Can you paint over wallpaper ? Plus our best alternate solutions for when this is n’t possible .
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Can you paint over wallpaper ? Maybe . paint over wallpaper sure has its ingathering ; in hypothesis , it eliminate the prison term - use up , mussy , and sometimes frustrating footstep ofremoving rampart coveringsto achieve pertly paint walls . But for those concerned with the longevity and quality of their paint project , it ’s important to ensure it ’s auditory sensation to paint over that mauve chintz inherit from a base ’s previous owner .
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To get to the bottom of it , we checked in with Terry Koubele , Owner ofFive Star Painting , who share that it is possible to paint over wallpaper effectively . However , it might be better to consider it an alternative rather than a first alternative .
Terry Koubele is the proprietor of Five Star Painting , a residential and commercial painting service .
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
Can you paint over wallpaper ? Yes , butshouldyou ? The answer to the latter is hooked on other component at play . “ It makes sensory faculty topaint over sure-enough wallpaperif the remotion toll are too expensive or if polish off it would damage the status of the wall , ” say Koubele . In these cases , you may forge ahead without first removing wallpaper . To do it effectively , you ’ll need to fall out specific prep steps to ensure your walls are unruffled and ready for priming and house painting .
When Not to Paint Over Wallpaper
There are some place when you absolutely do not need to paint over wallpaper . At the top of the no - go listing is paint over wallpaper to smooth out atextured surface . No matter how many coat are used , blusher will not disregard it when covering up textured wallpaper .
Another scenario you should n’t try tosolve with paintinvolves damaged wallpaper . Those imperfection , extrusion , bubble , and tears will stay on visible after blusher . In those subject , withdraw the paper is the only way to go .
Edmund Barr
Credit:Edmund Barr
Preparing Wallpapered Walls for Painting
If you decide that painting over your wallpaper is a viable option , there ’s some preparation you ’ll need to get out of the style before you pull out the paint rollers . The first step is making sure the line are by rights glued to the rampart . “ Paint and flat coat that finds its room underneath can make the edges see even sorry , ” says Koubele . The same can be said for any loose ends .
To insure the smoothest surface , you ’ll also want toclean the wallpaperusing a teetotal sirocco or material . Any moisture could ruin the wallpaper and your power to effectively paint it , so quash using a moist or wet cloth for this dance step .
How to Paint Over Wallpapered Walls
To paint over wallpaper effectively , Koubele shares this pace - by - footstep guide .
Step 1: Tape Off Room and Ensure Safety
After taping off the baseboards , ceiling , and moldings withpainters taping , you ’ll need to take extra guard to ensureproper ventilationbecause you ’ll be using an vegetable oil - found primer . air the picture arena , open any windows or door , and wear an N95 mask . You ’ll also require to expend a brush specifically designed for oils to grip the paint properly .
Step 2: Apply an Oil-Based Primer
An oil - based primer seals any oldglue from the wallpaperand prevents issue down the route . A tinted - gray primer bring best fordarker colorsbecause it make the paint more outstanding .
Step 3: Paint Wallpaper
After the primer has dry overnight , it ’s fourth dimension to paint . It ’s satisfactory to use latex paint blusher over the oil - base primer;choose a key finishwith a low-spirited luster like satin . A high shine can highlightwallpaper imperfectionsor grain .
Start at the ceiling with an angled brush , then roll the remainder of the wall in a “ W ” shape . Crisscross to cover the entire bulwark . A upright method acting typically will allow lines as the paint build up on the roller , which is why the “ W ” shape is preferred . name to the dry instructions on the key can to determine when to practice the 2nd coat .
Alternative Solutions to Painting Over Wallpaper
There are some berth where painting over wallpaper is n’t propose , but that does n’t mean you ’re boxed into pay for pricey removal or getting rid of it on your own . The spry and gentle way to get rid of unsightly wallpaper is simply to cover it up .
Tapestry
turgid tapestries or wall hangings can cover up your wallpaper without a full renovation . Not only can they camouflage thewallpaper you ’re trying to get rid of , but they can also add texture , stake , and a novel focal point to the infinite .
Art
Art , particularly of the maximalist variety , can be an effective way to reduce the amount of wallpaper in your space . While artistry , photo , and otherlarge - scale bulwark decorwon’t cover up wallpaper from floor to ceiling , it can help oneself take the emphasis off of the wallpaper you ’re hear to extend up .
Faux Shiplap
A fullwallcovering like faux shiplapcan completely shroud your wallpaper problem without repairing or priming beforehand . It can also be installed from story to ceiling , meaning every inch of your original wall coverings can be hide out from view .
Wood Paneling
Install smart wood pane over wallpaper to give your way a retro feel and get across up the wallpaper at the same time . If you do n’t require that much Natalie Wood in a room , you canpaint it instead .
Two-Tone Walls
view atwo - whole tone lookif you want to keep your wallpaper but it ’s damaged in one or two spots where it ’s been bang by chairs or track kiddos . Install either shiplap or wood paneling on the bottom one-half and paint it in a complementary people of color that works with the wallpaper .
Frequently Asked Questions
rubber-base paint paint can be used over the oil - based fuze . oil colour - based blusher is a great option as well .
Yes , walls should be prepped with an crude - base primer . This type of primer seals in any sure-enough gum from the paper and prevent any rouge failure from occurring down the road .
Any at large ends will involve to be either paste down or the furrow muck up , sanded , and textured if necessary . No need to remove anything , just tighten up any loose end and seams so the entire surface country is smooth .
Yes , as key and primer that find its way underneath liberal ends can make the border look even worse .
Yes , as long as the wallpaper is still in good precondition without any bumps or rips . However , the moisture from the new paint might tease the paste from the wallpaper . This can cause bubbles .
This is potential . If you draw too heavily , you could cause damage to the dry wall or the paint beneath . However , if you do n’t desire to paint over the wallpaper , you may hire professionals to take away it for you to protect your walls and save money on repairs .
