How can I paint over a poly’d wall?

by Jill

Answered

Seemed like a great idea@the time. I sized the walls then wallpapered the walls of a small powder room with randomly torn pieces of kraft paper, after which I applied a coat of polyethylene to the surface. Now I want to change the walls - I’m afraid I’ll damage the drywall if I pull the paper off. I realize the Kraft paper texture is probably there to stay, but I just want a new look. Any thoughts on sanding the walls, perhaps sealing with Kilz and using latex paint?

2 answers

Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 21, 2019

I'd lightly sand and prime with oil based primer then paint with Oil based paint, it comes in almost flat. That is what I think would be the safest. The next time you wallpaper, sizing only works on wall prep paint for wallpaper or oil based primer. It soaks into normal primer or paint.

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- Jill on Jan 21, 2019
  
  Thanks so much! Even if it was a water based poly, you’d still suggest I use oil based products?
  
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- Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 22, 2019
  
  No, kilz andatex would work. Thought you used oil based poly.
  
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William on Jan 21, 2019

Don't need to use oil based paint. Kelli has this fascination with oil based paint. To each his own. I use latex paint. Oil based for trim. Just sand till the surface is smooth. Prime with Kilz primer then paint.

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- Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 21, 2019
  
  I do love oil. Thought she used oil based poly. I think of polyurethane as oil and aquathane as water. I agree, latex for walls and ceilings, oil for wood, including cabinets and furniture.
  
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- Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 22, 2019
  
  Yes I love oil. But I agree, latex for walls oil for wood and metal. I do include cabinets and furniture with wood most of the time. I always consider polyurethane as oil based and aquathane as water based. I forget it's interchangable. Too many years if art school, architecture and design.
  
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- Jill on Jan 23, 2019
  
  I too like oil for woodwork. I’m not sure if it’s still the case, but there used to be a rule of thumb, latex won’t adhere over oil, but oil over latex works fine. Either way, seems like sanding is where I need to begin.
  Thanks so much!
  
  1 marked as helpful

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