Every homeowner wonders whether to paint over wallpaper if he intends to renew his interior without removing it. Fortunately, the answer is yes. The trick is to learn the various factors and techniques used to achieve the desired effect with great success and aesthetic appeal.
Let this guide help you understand minute details, practical steps, and professional advice on how to paint over wallpaper. If you’ve got questions like “Can I paint over wallpaper,” or “How do you paint over wallpaper,” then this guide will surely help you out.
Understanding the Basics
Can you paint over the wallpaper? Yes, you can, but the process is not straightforward, like painting a bare wall. Everything depends upon the kind of wallpaper and its condition. Smooth wallpapers are generally easier to paint over than textured ones and new wallpapers are less likely to peel or bubble.
But it should not be a reason for shortcut painting over wallpaper. The painting requires good preparation to have appropriate paint adhesion and good paint durability. Poor preparation or neglect of the status of the wallpaper will have poor results such as flaking off paints or uneven coverage.
While painting over wallpaper can save money and time compared to removing it completely, it is important to consider its pros and cons. Knowing when to paint and when to remove is the basis of a successful project.
Factors to Consider Before Painting Over Wallpaper
Before reaching for the paintbrush, know that to paint over wallpaper is based on the following factors:
Condition of the Wallpaper
One of the most critical aspects to evaluate in wallpaper is its condition. Torn, peeling, or very textured wallpaper might not be resilient under layers of paint. On the other hand, smooth, well-adhered wallpaper can serve as a better base for painting.
Painting over textured wallpaper will most often have the texture come through your paint, perhaps leaving an unprofessional, rough appearance. A lot of it you may notice happens with thicker textures-such as grasscloth or heavily patterned wallpapers.
Adhesion and Integrity
Check that the wallpaper is tightly held on the wall. Loose seams, bubbling, or curling edges will cause paint to peel off due to poor adhesion. Attend to these problems before proceeding so that you have a long-lasting and good-looking finish.
Potential Discolouration
Some wallpapers, especially those with bold or dark prints, tend to bleed through the paint. It is so in cases of ink-based designs or old wallpapers that may have had contact with moisture over time. The use of a quality primer, therefore, will help avoid such problems besides ensuring an even, opaque finish.
Room Environment
Consider the room’s environment and purpose. For example, painting over wallpaper can be quite a problem in bathrooms and kitchens. The humidity can eventually loosen the adhesive behind the paper, causing it to pull away from the wall.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Over Wallpaper
If painting over wallpaper, follow the steps below to achieve better results:
Step 1: Inspect and Repair the Wallpaper
Inspect the entire wall to determine its extent of damage. Look for peeling corners, bubbles, and holes. Reattach loose areas with wallpaper adhesive and apply spackle or joint compound over any holes. Allow the repairs to dry completely before continuing.
Step 2: Clean the surface.
In these areas where more people frequently walk over, dirt accumulation, dust, and grease tend to amass in most wallpapers. Lightly clean the wallpaper surface with a moistened sponge or cloth. The solution for mild detergents could also be used to cover stubborn grime or grease areas. Avoid soaking the wallpaper to keep the adhesives intact and not get them loose by much moisture.
Step 3: Sand the Surface (Optional)
Lightly sand over the wallpaper if there is a sheen or a glossy finish using fine-grit sandpaper. It was to leave a rough texture to help the paint stick. Be careful not to be aggressive with this, or the wallpaper may tear.
Step 4: Apply a Primer
Expectedly, a great paint job over wallpaper necessitates a great primer. Choose a primer that incorporates either oil-based or shellack primer in its formulation. These primers yield excellent results regarding stain blockage and, thus, prevent patterns/inks from bleeding through the freshly painted surface. А corresponding action would be to put up an even coat using a roller or brush, stopping here to patiently wait for the primer to dry completely before subsequent action.
Step 5: Paint the Wallpaper
Latex paint of a very good quality should be chosen to achieve the best results. Application of the first coat: Large areas with a roller and edges and corners with a brush provide an even coat. Apply the second coat when the first coat has dried up. Usually, two or three coats can be applied to provide complete coverage and a polished look.
Step 6: Inspect and Touch Up
After the paint is dry, examine the walls for spots where the paint did not reach or any ‘bald’ spots. Touch up the walls with a small brush to give them the perfect finish.
When Not to Paint Over Wallpaper
Not every case is suitable for painting over wallpaper, and sometimes, removing the paper is better. Avoid painting over wallpaper if:
- The wallpaper is heavily textured or embossed.
- The wallpaper is a several-layer process for the wall.
- The room will be subjected to high humidity, which, after some time, might cause the wallpaper to hang loose.
- Poor-condition wallpaper shows extensive damage, peeling, or stained areas that, even with repairs, would not be presentable in a decent manner.
When to Consider Removing the Wallpaper Instead
It is far more labor-intensive to remove wallpaper, but it often makes for a much smoother, professional finish. In most cases, removing damaged, textured, or otherwise questionable wallpaper is well worth the investment in areas where you do not plan on changing the paint anytime soon. Here’s how to remove wallpaper that has been painted over:
- Use a scoring tool to scratch light perforations on the surface of the wallpaper so that the wallpaper remover solution reaches the adhesive underneath.
- To loosen the adhesive, apply a wallpaper remover solution or a mixture of warm water and vinegar and let it soak for several minutes.
- With the putty knife, very carefully scrape the paper off, starting from the top and going to the bottom. Take your time and be patient so as not to rip or tear the wall underneath the paper.
You would need a steamer or a chemical stripper to loosen such layers of wallpaper having one or more layers of paint over it. Though time-consuming, this method leaves you with a clean and smooth surface to carry on with future painting projects.
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper Glue?
Can you paint over wallpaper glue? No, because directly painting over glue yields a really patchy finish that is full of streaks and even bubbles from underneath. Paper hangs due to interference with wallpaper glue. So, to tackle the problem:
- Scrape off the glue as far as possible using a putty knife or scraper.
- Wash the walls with warm water mixed with a mild detergent or vinegar to take off the remaining glue residue.
- Lightly sand to remove any rough patches created by the glue.
- Apply a primer to seal the surface for painting. This primers the surface for a good and durable finish, and it’s professional.
Conclusion
Although painting over the wallpaper is most feasible and considered a cost-effective solution, the process involves considerable challenges.
Preparation is always the key to any successful task. In this case, preparation involves scrutinizing the condition of the wallpaper by checking for holes and other related damages, applying repair materials for damaged areas, and using suitable materials.
In some cases, removing the wallpaper may be the better option for long-term results.
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