Painting over textured wall paper

Frances
by Frances

I had two different wall papers on my walls. The majority of the wall is a textured solid color wall paper. At the top was a dark busy looking scallop wall paper trim that i have already removed. This is a one girl project. I was told i have to skim coat the wall if i take the remaining paper off. I don't mind the texture, i just want to brighten it up. Any special technique for painting it?


  10 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 20, 2021

    I have removed wallpaper from more rooms than I can count. I've never had to skim coat the walls after removing. I did have one seam that had to be redone because it wasn't properly done and the tape came off with the paper. A steamer is your best tool in removing wallpaper. Also, mix either white vinegar or fabric softener with warm water in a spray bottle, 50/50 to help remove the paper. Saturate to loosen the glue. A plastic scraper is the tool you will want to use.

    After you remove it, wash your walls with a microfiber cloth and soapy water. I use blue Dawn to make mine.

    You may have a bit of patching to do. I normally see this in the corners.


    That said, if you want to leave it up and paint over it just know that it will be a horrific job to remove in the future. Wash your wall thoroughly then paint and prime as you normally would.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 20, 2021

    Hi Frances! If the wallpaper is not pealing and is in good shape you can absolutely paint it! I would start with a primer because you will need more paint usually with wallpaper, it does absorb more moisture than a regular painted wall would.

  • Em Em on Apr 20, 2021

    Nothing special about painting it. If there is a line where the remaining paper is and the old, just add a thin line of decorative trim to the edge. Lots of choices of 8-10' pieces at Lowes or Home Depot.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 20, 2021

    Hello this link could be helpful. Paint and be a wonderful room brightening improvement.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_By-bt7yZbo

  • Maura White Maura White on Apr 20, 2021

    I would just bake sure your roller is soft enough to get into the nooks and crannies if needed otherwise you may need a brush if some of the texture is too deep for a roller.

  • This video shows how to paint over textured paper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EQ16mTOiQ

  • I’ve painted over wallpaper before and it was fine. Just paint like normal.

  • Dee Dee on Apr 25, 2021

    I have painted over textured wallpaper and love the look. It was vinyl paper and has held up for at least 10 years now. I did not use primer, and it is still washable.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Apr 26, 2021

    Just paint like normal

  • Deb K Deb K on May 03, 2021

    Hi Frances, just be sure to remove any loose pieces of the paper from it, hope this helps you out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIgO0NA7tIs