Wallpaper: Convenience vs. Aesthetic
Wallpaper is a quick and affordable way to give your home a facelift. However, wallpaper trends don't always stand the test of time. Whether it's because you are simply tired of looking at the same wallpaper design every day. Or your taste in design has gone through a complete change.
There might come a time when you might want to give your space a total makeover. Which brings us to the question, should you remove the wallpaper first, or paint over it? And if so, how and when is it wise to paint over it? Discover the best techniques to get professional results!
Can You Paint Over the Wallpaper?
In most cases, painting over existing wallpaper isn't the best approach. The professional way to approach this would be to start by removing it, along with any adhesive underneath. This would allow for the best, high quality result.
However, in some cases, painting over the wallpaper might actually be the better option. Keep in mind that wallpaper you paint over will be harder to remove down the line.
You can paint over wallpaper in these few cases:
· Someone glued the wallpaper to unfinished plaster or drywall and removing it might damage the wall.
· Multiple wallpapers stacked on top of each other, making their removal a never-ending task.
· You lack the time or extra money to get the job done properly.
Keep in mind that not all types of wallpaper are suitable for painting over. Fabric-backed vinyl wallpaper or patterned paper with dark saturated colors might show underneath light colors.
Textured wallpaper is also not a great option as the pattern will show through no matter how many coats of paint you use. Lastly, you can paint over peel and stick wallpaper but you're better off removing it first. If the product has poor quality, it could result in the peeling of your paint job down the line.
Don't want to deal with removing stubborn wallpaper to transform your space? Contact us at Painter Bros for a free project estimate!
How to Paint Over Wallpaper
Painting over wallpaper isn’t all that complicated. But first, you must prepare the wall accordingly. You can get this done in four major steps:
Repair Any Observable Problem Spots
This includes any parts of the wallpaper that are peeling off or seams popping out. Quickly fix this by cutting off any loose pieces or seams that are standing out. Then seal them off with drywall spackling to smooth it out.
Finish off by sanding it lightly when the spackling dries. If the wallpaper has an obtrusive texture, you can sand the whole wall using an orbital or palm sander. Make sure to wipe off the dust using a damp cloth to prep the area afterwards.
Use Painter’s Tape to Protect the Trim and Molding
Using your painter’s tape, carefully seal off anything you don’t want to get paint on, including trims, baseboard, molding, or wainscot. This step is worth taking your time to do well, especially with large scale projects. This will allow you to move quickly through your paint job without having to worry about getting paint everywhere.
Prepare the Wall
Much like you’d do some surface prep before painting over a bare wall, you want to start by wiping any dirt and dust off. A good way to do this is use a damp, not soaking wet, rag to go over the wall. This is to allow the primer to adhere to the wall easily.
Avoid soaking the walls as it might cause the wallpaper adhesive to soften and bubble. If your wall is greasy, try using a small amount of degreaser to remove the stubborn layer. Be sure that you let the walls completely dry before applying any primer.
Apply a Solid Coat of Primer
Now that your surface is clean and dry, it's primer time. You usually have two options: oil-based or water-based primers. When painting over wallpaper, the best option is using an oil-based primer.
Unlike its water-based counterpart, it won't soak into your wallpaper and make the adhesive loose. Some other benefits of using an oil-based primer include:
· Better adhesion to surfaces
· Protection against moisture
· Increased durability and longevity
When using this type of primer, ensure you have ample ventilation during application to avoid inhaling fumes. Open windows and use fans to keep the area well-ventilated. Once you've applied the primer, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. This drying time is key for a smooth and durable finish, so be patient and let it dry completely.
Begin Painting
By now, you should have fixed, cleaned, and primed your wallpaper. Once the primer is dry, apply your paint color. Approach the task as you would any other painting task.
Use a roller for the larger surface area and then a paintbrush to navigate the trickier edges and corners. If your wallpaper has a bold color pattern, you might have to apply a second coat or more. Make sure you let your paint dry between coats.
Can't decide between using latex or oil-based paint? Check out our article: Latex vs Oil Based Paint.
Takeaway
As we’ve seen, painting over wallpaper is quite possible. With a bit of elbow grease before applying your paint and primer, you can achieve your vision for your new space. Take the time to prepare properly, and you'll create a beautiful, smooth finish that transforms your room. Whether you're sprucing up one wall or redoing a whole room, the effort you put in now will be worth it.
At Painter Bros, we are more than happy to lend a helping hand. Feel free to contact us today (844) 509-2313 and get a free quote.
