Do you have to remove wallpaper before painting?

Many have said they do not,however it is best to remove to save unnecessary work with peeling down the road.

I agree with Janet. Absolutely yes! If you don't you run the chance of the paint loosening the paper and you could end up with a big mess.

http://www2.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/for-your-home/painting-over-wallpaper

Fill squirt bottle with 1 part fabric softener 3parts water .. spray on wall let sit for 15 min . Should scrape off very easy . I've removed a lot of paper off walls (rentals) . Works excell

Yes wall paper needs to be removed. The paint will flake off.

no, I have several rooms with painted wallpaper

It depends on the condition of the wallpaper. I have done it both ways. My best effort was wetting down the old wallpaper and scraping it off with a putty knife.

Mop it!. Really. Spray the wall with water, or use a mop to spread the water around, wait until it's damp and it becomes easy to remove.

Yes you should. Anyone help with easy removal of wall paper

Wall Paper remover at any hardware store

Thank you so much for each response! It looks like the majority says remove the old wall paper so that's what I'll do. Thanks again!

Well, you don't have to if all the joints are well stuck down, but remember the finish you get will be the finish you have on your wallpaper. (Always best to remove paper if you want the best finish, or want too paper again in the future) but lots don't think that far ahead!