How to Paint Vinyl-Covered Wallboards

A vinyl wallboard.
What You'll Need
80 grit sandpaper
4-inch flat paintbrush
Paint roller
Drop cloth
"Gripper" primer
Good interior epoxy or latex paint
Bucket
Sponge
Soapy water
What You'll Need
80 grit sandpaper
4-inch flat paintbrush
Paint roller
Drop cloth
"Gripper" primer
Good interior epoxy or latex paint
Bucket
Sponge
Soapy water

Painting over a vinyl-covered wallboard is something that many people have a problem with. These wallboards are found in many older homes and mobile homes. While vinyl-covered wallboard was in style many years ago, that style has gone away and people want a more modern look. Sometimes removing the wallboard and renovating the entire room is not in the budget. Painting over the vinyl-covered wall is the only option. It can be done with some special paints and techniques.

Use Sandpaper on Wall

Normally you would not want to put any sandpaper onto the wall. However, it is important that the vinyl covering be roughed up a little bit in order for the paint to adhere to the slick surface. Do not use an electric sander for this operation. A piece of 80 grit sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood will work. Run it over the wallboard in circles.

Wash Wallboard Clean

One of the problems that many people have when they try to paint over the vinyl-covered wallboard is that they put the paint on over the wall while it still has some dirt, film, or residue. It is important before you do any painting of the surface that you wash it thoroughly. Remove any dirt, stains, or film that is on the wall with some warm water and regular dish liquid. Sponge on the solution and then rinse it off with pure water. Dry it with a rag and make sure there is no soapy residue.

A vinyl wallboard.

Tape off Trim

Take some time to tape off any trim that you do not want to get paint on. After you have taped everything around the wall, place a drop cloth on the floor and the surrounding area.

Apply Primer

There are many different types of primers on the market today. The kind of primer that you should look for is the ones that have some gripping power to them. Carefully look over the available primers for those that are for painting over vinyl. Brush the primer on the wall in large, broad strokes. Two coats should be enough.

Paint Vinyl-Covered Wall

Let the primer dry thoroughly before you start to put the actual paint on it. Check the primer for any signs that it will peel before you do any painting. Pick a good interior epoxy or latex paint. Set it out on a rolling pan and use a soft roller to apply the paint. Work in small areas at a time and use normal rolling techniques. Work swiftly, but carefully to make sure there are no white areas.

Apply Second Coat

Once the first coat dries, then get ready to apply the second coat. Follow the same painting procedure while working swiftly and carefully. Once the coat is completed, let it dry. If you need another one, then follow the same painting technique. If not, remove the drop cloth and tape.