How can I cover wallpaper in a small bathroom?

Milly
by Milly
  6 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 07, 2019

    You shouldn't put anything like paint on it. Could cause it to bubble and peel. Remove it first, then paint.

    You can cover your walls with bead board or ship lap.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Oct 07, 2019

    The wallpaper needs to be removed if you mean to cover your walls with paint or something.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 07, 2019

    Unless you are going to put new wood over it, you should remove. Here's a tried & true process which has worked for me (better than using a steamer):

    Peel as much as possible from the walls.

    If you can't get to the backing, you may need to score the paper with a tool. Paper Tiger is easy to find. Light pressure because you don't want to damage the wall behind the paper.

    Mix 50/50 fabric softener & warm water in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. I've read that vinegar is as effective but I have never used it.

    Allow the mixture to sit for 5 - 10 minutes so that it saturates the adhesive on the paper backing.

    Scrape with a plastic scraper.

    Once it is all removed, wash the walls with warm soapy water (blue Dawn is my go-to) and a microfiber cloth.

  • Toni @ Girl, Just DIY! Toni @ Girl, Just DIY! on Oct 10, 2019

    Because of moisture in a bathroom it's best to remove it first and then paint after you clean the wall of all the glue and paper.

  • Milly Milly on Oct 11, 2019

    Thank you

  • Normally I would say to paint over the wallpaper. We have done that. But I do agree with the others, that in a bathroom steam may build up, which can cause issues with the wallpaper, and then cause issues with your paint. I recommend removing the wallpaper.