16 Jul How to Paint Over Wallpaper

If you have wallpaper in your home, you might be wondering if you’re stuck with it forever. Never fear, Pelham Painters are here to walk you through the process of painting over that old fashioned wallpaper and bringing some vibrancy, modernity and personality to your walls.

Start with a detailed inspection

The aim is to avoid removing wallpaper, which is not only tedious, but could also cause damage.

It must be noted though that the state of the wallpaper is key to a successful paint job. Start by inspecting the wallpaper closely. If it is securely attached to the wall with no sign of peeling or lifted edges, you’re good to go. However, if the wallpaper is bubbling or peeling, it will need to be treated before painting can begin.

You also need to check the texture. Wallpaper with a heavy, patterned texture will require more preparation before painting. And if the walls have multiple layers of wallpaper, the added thickness and potential for uneven surfaces could affect the outcome.

If you’re unsure about the state of your wallpaper, please give us at Pelham Painters a call for advice.

If you’re confident about getting started, here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Get your supplies

Once again, we need to emphasise the importance of preparation. Start by gathering the correct supplies. First on the list needs to be primer to seal the wallpaper and prevent colour from bleeding through.

Next, choose your paint, such as a satin or semi-gloss finish that is both durable and easy to clean. Acrylic or latex paint is preferred over oil-based paint because of its elasticity. High-grade paint is ideal, if you can afford it – with paint, you get what you pay for, so try pay for the best.

Purchase good paintbrushes, as well as drop cloths and cleaning supplies to mop up any spills and splashes.

Step 2: Make repairs

If you find loose sections of wallpaper, reattach them with wallpaper glue. If you need to remove some damaged pieces, patch the exposed wall and sand them down once dry.

Step 3: Prep the walls

Make sure the surface is spotless by wiping the walls with a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent to get rid of dust and dirt. You may need a specialised wallpaper cleaner for stubborn stains. Rinse after wiping and allow the wall to dry completely.

Step 4: Start taping

Apply painter’s tape to trims, fixtures and window frames, pressing down firmly to avoid paint bleeding through. This is a tedious but hugely important task that requires patience and good attention to detail.

Step 5: Prime the wallpaper

This is one step you can’t afford to skip. Primer creates a protective layer that also conceals the patterns and colours of your wallpaper. It also makes the wall receptive to the paint you’ll apply later. Choose an oil-based primer and apply it evenly, allowing it to dry completely as per the instructions on the can. You may need to apply multiple coats if the wallpaper’s texture is still perceptible.

Step 6: Let the painting begin

Pop open your satin or semi-gloss paint and start painting. We recommend using angled brushes to get into the corners and a roller for the broad areas. Two coats will be sufficient, but make sure to let the first coat dry completely before resuming the second.

Consult the pros at Pelham Painters

Painting over wallpaper is a good way to transform your walls without embarking on a labour-intensive removal process. However, each wall and wallpaper is different, and the potential for making a wall look worse by attempting a paint-over is a possibility.

As such, we recommend calling in the pros, such as us, to inspect and provide advice. We’ll also happily take on the job if you’re not up to it, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.