Can u paint over wallpaper?

Question

I have very ornate maroon and beige wallpaper in my sitting room and dark blue and gold in the bedroom. Is it possible to paint over this as I don't know the state of the wall underneath the paper.

Answer 1

You can texture and paint over wall paper but there are several things to consider. First, is the paper adhering well to the wall? Second, does the paper have a texture? Third, is the paper dark in color? These issues will be addressed throughout this response.


If there are any loose sections or bubbles in the paper, they will have to be glued. The best way to do this is to use Elmer's Glue and a syringe so the paper does not have to be pulled. If there are many areas that are loose, I would suggest removing it.

Usually, if the paper is removed, some of the drywall paper will come off too. These areas will have to be floated with joint compound, sanded, or washed, and primed with a sealer, like Kilz, before texture is applied.

Answer 2

Make sure the wallpaper is secure to the wall, you may have to apply a coat or two of a good primer and let it dry well before painting, the primer will seal the wallpaper and you will know after priming if you are going to have a problem with the wallpaper coming loose. If there are no problems go ahead and paint, if wallpaper comes loose at the seams use seam glue to glue it back down then prime over glued areas, you can pick up the seam glue at most Walmart stores or and Wallpaper Store.

Answer 3

Hi, yes it can be done, although you may need several layers and the adhesion depends on the type of wallpaper. Best bet is to buy a small emulsion tester pot and paint a couple of layers in a corner where you won't see it, then leave it for a few days and see how it settles. I've done it myself, so it can work !! Good Luck

Answer 4

Generally, this procedure is frowned upon due to the irreparable damage it causes to TFT monitors and the difficulties inherent in using Nitro-Mors on a glass-faced CRT monitor. A superior method of recolouring your wallpaper would be to locate a suitable image from the internet (a pretty lady if you are a man, or maybe some puppies in their basket for a lady) and use the set as wallpaper option within your image editing software.

Answer 5

Yeah you can if it's the right sort of paper, try a little area and see whether it bubbles or not .... failing that you could strip the walls and put up some liner paper and then paint over that.

Hope that helps, have fun decorating.

Answer 6

You can but it can really complicate things. Go to a hard ware store and ask them. Im sure it depends on the wallpaper, type of paint, color of both... We had to take ours down and its a hassle but its possible. So it would be best to ask a professional that works with this stuff. Go to Home Depot or Lowes or something.

Answer 7

yes. b4 selling a house I always slap magnnolia paint over walls and no way can I be asked to strip wallpaper first. also if you strip wall paper its a messy finish underneath. don't make work for yourself

Answer 8

Yes nina but it will take a lot of hard work and paint, first a sealer than undercoat then you finish paint (gloss silk or matt). Better with emulsion, but might require two coats depends how good you are, but it will be a lot easier and quicker, nice to finish with a matt coat. Good luck.

Answer 9

yes it is possible i dont it with my wallpaper but put a coat of white emulsion on the paper first so that it doesent soak in the colour ur wanting to use for the walls

Answer 10

Yes but sand down first for a better finish. Get some cheap white imulsion and apply first.May need two coats tho to stop colours underneath showing thru....good luck.....