How To Paint Over Wallpaper

Wallpaper 101: Common Problems & Solutions 

Do you have old wallpaper that you want to remove? Don’t fret, there is a time and money saving solution to having to strip your walls and find unexpected damage. Paint over your existing wallpaper! 

The solution is to paint over your existing wallpaper. See below for a step-by-step guide on just how to do it:

1. Start by replacing any damaged sections and adding adhesive to loose pieces to minimize the chance the paper will fall.

2. Add a thin line of clear caulk around the perimeter of the walls, at the joint seam where the paper meets the floor and ceiling. This will help seal the edges and keep the paper from peeling after you’ve painted.

3. Cover heavily textured paper with a thin coat of joint compound (spackle). This material will help smooth out the surface so that the texture won’t show through the paint.

4. Gently sand down the seams of the wallpaper so they’re not too noticeable.

5. Apply a coat of oil-based primer to the entire surface of the walls before painting. This helps seal the adhesive within the paper and away from the moisture in the paint. Brands like Benjamin Moore have products that can help.

6. The wallpaper is now ready for painting. Because the moisture in latex paint can sometimes loosen wallpaper glue, causing bubbles or peeling, you should use oil-based paint.

GOOD LUCK!