Should I paint over wallpaper, or remove it first?

Answer 1

It's always BEST to remove it but you can also paint it if it's in good shape, first you have to seal it with a primer/sealer because we all know moisture is what takes paper off so do that and if it stays down then you'll be alright for paint BUT if it loosens and bubbles in places then it should come off, try a test area first cause either way your going to need the primer. Good luck Les the painter

Answer 2

Remove it first! If you don't, the wallpaper will eventually peel off/bubble and you will have to start over. Also, painting over the wallpaper will accentuate seams from the paper on the wall. You can purchase products at a home improvement store to help making the removing of the paper fairly easy.

Answer 3

Take it off. It's a nuisance but it'll be worth it, especially if you are doing it in a bathroom or some room that gets humid. I lived in an apartment where they painted over the wallpaper in the bathroom, latex paint of course, and it started coming loose and sliding down after about a year.

If you need further incentive, wallpaper is very attractive to baby roaches, who live behind it and eat the glue. It's like putting out a welcome mat for them.

Answer 4

Remove it. But don't do the job halfway. If you aren't going to take the time to do it right, then just paint over it.
When you peel it off, make sure that you also remove any excess glue on the walls, sometimes it will come off with warm water and a sponge. You can buy sandpaper sponges at hope depot.
Washing the extra glue off is sometimes easier than sanding
and much less messy.
Hope that helps!

Answer 5

I would remove the paper, If you have a lot to remove go buy a wallpaper steamer (cost about $40-$50) don't forget to get a paper tiger. That's the thing you roll on the paper that puts little holes in the paper, so when you steam the paper it will loosen the glue so you can pull the paper off........

Good Luck..............

Answer 6

Remove it. Suggest using white vinegar, Spray the wall with the vinegar thoroughly wetting it and letting is sit for apprx. 30 min and do it again. The vinegar will kill the wheat paste and allow easy removal. After removed, wipe down the wall with a mixture of 50/50 vinegar and water. Let dry overnight, prime and repaint.

Answer 7

It is better to remove the wall paper before painting first. Painting over the wall paper can dampen it and make it tear, which can be messy. If painint over the wall paper is successful, eventually it can begin to chip off the wall.

Answer 8

Remove it. Painting over it will look like you painted over wall paper.

Answer 9

if you want it to not suck, then remove the wallpaper first

Answer 10

get a heat gun and remove it and whats left on that the heat gun couldnt get off sand it down then paint it