Can I paint over wallpaper?

You can certainly paint over wallpaper, with some exceptions. Removing wallpaper that has been on the wall for years, can be a hassle, time consuming, be stressful and cause excessive damage to your walls if not done properly. While it is better to remove your wallpaper before painting, there is no reason to remove it especially if you are not willing to invest money, time and effort in removing it before painting your walls. In many cases, walls are not in a good enough shape, and that removing wallpaper causes more problems than it prevents. In this case, painting over wallpaper may be your best choice. Also, many homeowners like the look of wallpaper as it helps cover wall imperfections and adds unique textures to walls. If you decide that you are going to paint over your wallpaper, it’s very important to prep your walls properly for best results. Start by adding adhesive to loose pieces and seams to secure from moving. Add a thin line of caulk around the perimeter of the walls where the paper meets the floor and ceiling, which will help keep the paper from peeling after you’ve painted. Then try to sand down the seams of the wallpaper so they’re not as noticeable. Apply a coat of primer to the entire surface of the walls to help seal the adhesive in the paper away from the moisture in the paint. Moisture from paint can often loosen wallpaper glue, causing bubbles or peeling. At KD Painting, we recommend using oil-based primer to minimize moisture. At KD Painting, we recommend removing wallpaper before painting whenever possible, as you’ll experience better results and fewer problems down the road. If you need help painting over wallpaper or even removing wallpaper, give us a call at (860) 775-6787 or contact us online for a free estimate.