Painting over wallpaper
#1
03-08-00, 04:58 AM
Has anyone had any luck painting over existing wallpaper? We have existing wallpaper that was put on right over unprimed drywall so it is impossible to remove without damaging the drywall. We figure that because the wallpaper is already hard to remove, painting over the top of it can't make it any worse. Are we on the right track?
#2
03-09-00, 10:08 AM
I painted over wallpaper years ago in an old house and it made the wallpaper come loose in some places. I believe there is a special tool made for steaming wallpaper off. You might check with someone who specializes in applying wallpaper. Good luck!
#3
03-10-00, 04:50 AM
Painting over wall paper is the last resort. Its better to remove it. A paper tiger will help. DIF (a commercial product) works well. I've heard fabric softener, sprayed on with a spritzer, works well.
The tiger pokes hundreds of little holes in the paper. That allows the liquid to penetrate and soften the paste. Let the DIF, water, or whatever work. ie) apply it and give it a few minutes to soften the paste. It will takes lots of applications!
If you must paint, prime it first with an oil-based primer. Then apply the latex (acylic) of your choice.
The tiger pokes hundreds of little holes in the paper. That allows the liquid to penetrate and soften the paste. Let the DIF, water, or whatever work. ie) apply it and give it a few minutes to soften the paste. It will takes lots of applications!
If you must paint, prime it first with an oil-based primer. Then apply the latex (acylic) of your choice.
#4
03-11-00, 12:34 AM
Randy, I've never had much luck painting over wall paper. Removing it from unpainted sheetrock, with destroying the sheetrock will be difficult, if not impossible. HAve you considered just replacing the sheetrock? If it's an exterior wall, now is the time to reinsulate as well.
