How to Paint over Wallpaper

It’s entirely possible to paint over wallpaper although there’s more to it than simply applying a coat or two of paint on top of your old wallpaper. Properly prepared, your wall will look as if you’d had a professional decorator paint over your wallpaper for you.

 Step 1 - Preparing the Wall

Start by checking how well the wallpaper is fixed to the walls. If there are loose areas, remove them with the utility knife. Remove all nails from the wall, as well as the switchplates, and use masking tape to protect the baseboard. Put a drop cloth at the bottom of the wall to catch paint. Make sure that the room is well-ventilated and that you wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Step 2 - Primer

Paint the wall with primer. Make sure you use a primer that’s either shellac or oil-based. If you use a water-based primer, it can lift off the wallpaper or cause it to bubble. The other types bond hard, and also effectively cover stains, as well as drying quickly.

Step 3 - Drywall

The dried primer will show all the deficiencies in the wall. Before painting over wallpaper, you’ll need to fix these with drywall compound, which will also cover the seams between wallpaper.

Put a thin coat over the seams and any holes of defects on the wall. Let it dry, then sand it down. To achieve proper coverage you might need two coats of drywall compound. Once you’re satisfied with the way it looks, apply primer over the areas of drywall compound then caulk around trim and the ceiling line. Leave to dry. Once it’s dry, apply masking tape at the ceiling line. To get rid of all the dust from the drywall, you can use a shop vac with the crevice tool attached.

Step 4 - Paint

Use an eggshell paint or a washable flat paint when painting over wallpaper. This is because it offers a much lower sheen than other types of paint and can help hide any remaining irregularities in your wall. Start by using your brush around the edges and the trim on the walls, painting in long horizontal strokes (vertical where necessary). You need to cut in by as distance of at least 6 inches from the edges.

For the rest of the wall, you can use a brush with long, even strokes or a roller. Apply a single coat then allow it to dry. For better coverage, apply a second coat. Edge first then cover the entire wall.

Step 5 - Texture

If you want to use texture on the wall when you paint over wallpaper, apply it once the primer is on the wall. Once you have it as you want it, allow to dry then paint over the top of it. You’ll need more paint to properly cover a textured wall. You can also add another coat that contrasts or complements the paint.