Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? (And Should You)
Wallpaper is a great way to add interest, character, and drama to a room. But not all wallpaper is fabulous. No matter how cool your furnishings and taste, old, dated, and peeling wallpaper must go. But the question is: can you paint over wallpaper?
It may seem logical to just grab a roller and your favorite color can of paint and have at it. But it's not quite that simple. Even though some wallpapers are designed to be painted over, that's certainly the exception.
Most wallpapers shouldn't be covered by paint – mainly because you just can't achieve a professional finish. This article will clarify the ins and outs of painting over wallpaper so that you'll be able to avoid pitfalls and mistakes and make a decision you'll be happy with.
When to Paint Over Wallpaper
Before you spend your precious time and money gathering materials and rolling on paint, find out when you can and when you shouldn't paint over wallpaper so you won't end up disappointed.
Here are some instances when it's okay to paint over wallpaper:
If it's a temporary fix. Maybe you're planning an interior painting project in a year or two. Or maybe a major renovation is on the table. But in the meantime, you can't stand looking at that dated, tired wallpaper one more day. Think of this as a stop gap measure.
If you paint over wallpaper, follow these essential steps:
Prep the walls. Wipe down dust with a damp rag. Mask off-wall trim.
Repair problem spots. Old wallpaper inevitably has loose seams or peeling edges. Cut these away and use drywall joint compound to smooth the rough edges. Then paint primer over the area to seal it.
Choose an effective primer. Use a shellac-based or oil-based primer. Avoid water-based primers because they can reactivate the glue, loosen the paper, and cause more problems. Make sure the primer is compatible with water-based latex paint.
Paint. Be sure the primer is completely dry before painting.
When Not to Paint Over Wallpaper
Most expert painters agree that painting over wallpaper is a bad idea. Basic wallpapers can be problematic to cover with paint. This is because a chemical reaction occurs between the paint, wallpaper, and underlying adhesive.
Although this reaction isn't apparent right away, eventually unsightly bubbles and streaks will appear on the surface. The wallpaper will then start separating between the wall and the paint. Foils, grasscloths, super-slippery metallics, flocked wallpapers, and badly damaged wallpaper are especially challenging to paint.
The best practice is to remove the paper and all of the residual adhesive. Yes, it's true that removing wallpaper and the underlying adhesive can damage walls. But the walls can be repaired and will provide a far superior surface for painting.
If painting over your wallpaper is something you want to do anyway, understand the differences between DIY vs professional painting so you won't end up with unhappy surprises! Before you start the project, it will pay to get advice from a professional painter. Contact Singletrack for guidance on the best way forward. If problems arise, we can step in and finish the job so you end up with a professional paint job.
Ready for a Fresh Start? Request Your Quote from Singletrack Painting Now!
Types of Wallpaper: To Paint or Not to Paint
The many types of wallpaper can be mind-boggling. From handmade grasscloths that can create a serene and earthy feel to dancing unicorns or colorful robots that enliven children's bedroom walls, the choices are endless. Some can be painted, while others, absolutely not!
Vinyl: Affordable, washable, easy to install, and available in an almost endless variety of designs and colors – the question is, can you paint over vinyl wallpaper? No, paint doesn't adhere well to vinyl. But if you must, you'll need to use at least two coats of oil-based primer. You can give it an overall sanding between primer coats to help with paint adhesion.
Foil: The surface of foil wallpaper doesn't take paint well. It's best to remove the wallpaper.
Textured: Can you paint over textured wallpaper? It's debatable. If you don't want the texture to show, you'll need to putty or mud over the paper between primer coats.
Flocked: Nope, flocked wallpaper isn't a good candidate for painting over. It's best to remove it.
Peel & Stick: Peel & Stick wallpaper is designed to be removed so peel it off before painting.
Patterned: Patterned wallpaper can be printed on a range of backings. Depending on the backing content and texture, it may be possible to paint over it. But can you paint over patterned wallpaper and cover the design? Beware that strong, bold patterns may need more than two coats of paint to truly cover the design.
Non-woven: It's pretty straightforward to paint over non-woven wallpaper, especially when the paper is smooth. Just make sure all edges and seams are sealed.
Grasscloth: If you paint over grasscloth it'll be a tough job that will end in iffy results.
Mural: Murals are generally covered with a vinyl layer. Follow the painting guidelines above for vinyl.
Paintable: Yes! Paintable wallpapers are designed exactly for that - paint!
Anaglypta: A resounding yes! Anaglypta wallcoverings can easily take paint.
Once you remove wallpaper, can you paint over wallpaper glue? Absolutely not. Bubbling and streaking will appear from a chemical reaction between glue and paint.
Painting Over Wallpaper in the Front Range: A Local Perspective
In Denver and the Front Range, the decision to paint over wallpaper isn't just about aesthetics or convenience; it's about adapting to our unique local environment. Here, we experience a range of weather conditions that can affect wallpaper and paint differently than in other regions. From the dry, sunny summers to the snowy, cold winters, Denver homes require special consideration when it comes to interior decorating and renovation.
In the diverse architectural landscape of the Front Range, from historic Victorian homes to modern lofts, challenges in painting over wallpaper include adapting to different wall materials and textures. Older homes might have layers of old wallpaper that require delicate handling, while contemporary spaces often have smoother surfaces that might interact differently with paint. These variances necessitate tailored approaches to ensure both the preservation of the building's character and the durability of the new paint job.
Contact Singletrack for an Interior Painting Estimate
Can wallpaper be painted over? The answers aren't exactly black and white. But in general, if you want to paint your wallpapered walls, the only way to achieve a professional result is to remove the wallpaper and all glue residue before you paint.
At Singletrack, we frequently contend with wallpaper issues. We welcome your questions about how to manage your wallpaper dilemmas and are happy to answer any questions about our professional painting services. We're delighted to help! Singletrack Painting has many years of experience with interior and residential painting in the Denver metro area. Contact us for an estimate today!
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