How to Paint Over Wallpaper

It might come as a surprise to learn that you can, in fact, paint over wallpaper. In fact, it can be a practical and effective solution. Removing wallpaper can be costly, labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can even damage drywall or plaster. Painting over it avoids all that and is a quick way to revitalize a room.

With that said, it’s important to do it carefully. Read on for tips on how to get a smooth and lasting result. 

While it’s not always ideal for textured or peeling wallpaper, painting over smooth, well-adhered wallpaper with a proper primer can give a fresh, long-lasting finish with minimal disruption.

Choosing the Right Paint Type

Latex (water-based) paint is typically the easiest to work with, dries quickly, and is easily cleaned with soap and water. Oil-based paint offers excellent adhesion and a hard, durable finish, making it ideal for older wallpaper or surfaces prone to wear. Cleaning it does require mineral spirits, however, and it has stronger fumes during painting. 

No matter which paint type you choose, consider using a satin or eggshell finish, both of which reflect just enough light to give walls a subtle sheen without emphasizing flaws.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

When painting over wallpaper, choosing the right color is especially important, as certain shades can highlight wallpaper seams, patterns, or imperfections. Lighter, neutral colors tend to minimize these issues, creating a smooth and clean look. Dark or very bold colors can make any bumps, tears, or textured patterns more visible, so they require extra care and possibly more coats to achieve the look you want.

Whether you want a lighter or darker color, it’s important to sample a range of options to make sure the results match your aesthetic goals. Samplize makes this easy. Here’s how it works:

1. Explore the Possibilities

Start by going here and browsing our huge collection of colors from leading brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. Order your favorites, and your large-format peel-and-stick samples will arrive on your doorstep the very next day. 

2. Peel and Stick

Every one of your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint, so you’ll be able to really see how each shade actually looks in various conditions. Make sure to test one sample on an inconspicuous spot first and then feel free to apply them all side by side.

3. Choose With Confidence

Take your time, here. Turn the lights on and off. Close and then open any blinds or curtains. Wait for sunrise, midday, and sunset. Get a second, third, and even fourth opinion. If after all that you haven’t found your ideal color, just repeat these easy steps until you do.

Once you have your paint, you’re ready to start preparing for the big painting day. Read on for what to do next.

Assemble Your Tools

Choosing the right equipment will make the painting process easier and more effective. Make sure you have:

- A bonding primer for sealing the wallpaper. (An oil-based or shellac primer is typically best.)
- A putty knife and sandpaper for preparing the wallpaper for painting. High-quality brushes, including an angled brush for cutting.
- Rollers with a nap suited to your wallpaper type (short nap for smooth, medium nap for lightly textured).
- A paint tray and liners.
- Painter’s tape.
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and furniture from drips and splatters.

Prepare Your Wallpaper for Painting

Start by cleaning the wallpaper with a mild soap and water solution. Dust, grease, and other residue can prevent your paint from adhering properly.

Next, repair any damage, reattaching loose edges or seams with wallpaper adhesive, filling small tears or bubbles, and lightly sanding any rough spots.

Finally, apply a bonding primer over the entire surface. This prevents adhesive or dyes from bleeding through and provides a stable base for your paint.

Paint

1. Use your angled brush to paint along corners, trim, and edges where a roller won’t reach. Take your time and work carefully to avoid drips or streaks.

2. Next, use your roller to apply the paint in a “W” or “M” pattern, then fill in without lifting the roller. Work in small sections to maintain a wet edge and avoid lap marks.

3. Instead of one thick coat, apply two thin coats. This ensures even coverage and reduces the chance of seams, patterns, or imperfections showing through.

4. Allow the first coat to dry fully according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions before applying additional coats.

5. After the final coat dries, check for missed spots, streaks, or uneven areas and touch up as needed.

When You Should Consider Removing the Wallpaper First

There are cases in which painting over wallpaper might not be the best choice, such as:

- If the wallpaper is damaged, peeling, heavily textured, or patterned in a way that might show through the paint. 
- If the wallpaper is vinyl-coated, fabric-backed, or applied with strong adhesive that can prevent paint from adhering properly. 
- If seams are lifting, edges are loose, or there are tears and air pockets.

In any of these cases, carefully stripping the wallpaper before painting is probably the best way to achieve long-term durability and a perfectly smooth finish.

Ready to Start?

Whether you decide to remove your wallpaper or paint over it, the success of the project depends on finding the right color. Begin your search right here.