Let’s talk about wallpaper. It’s a great way to add your unique style and personality to a space, choosing from fun colors, textures, and patterns. But like most things – wallpaper doesn’t last forever. So, can you paint over wallpaper? Or should it be removed before updating your walls?
While removing wallpaper before painting is typically the choice recommended by professional painters for a clean, long-lasting finish, there are times when painting over wallpaper is possible and actually makes more sense. In this blog post, we’ll break down when to remove wallpaper, when it’s a good choice to paint over it, how to approach painting textured wallpaper, and the steps to take if you choose to paint.
In This Post
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
Most often, removing wallpaper and any residue underneath before painting is the preferred method. However, there are situations in which painting over wallpaper may be a better option.
Here’s a few things to consider that may make painting over wallpaper more conducive:
- Damage to the Wall – Removing wallpaper could damage the wall if it was applied to unfinished drywall or plaster.
- Multiple Layers of Wallpaper – Removing multiple layers of wallpaper can be very difficult and time-consuming, potentially causing more damage.
- Time and Effort – Painting over wallpaper can be a quicker, less labor-intensive option for updating your walls, especially if you’re not looking for the best possible finish.
When You Shouldn’t Paint Over Wallpaper
If your wallpaper is peeling in multiple places and isn’t securely adhered to the wall, painting over it will only make those imperfections stand out more. In this case, removing it is the best option.
Many homeowners also wonder, can you paint over vinyl wallpaper or textured wallpaper? These types of wallpaper can be trickier to paint over, especially super textured wallpapers. It will require a lot of primer to achieve a smooth surface to work with. Vinyl wallpaper is fairly easy to remove, so that is ideal.
Why It’s Usually Better to Remove Wallpaper Before Painting
Removing wallpaper before painting is typically the best option if you’re looking to refresh your walls.
Most wallpapers, if applied correctly, can last up to 10 years. While it might be your first thought to just give it a quick update with paint, there are a few key reasons why that might not be the best choice.
Removing wallpaper before painting provides:
- Better Results – Removing wallpaper gives you a smooth, even surface to paint. If you skip this step, you might end up with bubbling, peeling, or seams showing through – even under multiple coats of paint.
- Long-Term Durability – Painted wallpaper can trap moisture and lead to peeling, mold, or adhesive failure over time. Removing the wallpaper helps ensure your paint job lasts.
- Easier Future Removal – Once wallpaper has been painted over, it’s significantly more difficult to remove. You’ll likely need more tools, time, and elbow grease if you ever want to take it down later.
When You Can Paint Over Wallpaper
While removing wallpaper is often the most ideal route, painting over wallpaper can be a practical (and even preferred) choice in certain situations.
- Properly Adhered Wallpaper – If your wallpaper was applied correctly and is securely attached to the wall with no signs of peeling or bubbling, painting it can be a great option.
- Potential Wall Damage – If your wallpaper was applied directly to unfinished drywall or old plaster, removing it could do more harm than good – ripping off drywall or plaster and leaving gouges and uneven spots in the surface behind.
- Multiple Layers of Wallpaper – If there are two or more layers of wallpaper on your walls, removing it becomes a much more difficult, time-consuming, and tedious task.
- You Need a Quick Fix – If you’re looking for a quick fix, especially in a low-traffic or temporary space, painting over wallpaper may be better than attempting to remove wallpaper.
Step-by-Step Guide For How to Paint Over Wallpaper
If you decide to paint over wallpaper in your home, follow this step-by-step guide for how to do it the right way.
Step 1: Inspect the Wallpaper
First, inspect the wallpaper to ensure it’s firmly attached to the wall with no loose seams or bubbling. If there are areas of imperfection, fix them by carefully applying wallpaper adhesive and letting it dry completely.
Step 2: Clean the Walls
Wipe down the wallpaper with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dust, dirt, and grime. If the walls are greasy or grimy, like in a kitchen, use a diluted solution of TSP and water to clean them. Be careful not to soak the walls, as that could affect the adhesive below the wallpaper. Cleaning the wallpaper will ensure your primer adheres properly, which is very important when painting over wallpaper. Allow the wallpaper to dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Seal the Seams and Texture
Use a joint compound or caulk to fill in seams or any surface imperfections. If you’re painting textured wallpaper, you may want to lightly sand the entire wall using a palm or orbital sander to get it as smooth as possible. Be sure to wipe the dust away with a damp cloth afterwards.
Step 4: Tape Off Molding and Trim
Use painter’s tape or Frog tape to carefully tape off any molding, trim, wainscot, or baseboard that you want to protect when painting.
Step 5: Prime the Walls
When painting over wallpaper, priming is an essential step. Apply a stain-blocking, oil-based primer to seal the wallpaper and prevent it from bleeding through and loosening the wallpaper adhesive. We also recommend using two coats of primer for wallpaper paint jobs. Use a brush to cut in the corners and edges and finish with a roller. Allow the primer to dry in between coats and before you go in with your paint.
Step 6: Paint the Walls
Once the primer is completely dry, apply two coats of a high-quality interior paint in your desired finish. Not sure which paint to go with? Learn more about choosing the best paint products for your interior in this blog post.
Ready to Update Your Walls?
Whether your wallpaper is needing an update, or you’re ready for a design change, use this guide to help you decide whether you should remove or paint over the wallpaper.
Remember, removing wallpaper is generally the best option before painting. This ensures a better, more durable finish and prevents future issues with peeling or bubbling wallpaper underneath.
However, if you’re worried about damaging the walls or removing multiple layers of wallpaper, painting over wallpaper may be the better option – as long as you take the proper steps that we shared above.
Whichever route you go, make sure you prep thoroughly and use the right materials and techniques in order to get long-lasting, professional-looking results.
Need help deciding whether to paint or remove your wallpaper? Contact us today and learn more about how Oak City Coatings can help bring your vision to life!
Looking for a wallpaper expert to partner with to brighten your space? Learn more about our trusted partnership with Gordon Price, a trusted Raleigh door and wallpaper expert, in this blog post.
