSTING, DAMPENING & DRYING

Step 1: Preserve the Panel Finish

Regular cleaning helps maintain the professional appearance of your operable wall system while preventing dirt and debris from damaging the surface. Dust or vacuum panels frequently using a soft microfiber cloth or upholstery attachment. Clean surfaces with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive soap, using a damp “not saturated” cloth to avoid excessive moisture.

Because operable walls are manufactured with a variety of finishes, cleaning methods should always match the panel material:

What makes the difference:

  • Vinyl & Laminate: Wipe with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, solvents, or ammonia-based products.
  • Fabric & Carpet: Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment. For stains, gently blot using a manufacturer-approved fabric cleaner “never scrub the material”.
  • Wood Veneers: Periodically apply a manufacturer-approved wood cleaner or conditioner and polish with a soft cloth.
  • Ink or Pencil Marks: Small marks may be removed with rubbing alcohol after first testing an inconspicuous area.

PSI's Three-Step System Preservation Guide

Step 2: Operate Your System Correctly

Proper operation is one of the most important factors in extending the life of an operable partition. Panels should always move smoothly through the track system without excessive force. If resistance is encountered, stop operation and identify the cause rather than forcing the panel into position.

Before moving any panel, confirm that all mechanical seals are fully retracted and door latches are properly disengaged. When storing panels, stack them neatly within the storage pocket to prevent unnecessary contact, surface damage, or misalignment. Taking a few extra moments during setup and storage can significantly reduce long-term wear on the system.

PROTECTING YOUR WALLS DURING EVENT SETUPS

One of the most common sources of damage to operable partition walls occurs during event setup and breakdown, not from normal operation, but from vendors and service providers. Production companies frequently stack road cases, audio/visual equipment, staging, and freight directly against partition panels, while catering teams often position buffet lines, coffee stations, beverage tables, and service carts against finished wall surfaces. These practices can result in scratches, gouges, torn wallcoverings, impact damage, moisture stains, and permanent discoloration that are often expensive to repair.

Event Managers, Facility Directors, and Operations Teams play a critical role in protecting these valuable assets. Establishing designated equipment staging areas, requiring vendors to maintain adequate clearance from operable walls, and routinely monitoring room setups can dramatically reduce unnecessary damage. A few simple preventative measures during every event help preserve the appearance of your meeting spaces, protect your investment, and ensure your facility continues to present the professional image your guests expect.

Step 3: Know When to Call PSI

(800) 330-1200

Small issues rarely remain small. Difficulty moving panels, damaged seals, unusual noises, loose hardware, misaligned panels, or visible wear are often early warning signs that should be addressed before they become costly repairs. Prompt attention not only protects your investment but also helps maintain safety, acoustical performance, and reliable operation.

WE UNDERSTAND!

Because we've been in your role

  • We understand that an air wall isn’t just an air wall, it’s a ballroom that has to convert in 30 minutes before a 2,000-person luncheon.
  • We know that a scratched partition isn’t simply cosmetic, it reflects on a luxury hotel’s brand standards.
  • We understand why preventive maintenance matters because we’ve been the person receiving the midnight call when a divider wouldn’t move before an event.
  • We recognize that downtime affects revenue, guest satisfaction, labor costs, and a facility’s reputation, not just repair costs.