You can paint over the wallpaper in your room, whether you are tired of the old wallpaper, don’t care for the décor style used by the previous owner, or want to make a room look new. The answer is “yes.”
Continue reading for tips and tricks to help you give your wallpapered wall a new look.
Why You Should Paint Over Wallpaper
Most experts will tell you that painting over wallpaper is not a good idea. They’ll advise you to remove the wallpaper at all costs before painting. But that isn’t always the best option.
It can be difficult to remove old wallpaper. You’ll need to prepare the wall before you paint it if you find flaky brickwork or paint when you remove the wallpaper.
It will be more difficult to remove wallpaper that has been applied directly on plasterboard. You may also need to repair any damage to the wall. It is understandable that you would ask, “Can I paint over wallpaper?”
Painting over wallpaper may not always be the best solution. You shouldn’t, for example, paint over fabric-backed vinyl wallpaper. Can you paint vinyl wallpaper without fabric backing? It is possible, but you will need to paint multiple layers and still not get the desired finish. Paint over wallpaper that is peeling multiple times should also be avoided.
Things to Considerations
Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to paint and decorate over old wallpaper.
Pros
- The walls are not affected by the condition of wallpaper.
- Paint over wallpaper is faster and easier than removing the wallpaper
- Painting is less messy than removing old wallpaper
Cons
- It may be necessary to repair and prepare the wallpaper before painting.
- It may be necessary to use both a topcoat and a primer, which can make the cost more expensive.
- The finish may not be as nice as a freshly painted and wallpapered wall
Tips And Tricks For Painting Over Wallpaper
These tips and tricks will help you paint over wallpaper. These simple steps will give you a budget-friendly, fuss-free makeover.
You Can Usually Paint Over The Surface If It Is Not Damaged.
Paint should not be used to cover all wallpaper. For example, if it has any raised areas, it is better to remove it before painting, as this will prevent cracks and lines from appearing that cannot be fixed. If you are the one who installed the wallpaper or know what is behind it, you will be in the best position to determine if the paper can be painted over. You can paint over the top if the paper is still tight and bubble-free.
If you still want to paint over your wallpaper, but it is pulling at certain places, skim off the damaged area and cover with lining paper of 1200 grade. It will add another layer of protection before you paint it. If you have an older house and notice the straight lines on the ceiling, it’s likely that a thick lining has been applied.
Clear The Walls
Remove any shelves, wires, or hangers that are over the wall to create a clean surface. Remove these items and then use filler to cover any bumps or holes.
Use a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from the wallpaper. Primer does not adhere to dust. To clean grimy and greasy wallpaper, use a TSP solution diluted with water. Do not soak the wallpaper as this may loosen the glue and cause it to bubble or come loose. Before proceeding, allow plenty of time for the wallpaper to dry.
Restore Damaged Wallpaper
To attach peeling edges or seams, apply a thin coat of wallpaper seam glue. These are the areas with the least adhesion. Use a putty blade to lift the area and remove any loose pieces before using spackle to fill in those areas. Sand lightly after it is completely dry.
It’s also a good idea to cut out any peeling seams or corners at the end of the wallpaper and use a regular filler to smooth them out. This will create a flat, even surface.
Prime The Walls
Most wallpaper pastes are water-based, so if you put anything water-based over it, you run the risk of reactivating glue and making the paper bubble or peel off. You should use a shellac or an oil-based primer instead to give the wall a hard, clean surface.
Apply the primer with a brush on the corners and edges before finishing the wall using a roller. Before painting over the wallpaper, allow the product’s manufacturer to specify a sufficient amount of time for the primer to dry. As you paint, make sure the room is properly ventilated.
Don’t worry if you see the paper bubble up at first. It can tighten back up after it dries. So be patient, and give it plenty of time to dry before you judge how it handled the primer.
Paint Over Wallpaper
After you have primed, cleaned and repaired the wall, paint it over as you would with any other surface. If you are painting a light colour over a wallpaper or bold pattern, it may be necessary to paint two coats. Between coats, allow plenty of time for the paint to dry.
Use a reputable painting and decorating firm to make sure the job is completed to your satisfaction. For more information on our professional interior decorating and painting services, contact us to make sure that the room you are transforming is done to the highest standards.
