How to Paint over Wallpaper

Whether painting a newly plastered wall, a previously painted surface, or over wallpaper, preparation is key to a professional finish. Here’s the challenge: every surface requires thorough prep work to ensure success.

For a newly plastered wall, the process is straightforward. Apply an alkali-resistant plaster primer to the raw plaster, followed by an affordable undercoat to create a base for the topcoat. The final coat delivers the desired finish, often requiring multiple layers. This is a simple task that anyone can master with proper care.

Previously painted walls demand more effort. Start by removing peeling paint. Depending on the original coating, you may need a primer or undercoat. Uneven surfaces might require sanding, but often, thorough stripping is necessary, which can be labor-intensive. For detailed guidance, see how to remove wallpaper.

Painting Over Wallpaper: Challenges and Solutions

Painting over wallpaper requires detective work unless you applied it yourself and know the materials used. Well-hung wallpaper can conceal imperfections, but you must assess its condition. Test if it’s likely to peel under wet paint by applying warm water. If the paper loosens, it’s ready to strip. However, some wallpapers are so firmly adhered that removal is tough.

Stripping wallpaper before painting is ideal but not always feasible. If partial stripping creates an uneven surface, you’ll need to fill craters with a filler, a time-consuming but manageable task. Alternatively, painting over intact wallpaper can work if the surface is sound.

Consider the wallpaper’s texture. Smooth wallpaper is ideal for painting, but textured or embossed paper, like Victorian-era anaglypta, can pose issues. Anaglypta, designed to mimic ornate pressed ceilings, was meant for painting, often used below a dado rail for decorative effect. However, unattractive embossing can ruin a paint job. Thicker textured paper may allow you to strip just the outer layer, leaving the glued base intact. If painting causes bubbling, stop—this signals easy removal of the remaining paper.

Covering dark or patterned wallpaper is another hurdle. Multiple coats may be needed to hide bold colors or designs. Start with a universal undercoat, followed by a solid white coat (unless aiming for a dark color). Let each coat dry fully before applying the next until you achieve the desired result.

Before painting over wallpaper, weigh all factors. If preparation feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional to strip it for you to ensure a flawless finish.