can old wallpaper be painted

When wallpaper gets old, worn, and tired—or when you're just tired of your wallpaper —the logical next move is to convert it to a painted wall. In an ideal world, you would effortlessly strip off the wallpaper, exposing bare drywall

, and then paint that drywall. Yet wallpaper is finicky stuff to remove.

Full Answer

What do you need to do to paint over wallpaper?

What Kind of Paint Do You Use to Cover Wallpaper?

• Prepare the Wallpaper Surface
• Ventilate the Room. Ventilate the work area. ...
• Check for Bubbles. Examine the entire surface of the wallpaper for bubbles. ...
• Sand the Seams. ...
• Apply Spackle With a Putty Knife. ...
• Sand the Drywall Compound. ...
• Remove Any Sanding Dust. ...
• Clean the Wallpaper. ...
• Create a Moisture Barrier. ...
• Wait for the Wallpaper to Dry. ...

More items...

Can you put new wallpaper on old wallpaper?

Stripping old wallpaper is a time-consuming task you may be able to avoid. If the existing wallpaper is firmly adhered to the walls and has a smooth texture, free from any embossing, raised embellishments or flocking, you can add a fresh layer of wallpaper over the old by following tips and tricks used by the pros. Remove any nails from the walls.

Can you put Kilz over wallpaper?

Paint the wallpaper with Kilz primer. You can use a roller, a brush or both. Allow the Kilz to dry completely. If color from the wallpaper bleeds through the layer of Kilz, apply another layer to the wallpaper. Once the walls are primed and the color isn't bleeding through, paint the walls as you would normally. References Writer Bio

Can you paint or texture over wallpaper and how?

The bottom line is: Yes, with some exceptions and considerations, you can paint over wallpaper. The secret’s in the preparation. Here’s how it’s done. Steps for Painting Over Wallpaper. Follow these steps to learn how to paint over wallpaper in your home. Step 1: Clean the walls. With a barely damp cloth, wipe the dust and dirt off the walls.

Is it a good idea to paint over wallpaper?

For us, painting over the wallpaper is a big, temporary cover-up. Painting over wallpaper can look really bad. No, like, really, really bad. If you have long edges of wallpaper unrolling or air bubbles beneath the surface, you will be better off removing it completely.

What kind of paint do you use on wallpaper?

The best kind of paint to paint on wallpaper is an oil-based primer but once you have primed your wallpaper you can use pretty much use any kind of paint. I used Sherwin Williams Designer Edition interior latex to paint over the oil-based primer.

What is the best way to paint over wallpaper?

STEP 1: Clean the wallpaper-covered walls with diluted TSP. ... STEP 2: Add extra adhesive beneath the paper's top and bottom edges, then prime. ... STEP 3: Wait for the primer to dry before painting over wallpaper. ... STEP 4: Apply your first coat of oil-based paint. ... STEP 5: Let dry completely and complete a second coat.

Is it better to paint over wallpaper or remove it?

Removing the wallpaper before you paint your wall will generally give superior and long-lasting results compared to painting over it. Wallpaper is typically applied in rows, so if you paint over it, the seams at the end of the rows might show through the paint.

How do you hide wallpaper seams when painting?

Gently sand down the seams of the wallpaper so they're not as noticeable. Apply a coat of oil-based primer to the entire surface of the walls before painting. This helps seal the adhesive in the paper away from the moisture in the paint.

Should wallpaper be removed before painting?

According to most home improvement experts, as well as the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers, wallpaper should be removed before painting whenever possible, as you'll experience better results and fewer problems down the road [source: NGPP].

What is the best primer to use over wallpaper?

4 best primers for painting over wallpaperZinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer. ... Zinsser Cover Stain Interior/Exterior Primer-Sealer & Stain Killer. ... KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer. ... Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer. ... ROMAN PRO-999 Rx-35 Problem Solving Sealer/Primer. ... ROMAN PRO-909 Vinyl Prep Clear Wallpaper Primer.More items...•

Is wallpaper primer necessary?

Priming helps wallpaper paste do its job. It is especially important when papering over difficult to adhere to surfaces like glass, tile, and paneling, or porous surfaces like bare drywall, joint compound, or chalky flat paint.

Can you sand wallpaper off?

If you have trouble getting your liquid solution to penetrate the paper, try sanding the paper using a coarse-grit sandpaper. In some cases, very old wallpaper will show great resistance to water, but sanding can remedy the problem.

What are the pros and cons of painting over wallpaper?

Pros: If you remove the wallpaper first, you'll have a smoother final product. You won't have to deal with air bubbles, frayed edges, rips and tears, dust, and other things that can turn a beautiful coat of new paint into an eyesore. Cons: Removing wallpaper can be time-consuming and, frankly, annoying.

Do painters remove wallpaper?

For those who don't want to deal with the hassle - or those who don't have time - you can hire a professional service to remove old wallpaper. Most painting companies also offer wallpaper removal, and pros tend to do the job quickly and neatly.

How can I tell if my wallpaper is vinyl?

To determine if you're dealing with vinyl, try peeling it off the wall using a joint knife to lift the edge. If the surface coating comes away from the wall in a sheet, it's vinyl. Thick vinyl will come off in full sheets and paste will usually be all that's left on the wall.

What is the first step in painting over wallpaper?

‘The first step in painting over wallpaper is to make sure the walls are completely clean,’ says Emily Perez, Head of Design at Kitchen Infinity. ‘It is necessary to ensure that there are no particles of dust or other dirty things. The priming process is hampered if the wall is not properly cleaned.’

Can you use mild detergent on greasy walls?

It should be barely damp as you don’t want to wet the walls. If the walls are greasy, you could use a mild detergent solution but you may need to use a TSP solution instead. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you wear safety gear. Allow walls to dry thoroughly.

Can you paint over wallpaper?

You can use the paint you prefer to paint over wallpaper, whether it’s oil based or water based. However, before your topcoat goes on, you’ll need to use an oil-based primer on the walls. Never use a water-based primer because it can cause the wallpaper to become loose – which is definitely what you don’t want.

Can you use oil based primer on water based wallpaper?

‘A water-based primer would simply be sucked up by the wallpaper whereas the oil-based one provides that outside layer you need to be able to paint on top of. ’

How to clean a greasy wall?

Step 1: Clean the walls. With a barely damp cloth, wipe the dust and dirt off the walls. Primer won’t stick well to a layer of dust. If the walls are greasy and grimy (think highly-used kitchen), clean them with a diluted solution of TSP.

How to finish a big stretch of paint?

Just as with painting, use a brush to cut in the corners and edges, then use a roller to finish the big stretches. Allow plenty of time to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the space.

Do you have to remove wallpaper first?

You don’t always need to remove wallpaper first . Read this guide to learn when and how to paint over wallpaper. So, you want to change the look and feel of your room, starting with a fresh coat of paint. Standing in your way, though, is a layer or more of wallpaper that was surely the delight of whoever chose it, perhaps many years ago.

Can you remove wallpaper before painting?

If you ask a painting expert or paint manufacturer, you will likely be told that the best approach is to remove the wallpaper first and remove any residual adhesive before painting. But there are times when removing the wallpaper can actually harm the wall beneath.

Can you paint over wallpaper?

The bottom line is: Yes, with some exceptions and considerations, you can paint over wallpaper. The secret’s in the preparation. Here’s how it’s done.

Is it easy to remove wallpaper?

But the good news is that these types of wallpaper are fairly easy to remove . In fact, fortunately, the rule of thumb is that the bad candidates for painting over are easy to remove, and the wallpaper that would be difficult to remove is a good candidate for painting over. So, before deciding to leave the wallpaper in place, try to remove it.

Can you use oil based primer on wallpaper?

No matter which type of topcoat you will be using—oil-based or water-based—you want to use an oil-based primer. That’s because a water-based primer could soak into the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. An oil-based primer will not do that.

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?

Wallpaper was all the rage in the 1990s and earlier, but it has dramatically fallen out of style in recent decades. That’s bad news for homeowners in older homes that still have it on their walls. Even worse is that wallpaper can be tough to remove.

Best Practice: Remove the Wallpaper First

As most professional painters and home renovation experts will tell you, it’s always safest to remove the wallpaper before painting. Once you paint on top of the wallpaper, it will be that much harder to remove. The paint will act as an adhesive between the wall itself and the wallpaper.

How to Paint Over Wallpaper

First, the walls must be as clean as possible before painting. We recommend wiping the walls with a duster or slightly damp cloth and then vacuuming them. Take your time with the vacuum, allowing it to penetrate the deep layers of dirt and dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, no, they will not. That’s because it’s best practice to remove the paper first. Since you’re paying them for a service, it’s their responsibility to do the best job they possibly can. That almost always entails stripping off any old coats of wallpaper before painting, or at a very minimum, skim coating over the paper.

So, Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?

So, can you paint over wallpaper? Yes. But should you? We don’t think so. There are just too many things that can go wrong. If you’re looking to save a buck, it’s worth a shot.

4 Tips for Painting Wallpaper the Right Way

You may be tempted to slap some paint on the wall, but there’s more to it. If you’ve determined that painting your wallpaper is better than removing it, here’s how to paint your paper properly.

Grab the Right Tools

You’ll need more than just paint to cover up wallpaper. Make sure you have these tools handy before getting to work:

Smooth Out the Blemishes

Paint will show every bump, ripple, and edge on the wall. Use a sheetrock knife to just trim any areas where the wallpaper is peeling or the seams are lifting up. Then, apply a primer over the area to seal what’s left and finish it off with a spackling compound.

Clean the Walls (Gently)

Before painting, properly clean the walls so no dust particles get trapped in your fresh paint. Lightly moisten a cloth or sponge to get all the dust and dirt off the walls—but be careful not to spread too much water on the walls, as excess moisture can break down the adhesive and cause new bubbles to form on the wallpaper.

Use the Proper Primer

It’s important to buy the right primer for this job. Typically, old wallpaper has been fixed to the wall over a chemical composite called “sizing,” which was used to protect the plaster.

Reserve More Than One Day for the Job

Have patience. Not only will you need to allow time for the primer to dry, you’ll also need to move through two rounds of paint. A second coat is recommended, especially if the wallpaper you’re painting over is patterned, or if the paint you’re using is lighter than the wallpaper’s color.

How to prevent wallpaper from peeling?

One way to prevent peeling is to apply an adhesive compound where the wallpaper is most vulnerable—at the seams where it meets the ceiling and floor.

Can you paint over wallpaper?

Painting over wallpaper successfully requires proper preparation. This may involve the counterintuitive task of repairing or replacing loose or missing sections of the wallpaper. At the very least, prep work here requires cleaning the walls with trisodium phosphate, a chemical better known as TSP.

Can you seal and prime with oil based paint?

Whether or not you choose to seal and prime, be sure to opt for an oil-based paint when you’re ready to coat the walls. Approach the job as you would any other painting project: Use a paintbrush to cut in at the corners and along edges, then let the roller do the rest.

Can you use primer sealer on water based paint?

Not only does primer-sealer minimize the chances of peeling, but it also provides a surface to which the paint can readily adhere. Use an oil-based primer-sealer, not a water-based product; after all, water and wallpaper don’t mix.

Can you sand a wall with a power sander?

During the interim, consider sanding the wall. It’s tedious, yes—less so if you own a power sander — but sanding minimizes imperfections and could greatly improve the finished appearance of your work. Either way, the very last step is to paint the top coat.

What to do if wall is not painted?

With a cordless drill or screwdriver, remove items from the wall that will not be painted. This might include switch or outlet faceplates, pictures and picture hangers, shelves, or sconce lights. Set these items safely aside. With the painter's tape, tape off all areas that will not be painted.

Where to find loose wallpaper?

You will often find loose wallpaper near doors, windows, light switches, or above baseboards or any type of trim.

How long does it take for a primer to dry before painting?

Let the paint dry for at least two hours , then apply a second coat. Make sure you have enough paint for two coats with the help of The Spruce's Paint Calculator.

What to do with painter's tape?

With the painter's tape, tape off all areas that will not be painted. This might include baseboards, trim, door and window casings, and large shelves. The 8 Best Wallpaper Removers of 2021.

Can you strip wallpaper off drywall?

In an ideal world, you would effortlessly strip off the wallpaper, exposing bare drywall, and then paint that drywall. Yet wallpaper is finicky stuff to remove. Some patches may come off with ease, with other areas simply refusing to budge.

Can you sand wallpaper horizontally?

Be sure to move vertically, not horizontally. Do not press hard or you risk abrading the wallpaper. When done with sanding, gently wipe down the surface with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any dust or debris that might get trapped in the primer or paint.

Can you paint over wallpaper?

The alternative is to paint over the wallpaper. Painting over wallpaper isn't as simple as rolling paint over the paper and letting it dry. It's a process that requires some prep work for successful results. But in the end, painting over the wallpaper is often easier and cleaner than trying to remove it.

How do you hang wallpaper over old wallpaper?

Hanging new wall paper over old wall paper takes some preparation to get it right,but follow these steps and nobody will know that there’s another layer of wallpaper underneath.

Is painting over wallpaper a good idea?

I tried painting over a section of wallpaper in my house to see if it looked ok. It didn’t look great, but it was mainly due to the quality of the old wallpaper, and the uneven walls. I decided to re-skim and paint the walls.

What kind of paint do you use to paint over wallpaper?

If you are painting over vinyl wallpaper, you will definitely need to use a primer before you start painting. Once you have primed the wall properly, you can use any kind of paint emulsion on top.

What order should I decorate a room?

Deciding what order to decorate a room is very important in order to achieve the cleanest possible finish. It’s also important to take the necessary steps using frog tape along skirting and coving edges as necessary to avoid accidental paint marks.

Do you paint the walls or woodwork first?

Painting walls and areas first that tend to have larger surface areas tend to make more sense before moving onto woodwork.

Want more Information?

I hope I’ve answered your wallpapering questions as part of this post, but just incase I haven’t I’ve included some links to some posts that I have found useful as part of my decorating process and maybe you will too.

How to prevent wallpaper from peeling?

Water-based paints and primer may reactivate the wallpaper glue resulting in unwanted peeling. To avoid, prime wallpaper with an oil-based primer to seal the surface. Step 1. Secure loose seams with wallpaper paste so they lie flat.

How to make a wallpaper sanding surface smooth?

Remove any residue, dirt or grime from the wallpaper. Even out wallpaper seams by applying drywall mud to the seams, allowing to dry and sanding smooth. Remove any dust from sanding with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry completely. Step 2.

How to avoid drips on paint?

TIP: To avoid drips, tap off the paint against the inside wall of the bucket. From the bucket, pour paint into a tray and work your roller into the tray until it is fully loaded with paint. For best results, use a 3/8" - 1/2" roller cover. TIP: For larger areas, consider using a 5-gallon bucket and a bucket grid.