Can I stencil I stencil over the wallpaper in my small bathroom?

Bux6369931
by Bux6369931
  7 answers
  • Susan Susan on Sep 16, 2017

    would try on a small piece in corner...? or if you have left over wallpaper you can try stencil on first. Difficult to say not knowing what type of wallpaper you have... is it vinyl - as would be typical in bath for water proofing walls?

  • Kathlene Kelly Kathlene Kelly on Sep 16, 2017

    This is one of those "it depends" questions.


    The Wallpaper

    Is it well adhered to the wall? Is your bathroom well ventilated? Is it likely to peel with the addition of moisture? Is it vinyl? Do you have any extra pieces you can practice on So you can test various paint types and brush styles?


    The Stencil

    Will you be stenciling over seams? Have you stenciled before? Will the stencil be near the ceiling edge of the wallpaper?


    The Paint

    Water base or oil? Are you stippling the paint on or painting/layering it on?


    The long and short of it may be that, as long as the wallpaper is well adhered and that you're not over saturating it with water based paint, you're probably fine. I wouldn't paint near the ceiling seam in order to avoid getting moisture between the paper and the wall and I recommend stippling rather than layering or heavy painting. If you are going to layer paint be sure to let it dry well between coats. The more you saturate an area the more likely it is that the paper will pull away from the wall.


    Good Luck!

  • Leisa Yeager Leisa Yeager on Sep 16, 2017

    I wouldn't because you will still see the design of wall paper in the stencil..but if you are enhancing the wall paper with a design then go ahead..remember painted wallpaper is very hard to get off if you decide later that you don't like effect...clean slate is always best..good luck...

  • Judy Judy on Sep 16, 2017

    I don't see why not. You can do what you want.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Sep 17, 2017

    You should be able to just test first in an out of sight corner so you can get a sense of how it works first :)

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 31, 2023

    If the wallpaper is Waterproof or steamproof it might be better to strip it off. If not then yes use an Eggshell paint.

  • Janice Janice on Nov 27, 2023

    Yes you certainly can!