Painting over wallpaper

Question

I have a few areas  in an apartment I'm remodeling where the wallpaper, which I think might actually be wallpaper liner as it's plain colored, is separating at the seams.  I want to paint over the wallpaper but am not sure how to repair these smaller areas to make them less noticeable.  This room isn't a main room in the apt. so I'm not worried about seeing the wallpaper seams as much as repairs the ones that are opening up and a little torn in places.  Any thoughts? Much appreciated.

Marilee H · Answer

You are much better off removing the wallpaper, as even if you repair one place, a new one is sure to pop up. Also, paint may not adhere properly, or may pull new areas of wallpaper off.

Job6894154 · Answer

I have to agree it is better to take the paper off if you can but sometime that is not possible. Get as much loose paper as you can and tear is off then apply painters speckling or joint compound let it dry and sand till smooth. Then you can paint the color you want. Good luck

Dee · Answer

Thanks but in a really large room I only have three trouble spots and I really can't take all the paper off and risk have major issues underneath or risk creating major issues by removing the paper.  It's a rental and I have to do what is most economical and practical for now.  I'll try the joint compound, thanks Jobarker62

William · Answer

Since this is a rental, be careful what you are allowed or not to do. Check your lease and with the landlord. You can glue the raised seams using wallpaper paste. Force some wallpaper paste behind the wallpaper. Use a damp sponge and gently rub over the seams until the glued back down.

Cam8122242 · Answer

paint a prime coat over wall paper use ( oil based prime  only  ) trust me it works ,then paint as usual   latex is best

Dee · Answer

Thanks Camiellis, that's what I'm doing but wanted to make the seams that are ripped a bit and open less noticeable. Thanks

Walter Burton · Answer

There is a special place in Purgatory for people who paint over wallpaper. Best to remove it, patch any holes, and then paint. Check land lord first. Removal is easy with right materials and procedure can be googled

Melly · Answer

My two cents worth:  Never paint over wallpaper, even if you are the landlord.  You are postponing trouble and making a bigger problem for yourself down the road (been there, done that).

Sandra emberton · Answer

I have good thick liner over the paneling in my kitchen. It looks great. You can of course paste any seams down and then if you have parted seams just use spackling and smooth out . You are ready to paint and it looks great. If it is bad then use a skim coat of mudd and sand. You will be happy with the results.

9530106 · Answer

You could paint with a texured paint. They make an additive for the paint, and also paint with the texture already in it. Yes, it is made for walls, and hides a MULTITUDE of sins! There are different textures and grits available.

JoAnn Farmer Talley · Answer

I painted over my dining room wallpaper and if I ever look like I want to do it again someone just kill me....it was the biggest mess I have ever encountered.....I dry walled the seams up and it still looked like crap....trust me...remove the stuff and then paint....you wont be sorry.....

B J Alexis · Answer

First, will your landlord allow you to paint it.  I have stripped wallpaper that was painted over, a mess--but if you don't mind leaving the mess for someone else, there should be small containers of wallpaper paste at hardware stores, seal the seams, let dry and paint, keep the paint layer as thin as possible, too thick and wet and the wallpaper could bubble and pull off.

Marilyn McCormick · Answer

I asked this question at a paint store once because I did not want to strip off the wallpaper. I was told to 'NEVER' paint over wallpaper. Maybe they did it back in great grandma's day, but it's a bad idea, so don't do it. You could probably wallpaper another layer of wallpaper though and they come in rather plain styles  too, not just prints.

Mike Tabaka · Answer

I did our half bath which was completely wallpapered and used joint compound to cover the seams and areas that needed it followed by a light sanding to smooth it and blend it. I followed up with a spray texture (optional) and then 2 coats of Kilz and finished painting with my color of choice and it turned out perfect! It's been 3 years and no one can tell it's been a paint job over existing wallpaper.

Phylis Green · Answer

If you suspect it is wallpaper liner, use a spray bottle or sponge to wet it lightly. Peel any areas that bubble up or lift. Let it all dry. Then sand it all lightly, paying particular to seams and all peeled edges. Once sanded, wipe down with a 'tack cloth' available at paint stores to remove sanding dust. Then you should be fine adding texture. Then paint when dry. Or, use a paint that has texture in it.

Dee · Answer

Good thought, thanks so much!

Sue Sanders · Answer

I stripped all my wallpaper off in order to paint.   For a 'quick' change I would do what Mike Tabaka did (above)  After you cover the seams with the joint compound it is important to cover the whole space with the Kilz to cover the color before painting.   If the edges of the curled up seams are hard you can take a cutter and ruler and trim them off before appiying the joint compound as the compound fills in the dented space.

Dee · Answer

OK, glad you brought that up, thanks!

Carol Roddy · Answer

I would NEVER paint over wallpaper. It is the worst thing to have to repair!! Removal of wallpaper is so very easy, yes, a bit messy, but it's easy. You can just use a regular household steamer one for cleaning or for steaming clothes and a flat blade putty knife or even a spatula. I have seen wallpaper bubble under paint and it looks worse than before you started. Whatever you decide, best of luck.

Mary Jane Tullius · Answer

I agree--do not, do not, do not paint over wallpaper!!!  Someone will pay for it later . . .

Karen Williams · Answer

If this a rented apartment & you have the landlord's permission, I would go ahead & paint over the liner.  Otherwise, go to the extra effort to steam off the liner.  It sounds like the printed side has already been stripped & in an old place, you could damage the sub-surface.   Just use spackle repair, Mod-Podge or white glue to paste down the edges that are lifting & take care of other holes at the same time.  Then go ahead & paint with a good quality paint - some have the Kilz in the paint.  I've done this & also painted paneling & loved the results, which lasted until we did a remodel & had to replace the drywall anyway.  Good luck & Enjoy your new room!

Dee · Answer

Thanks, that's what I'll do

Carol Roddy · Answer

OH DARN!!! I guess the only option would be following what others have said.  There is a paintable wallpaper called (ignore my spelling) anaglypta you apply it horizontally and it comes in just a plain type or embossed. You can get it at most big box stores. I used that over paneling and it worked great, I don't however know if it would go over wallpaper. What ever you end up doing, I hope you have success :0)

Jan Trom · Answer

Ive

I've used drywall mud in the seams and primed the entire wallpapered wall. Then painted the wall. No one knows it has wallpaper behind it.   if they didn't use sizing behind the wallpaper, it won't come off well even with a steamer.

Dee · Answer

I'm with ya! Thanks!

Maryann Provorse · Answer

I painted over wallpaper in the kitchen and you couldn't even tell.

Becky Childers · Answer

I use Spackle. Use a putty knife and go down the seam,,let dry an sand til smooth. Works great.

Jackie Hendricks · Answer

Agree completely with Jan, Dee and Becky.

Painting over wallpaper

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