Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? Expert Tips from Professional House Painters
Painting Over Wallpaper: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Is There Another Option Besides Stripping Wallpaper Before Painting?
The majority of homeowners that contact Paint Heroes to inquire about painting over wallpaper want to know: can you just paint over old, outdated wallpaper? Yes, you can. But only under certain conditions and with proper preparation. At Paint Heroes, we provide homeowners with accurate, hands-on information based upon our years of experience as professional house painters. Painting over wallpaper is a valid option that should be evaluated based on your specific situation.
When Is It Acceptable to Paint Over Wallpaper?
There are several scenarios where painting over wallpaper is acceptable. These include:
• The wallpaper is strongly adhered to the drywall surface and there is little-to-no lifting, bubbling or peeling occurring.
• The wallpaper is single-layered and not multi-layered.
• The wallpaper surface is flat and even with no raised texture or pattern.
On the other hand, there are many reasons to avoid painting directly over wallpaper. Many of these are related to safety and financial considerations. Some of the most common reasons to remove wallpaper before painting include:
• Obvious signs of water damage, mold or mildew.
• Poor adhesion of the wallpaper to the drywall surface.
• Vinyl-coated or highly textured wallpaper that does not allow paint to adhere to its surface.
To determine whether painting over your wallpaper will work, Paint Heroes provides a complimentary consultation to assess your wallpaper and wall surface prior to painting. If you are unsure about whether painting over your wallpaper is a viable option for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation.
How Professional Painters Successfully Paint Over Wallpaper
If you have decided that painting over your wallpaper is the way to go, follow the same steps that a professional painter would take. The first step is to visually inspect your wallpaper to identify any damaged areas, such as loose or bubbling sections, or areas of significant staining. After inspection, use a suitable cleaning product to gently scrub the entire wall surface. Allow sufficient time for the cleaning solution to completely evaporate.
Next, apply a high-quality oil-based primer to all areas of the wall surface to create a strong barrier against any residual stains or wallpaper residue. Apply additional coats of primer as necessary to ensure complete coverage.
Once the primer has dried, lightly feather out any imperfections or seams in the wallpaper surface with a patching compound and allow it to fully dry. Use a high-quality joint compound to fill in any imperfections in the wallpaper seams and apply a second coat once dry. Sand the filled-in areas smooth, and lightly prime again.
Finally, apply multiple thin coats of your desired paint to the primed wall surface, allowing each coat to fully dry before applying the next coat. Avoid applying too heavy of a coat of paint at one time, as this will cause excessive peeling and blistering as the paint dries.
Painting over wallpaper is a viable alternative to removing existing wallpaper and can produce a beautiful, professional-looking finish. However, for maximum results, it is essential to use the correct materials and to follow the recommended application procedures.
How Much Does Painting Over Wallpaper Cost?
While painting over wallpaper can be significantly less expensive than removing the wallpaper, the cost will still depend on a number of factors including:
• The size of the room being painted.
• The amount of time required to prepare the wall surface.
• The quantity of paint and materials required to complete the job.
• The cost of the specialized equipment required to complete the job.
As a general rule, the cost of painting over wallpaper will typically fall between $1.50 and $2.75 per square foot depending on the size of the job. Please contact Paint Heroes today to receive a complimentary estimate for your wallpaper painting project. Here’s a helpful external link you can use for additional authority regarding painting over wallpaper costs: “How Much to Remove Wallpaper and Paint: A Cost Breakdown and Guide”
Common Questions About Painting Over Wallpaper
How long will my paint last?
Q: How long will my paint last?
A: In most cases, the paint will last for a number of years, provided that the wallpaper was in good condition prior to painting and the paint was applied using a quality primer and high-quality paint.
Q. Can I use any type of paint and primer?
A: Absolutely not! To achieve a successful paint job, you must use an oil-based primer specifically formulated for painting over wallpaper. This type of primer will help to lock in any stains, prevent any remaining wallpaper residue from bleeding through the paint, and assist the paint in adhering to the wallpaper surface.
Q. What if I notice bubbles forming in the paint after it is applied?
A: Bubbles often indicate that there is an issue with the underlying wallpaper or wallpaper adhesive. While it is possible to pop and smooth out small bubbles while they are still wet, large or widespread bubbles will require that the area be scraped, cleaned, and re-painted.
Q. Will the seams or texture of the wallpaper show through the paint?
A: Some minor seams or textures may remain visible after painting over wallpaper. However, a skilled professional painter can minimize the visibility of these imperfections by using a combination of sanding and lightweight joint compound to feather the edges of the seams and texture.
Q. Should I attempt to paint over my wallpaper myself or hire a professional to do the job?
A: While painting over wallpaper can be a DIY project for experienced homeowners who are confident in their ability to successfully complete the job, most homeowners will find it easier to hire a professional house painting service to perform the task. Hiring a professional will also eliminate the potential for costly mistakes and ensure that your finished product looks great for years to come.
So what is the Veredict?
Using paint to cover wallpaper can sometimes be an economical option instead of removing all of the old paper. If the wallpaper is very securely fastened to the wall and there are no holes, tears or other problems with the paper and it is flat, using paint may provide long-lasting results. This requires patience as well as the proper tools and materials for painting, and some prep work to ensure that everything comes out looking perfect and new. Regardless whether you hire one of the many local home painters or take on the job yourself, knowing how to properly do this will make sure your space looks modern and clean.