Did you know that wallpaper has been around for over 600 years? That’s a long time! Surely, in those years, many people have thought about painting over their wallpaper. Whether you’ve just moved into an older home with some groovy wallpaper or you’re just looking to change up your home’s style, there is quite a bit to know about painting over wallpaper. In this blog, we will discuss whether this is a good idea and any tips for doing so.
Painting Over Wallpaper
Though many will say removing wallpaper is a critical step, you can in fact paint over wallpaper and have it look nice. That being said, it does take some significant work and extra TLC to ensure it will look good for years to come.
However, some wallpapers are the exception to the aforementioned rule. According to ThisOldHouse.com, wallpaper with excessive damage and fabric-backed vinyl wallpaper should never be painted over. Therefore, it is a good idea to assess your wallpaper’s current status before moving full steam ahead with your home renovation project.
Tips for Painting Over Wallpaper
Whether you attempt this yourself or hire some help, there are some things you should know prior to painting over wallpaper:
Get The Right Gear
Before starting the job, be sure you have the right supplies on hand. Proper painting, especially painting over wallpaper, requires special materials and safety equipment. At the minimum, you’ll need brushes and rollers, painter’s tape, primer, paint, goggles, gloves, a mask, and warm water. It is also a good idea to have extra cloths, a putty knife, and sandpaper around.
Clean First
A very critical step is cleaning the wallpaper prior to starting. Wallpaper can accumulate all kinds of dirt and grime over the years; be sure to get that off so it does not stay on the walls and remain trapped under your paint. It is also critical to let the walls dry after you clean them prior to priming the walls.
Don’t Skip Repairs
If the wallpaper or wall has damage to it, be sure to address that prior to painting. Some examples of damage include peeling or loose seams. These are easy fixes with glue, scissors, and even a bit of spackle.
Use Multiple Coats
When painting over wallpaper, don’t be skimpy about the amount of paint you use. As time goes by and the paint dries, you may see the pattern underneath the paint become more visible. This can, for the most part, be helped by going over the paint with multiple coats.
Wet Paint LLC Can Help
Wet Paint is a leading painting service based in Scottsdale, Arizona. We have been providing exceptional quality painting services to our clients since 2015 – with no plans to stop any time soon! Our passion is turning your home dreams into a reality with paint. In addition to supporting interior painting jobs, our team also does exterior painting and epoxy flooring. Let our professional staff take the stress of renovations away with their friendly demeanor and true integrity.
Call Us Today
If you are looking for some help in assessing your wallpaper situation in your home, we’d love to help you. Let our experts support you in deciding if and how you can paint over your wallpaper. If you are looking for a professional service to do it for you, we can also help with that. To take your next step or for a free estimate, please give call us at (480) 439-2467 today. We hope to earn your business!
