Can You Really Paint Over Wallpaper? Here’s What the Pros Say
How to Paint Over Wallpaper: Pro’s Tips for an Easy, Beautiful, Long Lasting Finish
How to Prep Wallpaper Before Painting for a Smooth Finish
Ever see some out dated wallpaper and think that there should be an instant update button? You’re not the only one. Lots of homeowners want to know how to paint over wallpaper without injury to the wall surfaces (and whether it can be done at all). The truth of it is that just with a little care in the way of proper preparation, supplies and technique, painting over wallpaper is just as easy or hard as putting on a new wall surface (and the finish will be just as clean, professional and long lasting).
At Paint Heroes, our very able crew of house painters have transformed many a house into a Pullman car by painting right over existing wallpaper. The step of changing dull and out of date surfaces into bright, clean, modern conditions has been perfected by us. But what sets us apart is not the technical perfection of our work, but the knowledge that we have of the official relations of paint and wallpaper which are so perfectly delicate that it is the amateur that generally misses entirely the great point.
Whether it is a single room to be painted or an entire house reconstruction, this primer will tell one just what not to do (and what to do) in the way of painting of wallpaper. From preparation of the service to choice of colors, it will tell all the things that cannot well be written into out something in the way of grants that can be acquired only from long years of experience. If one would rather let the experts do it, our will feel free to help you to achieve the best result imaginable.
Why Paint Over Wallpaper Instead of Removing It
No one wants to have walls that reflect the dirt and untidiness of wallpaper. As in many older homes, the paper was applied on bare drywall without priming, leaving drywall to destruction and expensive repair when the paper is removed. Thus, painting over wallpaper is sometimes preferable to removing it.
When to be recommended for painting over wallpaper
When the old wallpaper is securely and firmly attached and free of falling seams or air bubbles.
When the surface is clean and smooth.
When a quick inexpensive change is wanted. One that will look good.
At Paint Heroes, our interior house painters give each job careful examination. We never recommend painting over wallpaper that is damaged, or has a texture, or is of the type made of vinyl. But right conditions may occur at times when it is possible for us to make beautiful your walls with no occasion for a prior use of scraper.
Painting over wallpaper, when well done, is not taking shortcuts. It is using professional knowledge so that lasting beauty may be accomplished with the least amount of effort.
Step number one—Preparing the Surface—The Secret to a Professional Finish
Of all the errors to be made in painting over wallpaper, probably nine-tenths will occur before the first brush (or roller in this case) has touched the wall. Preparation is everything.
The wallpaper should be examined: Look for raised seams, tears and air bubbles. If any of these show, refill with wallpaper paste and press down flat and let the paste dry. Thoroughly clean: Paint won’t stick to grease, dirt and dust. A light soap and water mixture will do, followed by careful rinsing from the walls and complete drying.
Lightly sand: This operation is to coarsen the surface of the wall paper removing its gloss and making a better bottom upon which the primer will stick. A light even sanding is all that is necessary—not too much.
Seal up the surface: Here is where the expert comes in. Our painting contractors use oil or shellac primers, never water. Water may penetrate the wall paper and cause it to bubble. A good primer locks everything and almost eliminates the chance of moisture trouble.
Step Two: Selecting the right primer—the game that most amateurs miss
The primer you select is the determining factor for the success of your job. Do away with it and prepare for peeling paint and visible seams in a few months.
At Paint Heroes we believe in oil primer sealers. They penetrate the wall paper, seal all glue and make a perfectly safe surface for paint. We apply one even coat, let it dry thoroughly, and even use a second coat in certain jobs where the wall paper is a pattern or a deeper color.
Pro Tip: If your wall paper is a bold print or dark color it is worthwhile to tint your primer so that it resembles your paint as closely as possible. This results in better covering and saves time.
Step Three: Painting like a Pro — Successfully Giving Your New Coat of Paint a Smooth Even Finish Where Needed
Now, if the walls are clean, sealed and primed, the paint is laid on. This is the most enjoyable part of the work, but requires careful consideration and work.
This is how the experts paint over wall paper:
First the trimming is done, i.e., around the ceiling, baseboards and moldings, where a good brush will finish the work.
A roller is then used going neatly up and down, taking care not to use too much pressure or over-roll. This would cause seams to lift, either of paper or finish.
Apply two coats of paint where needed, allowing the first coat to dry absolutely before applying the second coat.
When the surface is dry, check to ascertain if seams are visible or textures uneven. If touch-ups are needed, it is easy.
The best finish on the walls painted over wall paper, according to our experts, is a matt finish or eggshell. These finishes disguise very slight imperfections of the walls much better than a high gloss finish, hence they are best for use on old walls.
If you are in the market for good moisture-proof paints for your own particular work, you will find this a very good guide as to the paints best adapted for your work room wants.
Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Over Wallpaper
The most careful and painstaking amateur can, and frequently does, make disastrous mistakes when he commences to think how to go about painting over wall paper. Among the blunders most frequently made we find the following:
In the first place, the use made of water base primers. This is largely the source of all the bubbling and peeling finishes.
Omitting the cleaning step. A little greasy substance or dirt will defeat the adherent property of the paint.
Ignoring the seams. An application of paint will not hide the irregularities in the edges of the paper if they are ragged or uneven.
Overloading the roller. Too great a mass of primer at one time is likely to streak and run when the job is finished.
Hastening the drying. After each application has been made allow it to thoroughly dry, for best results.
Our paint repair experts do much of what amounts to preparatory work as much as they do inpainting. This is why we are able to get smooth, even and durable results, for we do not take shortcuts.
For a detailed professional insight on how to properly prepare walls before painting, refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guide on surface preparation and paint safety.
The Professional Way: Why It Is Better to Have Experienced Painters Do the Work
Painting on wallpaper sounds easy enough but it is probably the hardest thing an amateur can undertake himself. From selection of the primer and through every phase of the repairing of the walls it is necessary for each minor step to be perfect. A slip in one of the minor steps makes for ruinous effects and damaging finishes.
That is why it is probably the wise investment in the long run to have the painter, who is an expert in the trade, come in and do the work. The painter can use a commercial quality of primer, sealers and paints which are far better than the paints that are used by the amateur. Perhaps even farther reaching is our ability to adapt and use different methods, according to the kind of wall paper, the amount of moisture in the room and the kind of paint to be used.
We do:
Repairing of wall surface and preparation of surface for painting.
Perfect cutting in with edge and feathering out where there is trim and corners.
Seam sealing for invisibility of the seams.
Protecting finish which will remain.
In short, we do not paint the wall paper, but we restore your walls with a finish and care that will be lasting.
How To Choose Colors In Painting Over Wall Paper
When the surface of the wall is prepared, it is a good time for the fun part of it in selecting colors. Painting over wall paper creates no limitation to ones imagination, but opens the way for infinite possibilities in creation.
Besides this, our color consulting department for the home assists our clients in selecting tints that harmonize themselves with the lighting, leaving light and appearance of the room. Some of the suggestions we give to home owners are:
Neutral tones (as greige, soft white or cream) will hide any slight texture still remaining.
Dark colors will produce good effects in large well lighted rooms, making an effective disguise of seams.
Built out walls will give an opportunity to modernize the out of date wall paper and avoid the necessity of repainting.
Our painting company combines technical ability with artistic insight that the color scheme by them devised will produce results in the harmony and helpfulness of your ideas.
When Painting Over Wall Paper Is Not Advisable
While painting wallpaper may be a profitable job, sometimes it is not the right thing to do. Sometimes, you must remove the wall surface altogether to obtain good results. You should consider removing the wallpaper if:
The wallpaper is peeling in several places and bubbling.
There is more than one layer of paper underneath.
There is evidence of mildew, mold or wetness.
You want to put on new wallpaper or a textured finish.
If you have any of these situations, our painting company can safely remove the wallpaper, repair the drywall and primer for a smooth paint job. This is a lot of work but will insure you will obtain pristine results.
The Bottom Line: Painting the Wallpaper Can Look Great, If Done the Right Way
Painting wallpaper is not easy and quick, it is a specialty. But given proper products, preparation, and skilled craftsmanship, you can transform your walls beautifully, without the hassle of removal.
At Paint Heroes, we bring great experience, precision and a sense of design to every project we are involved in. Our house painters take pride in creating spaces that feel brand new, no matter what is underneath. If you would like to transform your walls, without the hassle, please contact us for a consultation today. We will evaluate your wallpaper, go over your options, and provide results that will last.
FAQ: Painting Over Wallpaper
Q: Can you paint over wallpaper without taking it off?
A: Yes, indeed—if the wallpaper is flat, dry and firmly attached. With good priming and painting, your walls will appear as fresh as new!
Q: What sort of paint should I paint over wallpaper?
A: Use a good latex paint over an oil based primer. Latex paints have elasticity, durability and are easy to care for.
Q: Do I have to sand it before I try to paint over it?
A: A light sanding is advisable to remove the gloss and give the primer a better chance to adhere. Do not be too vigorous in your sanding or you will tear the paper.
Q: How do I prevent the seams from showing?
A: Glue down any seams that are up, and put the primer on evenly. If you want the very smoothest finish, professional painters may skim coat the wall before painting.
Q: How Long Will Paint Last If It Is Painted Over Wallpaper?
A: If properly done, paint over wallpaper will last as long as the normal wall paint job does—generally 7 to 10 years or even more if properly cared for.
Final Thoughts: There Is A Right Way To Transform Your Space
Painting over wallpaper is one of those home improvement projects that sounds terribly overwhelming—until you see what is possible. With professional preparation, the right products, and expert technique, your old wallpaper can be hidden beneath a smooth, modern coat of paint.
At Paint Heroes, we love helping homeowners re-vision their world through fine workmanship and precision. Whether you just need expert painting services for one room, or for an entire home, we are here to furnish you with the quality that you can see—and depend on—for years to come.
Your dream walls are there, they just need a little assistance in coming through.