Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? A Professional Painter’s Guide

As an interior painter with over 20 years of experience in Sydney, this is a question I get asked all the time by homeowners looking to refresh the look of a room without going through the hassle and expense of removing old wallpaper. The short answer is yes, you generally can paint over wallpaper, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible results.

Should You Paint or Remove Old Wallpaper?

Before deciding whether to paint over wallpaper or remove it, consider:

• Condition of the wallpaper – If it is loose, peeling, or damaged it is best to remove it completely before painting. Intact wallpaper in good condition can be painted over more successfully.
• Thickness of the wallpaper – Thin, lightweight wallpapers are better candidates for painting over than thicker, heavily textured wallpapers which could show through the paint.
• Color of the wallpaper – Paint adheres best over light colored wallpapers. Darker wallpapers may require a couple coats of primer tinted to the color of your topcoat paint to prevent bleed-through.

Prep Steps for Painting Over Wallpaper

Proper prep is crucial for a paint job over wallpaper that will last. This prep work does take some time and effort, so consider the cost to paint a house if you hire a professional painter. Here are the key steps I recommend before painting:

1. Repair any peeled edges or damage – Use wallpaper adhesive to re-adhere any lifted edges or tears. Fill any gouges in the wallpaper with joint compound.
2. Wash the walls – Use a mixture of hot water and TSP or a degreasing cleaner to thoroughly clean the wallpapered walls and remove any dirt, grease, or soap residue. Rinse well.
3. Sand lightly – Lightly sanding the walls helps rough up the surface so the paint can properly adhere. Be careful not to sand too aggressively and damage the wallpaper.
4. Prime – Apply a high-quality primer like Zinsser’s Shieldz or Kilz Premium to seal the surface. For best results, opt for an oil-based primer over latex. Primer helps the paint better adhere to the slick wallpaper surface.
5. Spot prime – Use a heavy duty primer like BIN Shellac-Base to spot prime over any dark colors or stains so they don’t bleed through the new paint. This helps block discoloration.

Tips for Successfully Painting Over Wallpaper

Follow these tips from my years as an interior painter to help ensure you’ll be happy with the end results:

• Use a short nap roller – For a smooth finish, a 1/4” or 3/8” nap roller works better than a thick nap roller which may show through the wallpaper.
• Apply two coats – Expect to apply two coats of latex paint for best coverage and durability. An extra coat over primer provides protection if the wallpaper ever gets wet.
• Use a high quality acrylic paint – I recommend using 100% acrylic latex paint rather than cheaper vinyl varieties. Acrylic offers better adhesion and durability. Semi-gloss is ideal for durability and washability.
• Cut in edges first – Use a trim brush to cut in around edges and corners before rolling the walls. This helps prevent drips.
• Work top to bottom – Paint from the top of the wall down to avoid drips marking freshly painted lower sections.
• Work in small sections – Paint in 3-4 foot wide sections and work wet-on-wet to avoid lap marks. Maintain a wet edge between sections.
• Watch for raised edges – As paint saturates the wallpaper, seams or loose edges may begin to lift or curl. Use a utility knife to carefully slit any bubbles or raised seams and re-adhere before continuing to paint.
• Once your paint job is complete, let the paint fully cure for 24 hours before using a plastic scraper to gently remove painters tape.

Answers to Common Questions About Painting Over Wallpaper:

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I get about painting over existing wallpaper:

Is it hard to paint over wallpaper?

It’s generally not difficult for an experienced painter who knows the proper prep and application techniques. The keys are proper cleaning, priming, using high quality paint, and maintaining a wet edge during application.

Does painted wallpaper peel or bubble easily?

Painted wallpaper holds up well and resists peeling or bubbling when the proper prep and painting steps are followed. The primer coat seals everything in place, while the paint adds another protective barrier.

Can you paint wallpaper with regular wall paint?

For best adhesion and durability over wallpaper, I recommend using high quality 100% acrylic latex paint, such as Behr Premium Plus or Sherwin Williams SuperPaint. Avoid cheaper vinyl acrylic paints.

How long does painted wallpaper last?

Painted over wallpaper can last many years with proper prep and application. Avoid excessive moisture and steam on the walls which may loosen the adhesive under the wallpaper over time.

What sheen is best for painting over wallpaper?

A semi-gloss or satin finish offers the best durability and washability for high-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms. Flat paint stains too easily over wallpaper. Eggshell is suitable for bedrooms and formal living rooms.

Final Takeaways

Painting over wallpaper can give a room a fresh new look without the mess and labor of removing existing wallpaper. With careful prep and application by a professional painter, the results can look great and perform well for years before needing a refresh.