Can I wallpaper over wallpaper?

Question

I inherited (married the owner) a gorgeous bathroom that has 25 year-old wallpaper, floral. The floor is little pink tiles with gray grout. I want to put gray textured wallpaper on the walls. Do I HAVE to remove the old?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Yes that is the proper procedure.

William · Answer

You need to remove the old wallpaper. You need a solid base for wallpaper. Any moisture from glue will cause the underlying wallpaper to peel and the new wallpaper can bubble. Textured wallpaper is heavier than regular wallpaper.

Hillela G. · Answer

Yea, you're going to have to remove the wallpaper first but it doesn't have to be too bad-

Jo · Answer

Depending on what's under the current wallpaper, you may want to go over it. Like if is covering an uneven surface. It also depends on the kind of paper you're going over, and how well it is attached to wall. You may need to degloss the current paper slightly. Not sure if you can use wallpaper primer on top of wallpaper. Good luck.

V Smith · Answer

No. If the old paper is in good shape and not loose, you can use an oil based primer to seal the old paper. It does mean that someday you are going to have a nasty 2 layer removal. Painted paper can be a bear to remove.

Sarah Rucker Kuschke · Answer

Old school wallpaper was tough stuff! If it's all in tact I'd try. I painted over wallpaper. But like the above comment, if you ever go to take it off you will have a mess!

Julie Carr Starkey · Answer

I have a designer friend who said she could wallpaper over it. The only thing I hesitate over is leaving it for the next homeowner, since we will be downsizing in a few years.

Julie Carr Starkey · Answer

I remember the many layers on my parents' dining room wall. The house was about 125 years old. Awful job, but historically interesting.

Rvj21606784 · Answer

I have the same problem, l plan to prime it and paper over it. I wish us both luck with this. Also may I suggest to put a wallpaper that is neutral in both color and pattern, if you plan later to sell you want it to attract many buyers.

Elsie Garcia · Answer

It is essential to remove the old wallpaper, this video has detailed instructions that will hopefully help you, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thv1BBPaYvM

Can I wallpaper over wallpaper?

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