Is It OK to Paint Over Wallpaper?
You can paint over wallpaper in some situations, but it is not always recommended. Success depends on the wallpaper's condition, type, and adhesion. Properly preparing the surface is essential. Removing wallpaper first generally produces better results.
Key Takeaways
Explanation
Painting over wallpaper can work when the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no peeling edges, and has a smooth texture. The wallpaper must be clean and free of mold or water damage. Multiple layers of old wallpaper are poor candidates for painting over.
Preparation involves cleaning the walls, gluing down any loose edges, sanding textured papers, and applying an oil-based primer to prevent the wallpaper paste from reactivating. Latex primers can cause bubbling as moisture loosens the adhesive.
Removing wallpaper is extra work upfront but typically produces better long-term results. Paint adheres better to drywall, and you avoid the risk of wallpaper seams showing through or edges lifting later.
The type of paint you choose matters significantly. Use a flat or matte finish to help hide wallpaper seams and texture, since glossy paints highlight every imperfection underneath. Apply two coats of your chosen color over the oil-based primer, allowing 24 hours of drying time between coats. Expect to use about 10-15% more paint than you would on bare drywall, because the primer-sealed wallpaper surface absorbs differently.
Wallpaper installed before the 1980s may contain adhesives that are difficult to remove without damaging the underlying plaster or drywall. In older homes with horsehair plaster walls, removing wallpaper can pull chunks of plaster off the wall, making painting over it the safer and more cost-effective option. However, if you notice any dark spots or musty smells behind the wallpaper, test for mold before sealing it under paint, as trapped moisture behind a painted surface can cause structural damage over time.
Things to Know
- Vinyl wallpaper needs special preparation; the surface must be scored or primed with a bonding primer.
- Textured wallpapers may show through paint, especially with glossier finishes.
- If selling a home, buyers may prefer walls without painted-over wallpaper.
- In bathrooms and kitchens, painting over wallpaper is riskier because high humidity can reactivate the paste underneath, causing bubbles and peeling within months even with oil-based primer.