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Never Paint Over Wallpaper

Painted Wallpaper

07 May Never Paint Over Wallpaper

Posted at 12:06h in painting by
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Have you been casting a critical eye toward your dining room’s 1990s wallpaper?  (If you haven’t been, maybe you should if it dates to the ’90s.) You might be tempted to paint right over the wallpaper – or ask us to paint over it. However tempting it might be to paint over wallpaper, it’s rarely a good idea. Let’s break it down.
Pros of painting over wallpaper:
  • It’s a fast fix.
  • It’s easy enough (not as much as you think).
  • It’s cleaner – no messy paper bits on the floor to clean up.
  • It seems like a good idea.
  • Except, that it’s NOT.
Cons of painting over wallpaper:
Wallpaper can hide wall issues that should be addressed. That can include mold or mildew under the paper on the sheetrock. Removing the wallpaper before painting can expose any problems that need to be fixed before you add a layer of paint.
While removing wallpaper can sometimes cause some minimal damage to the sheetrock, an experienced painter (like us) knows how to remove wallpaper and prepare the wall for paint correctly.
It can be challenging to hide wallpaper’s color, texture, or seams under primer and paint. Although you might initially be able to disguise any of these with paint, you can find that over time, they may begin to show under the paint.
If there’s a tear in the paper, it can be hard to disguise the damage properly.
With time, wallpaper can detach from the wall creating a more significant problem as it’s been painted over. Keep in mind that the moisture from the paint can loosen wallpaper by diminishing the integrity of the adhesive beneath the paper.
Painting over wallpaper can sometimes cause the paper to bubble underneath the paint.  This only leads to needing to remove the wallpaper and then repainting the wall. That’s twice the work and possibly twice the initial cost.
Wallpaper that has been painted over is far more difficult to remove later because it’s more difficult for the solvents to be absorbed by the paper. It is a far more labor-intensive project than removing unpainted wallpaper.
Lastly, wallpaper removal, if done by professionals, isn’t that difficult or too time-consuming.  If you want to be rid of wallpaper, don’t just paint over it. Remove it. It can save you money and time.

FAQ

1. Why is it not recommended to paint over wallpaper?

Painting over wallpaper is generally discouraged because most wallpaper adhesives are water-based and can react with the moisture in paint. This may cause the wallpaper to curl, lift at the seams, or even delaminate. Additionally, the paint may not adhere properly, and any texture or imperfections in the wallpaper will show through, leading to an unsatisfactory finish.

2. What problems can arise if I paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

Common issues include blisters or bubbles forming in the paint, peeling wallpaper, visible seams, and poor paint adhesion. These problems can result in an uneven, unattractive surface and may require you to remove both the paint and wallpaper later, making the job even more difficult.

3. Are there any situations where painting over wallpaper might be acceptable?

Painting over wallpaper may be considered if the wallpaper is in excellent condition—no peeling, bubbling, or damage—and if removing it could harm delicate drywall or plaster. However, this is still a compromise, and the final finish will likely not be as smooth or durable as painting on a properly prepared wall.

4. What preparation steps are necessary if I decide to paint over wallpaper anyway?

If you must paint over wallpaper, ensure all seams and edges are glued down securely, repair any damage, and clean the surface thoroughly. Use an oil-based primer to seal the wallpaper and prevent moisture from loosening the adhesive. Avoid water-based primers or paints directly on the wallpaper, as these can cause the glue to reactivate and the wallpaper to lift.

5. Will painting over wallpaper save time and money in the long run?

While painting over wallpaper may seem quicker and less messy initially, it often leads to more work and expense over time due to the likelihood of paint failure, peeling, and the need for future repairs. Removing wallpaper and properly preparing the wall is typically the best investment for a long-lasting, high-quality finish.

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