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Painting Over Wallpaper for Pros
An easy way to change the look of a room is with a fresh coat of paint, but often there’s a layer of wallpaper to deal with first. This then raises the question: can you paint on top of wallpaper?
While we nearly always advise removing wallpaper first, this isn’t always possible—or even necessary. In some cases, painting wallpaper is a quick, safe and effective way to breathe new life into a space. This guide will explore the best methods of painting over wallpaper, with advice on techniques and equipment to use. We’ll cover:
Can you paint over wallpaper?
With the right preparation, it’s definitely possible to paint over wallpaper. Although it’s generally recommended to remove it first, this isn’t always the best approach. Removing the wallpaper can damage the wall underneath if it’s pasted over unfinished plaster, for example.
Pulling off several layers of old wallpaper is more time-consuming than simply applying paint, as it also involves sanding to achieve a blemish-free surface. Painting over wallpaper is a quick way to refresh the walls and is often the easier option.
Things to consider before painting over wallpaper
Before painting over wallpaper, there are several key points to consider. From inspecting its condition to checking which type of paper you’re working with, read on to find out more.
Is the wallpaper in good condition?
It’s important to check the condition of the wallpaper before painting it. If it has any noticeable chips or holes, it’s better to strip it off completely and start from scratch. Similarly, it should be removed if it’s loose, ripped, or affected by mould. Painting over damaged wallpaper will just make these issues worse instead of covering them up. It will save you time, effort and money to pull the paper off instead.
Will you be redecorating again soon?
If you’re planning on redecorating in the near future, it isn’t recommended to paint over wallpaper. This is because painted wallpaper is tough to remove and doing so may damage the plaster or drywall underneath. You should be particularly cautious about painting over it if you live in a dated building with exposed brickwork.
Have you recently moved into a new home? If you’re planning to stay there for a long time, it’s better to remove the wallpaper as soon as possible instead of painting over it.
Can you paint over textured wallpaper?
So, can you paint over patterned wallpaper? This is not recommended simply because the pattern may show through the paint. However, if you like the look of textured paper but just fancy changing the colour, you can achieve this by following our simple steps to painting wallpaper below. When doing so, choose a matt paint and remember to wipe away excess paint that gathers in the grooves.
Can you paint over vinyl wallpaper?
Painting over vinyl wallpaper is possible as long as you choose a paintable type and apply an oil-based primer beforehand. An oil-based primer will allow the paint to adhere to the paper, paving the way for smooth, easy application.
Equipment needed to paint over wallpaper
For best results, make sure you have the following essential equipment:
Mild detergent
How to paint over wallpaper
Follow our four easy steps to painting over wallpaper like a pro.
Step 1: Prepare the room
Before you do anything else, it’s important to prepare the room properly. This involves moving as much furniture out as possible, including sofas, chairs and tables.
Place any furniture you can’t remove into the middle of the room and cover it with a dust sheet. Then, lay dust sheets on the floor and across any exposed surfaces, and apply painters tape to the room’s edges.
Step 2: Prepare your walls
The next step is to prepare the walls and ensure they’re as smooth as possible. Identify any loose pieces of wallpaper and stick them down using adhesive. Then, use filler to fix any holes or cracks on the surface.
Top tip: apply a thin layer of the Dulux Decorator Centre Decorators Caulk around the perimeter of the walls to seal air leakage.
After that, it’s time to clean the walls, which can be tricky. Too much moisture means there’s a risk of damaging the wallpaper. On the other hand, you need to use enough water to ensure thorough cleaning. For best results, we recommend using a mild detergent and a sponge. Rinse the detergent with cold water and a clean rag before leaving the walls to dry fully.
It’s important to ensure the wallpaper is completely free of dust and debris, otherwise the paint may not stick properly. You can find a selection of high-quality cleaning products from our range.
Step 3: Prime your walls
Next, apply a primer to the walls for an even finish. Stay away from water-based primers, which can soak into the wallpaper and cause damage, and choose an oil-based primer instead.
If you’re looking for a fantastic product to use, we recommend the Zinsser Wallpaper Cover Up. This is an all-in-one primer, sealer and stain blocker, which protects wallpaper from moisture in the paint and creates a surface that paint can easily be applied to.
Step 4: Start painting
Wait until the primer is completely dry before applying paint. The painting process is very much the same as painting a bare wall. Watch our helpful video to find out more.
Remember to give your chosen paint a good stir before using it. Grab a paintbrush and cut in around the wall’s edges, taking extra care above the skirting boards and around door frames. Then, use a roller to apply paint to the rest of the surface, working your way across in sections.
Wait until the first coat is dry before applying a second. Two coats of paint are usually sufficient, but feel free to apply more until you achieve your desired look.
How to remove painted wallpaper
If you’ve previously painted your wallpaper but fancy a new change altogether, follow our three simple methods below to successfully remove it.
The fabric softener method
This is a straightforward method that involves using a mixture of one-part fabric softener and three-parts warm water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz the entire wallpapered walls. Leave it to sit for around 15 minutes before using a scraper to gently remove the wallpaper.
The white vinegar method
White vinegar does a great job of getting rid of stubborn painted wallpaper. Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and warm water and give it a good shake. Apply all over the walls and leave for 15 minutes before grabbing a scoring tool to lift the paper off.
The steamer method
A wallpaper steamer is a handy tool to rid walls of old paper. It works by heating up hot water and pushing steam through the paper’s layers to loosen the adhesive. You can then peel off the loosened paper yourself. When using a steamer, start at the top of the wall and work your way down. It’s a good idea to put a dust sheet on the floor to collect the pieces.
Painting on wallpaper is a relatively simple process and ideal for giving walls a new lease of life. If you want to apply wallpaper to your walls instead, discover our useful guide on how to hang paper correctly. Or browse the rest of the Dulux Decorator Centre blogs for more design tips and tricks.