How To Paint Over Wallpaper: A Personal Experience

Painting over wallpaper can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. In fact, I recently painted over the wallpaper in my living room and it turned out great! Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to paint over wallpaper.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Clean the Walls

Before you start painting, you need to clean the walls. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the wallpaper and remove any dirt or dust. If there are any bumps or wrinkles in the wallpaper, you can use sandpaper to smooth them out.

Step 2: Prime the Walls

Next, you need to prime the walls. This will help the paint adhere better to the wallpaper. Use a high-quality primer and apply it with a roller or brush. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Paint the Walls

Finally, it’s time to paint! Choose a high-quality paint that is designed for use on wallpaper. Apply the paint with a roller or brush, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. You may need to apply a second coat of paint to get the desired coverage.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some additional tips and ideas to keep in mind when painting over wallpaper:

Choose a paint color that will complement the wallpaper pattern.
Use a high-quality primer and paint for the best results.
Consider using a paint sprayer for faster and more even coverage.
Use a wallpaper scoring tool to create tiny holes in the wallpaper before priming and painting.
Remove any loose wallpaper before priming and painting.
Allow plenty of time for the primer and paint to dry between coats.
Use a paintbrush to cut in around edges and corners.
Consider adding a coat of clear sealer to protect the paint and wallpaper.
Experiment with different painting techniques, such as stenciling or sponge painting, to add interest to the walls.
If you’re unsure about painting over wallpaper, consider hiring a professional painter.

Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons to painting over wallpaper. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Pros:

Painting over wallpaper is a quick and easy way to update a room.
You can save time and money by not having to remove the wallpaper first.
If you choose the right paint and primer, the results can be long-lasting and durable.

Cons:

If the wallpaper is old or damaged, it may not hold up well under the paint.
The texture of the wallpaper may still be visible under the paint.
If you ever want to remove the wallpaper, it may be more difficult to do so after it has been painted over.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’m very happy with the results of my painted-over wallpaper. The process was relatively easy, and the finished product looks great. However, I do think it’s important to choose the right paint and primer to ensure the best results. I also recommend taking your time and being patient throughout the process.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Is it okay to paint over textured wallpaper?

A: It’s possible to paint over textured wallpaper, but the texture may still be visible through the paint. If you want to minimize the texture, consider using a thick-nap roller when applying the paint.

Q: Do I need to use a special paint for wallpaper?

A: Yes, you should use a paint that is specifically designed for use on wallpaper. This will ensure the best adhesion and coverage.

Q: Can I remove painted-over wallpaper?

A: Yes, you can remove painted-over wallpaper, but it may be more difficult than removing unpainted wallpaper. You may need to use a wallpaper steamer or chemical wallpaper remover to loosen the paint and wallpaper.