Paint the Wallpaper Once the second coat of primer is completely dry, you can paint the walls with interior wall paint, using the brush and roller. Let the paint dry for at least two hours. Apply a second coat of paint.
No. It will make the whole wall look dull and old in the long run. It's better to remove the wallpaper first and then replace it with a fresh coat of paint or a new wallpaper which matches with color, paint, and texture of the rest of the walls, ceilings, and floors.
Which paint can you use on wallpaper? You don't need to use special paint for wallpaper. A good quality wall paint will cover the wallpaper and leave you with an even finish. You don't always need to use a primer when you're painting wallpaper.
You can paint right over wallpaper, just don't use a water based primer - it will soak into the wallpaper and cause it to delaminate and bubble. If the seams on the wallpaper are really visible, use some joint compound to feather the seams, prime and paint. It should last for years.
Textured paint is one of the easiest ways to cover wallpaper while adding depth and sophistication to a room. If you want a unique, artistic finish that goes beyond simple paint, options like limewash and Venetian plaster are fantastic choices.
Moisture in the Substrate
Painting too soon leads to patches due to varying absorbency rates in the wall, making it essential to respect the curing times before picking up your roller. Moisture in walls can also stem from other sources, such as dampness or high humidity.
Once it's on the walls, allow paintable wallpaper to cure for the recommended time (this is usually over 24 hours) before applying paint. There is no special pre-treatment necessary—you don't need to prime or prep the wallpaper before painting.
It indicates that the paint has not fully bonded to the surface and that moisture or air is trapped beneath the paint layer if you have painted over wallpaper and you are now experiencing bubbles or flaking.
Prime all areas to be decorated with one full coat of Wallpaper Cover-Up in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Best results are achieved by roller application – Use a short pile (up to 5mm) mohair or microfibre roller. Apply evenly and avoid overspreading.
If you aren't sure whether your wallpaper is vinyl-coated or not, you can perform a simple test with a damp sponge. Wet a small area of your wall, and if the water is absorbed and darkens across the surface then your wallpaper is not vinyl-coated.
I primed the walls with Kilz Original primer and it covered the wallpaper with no problem. Only needed one coat, which I like. You couldn't tell I painted over wallpaper.
If you're planning to stay there for a long time, it's better to remove the wallpaper as soon as possible instead of painting over it.
On average, wallpaper can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but this can be shorter in high-traffic or high-humidity areas. Regular maintenance and professional installation can significantly extend the life of your wallpaper, ensuring your home remains stylish and well-decorated for years to come.
Pros of Wallpapering Your Walls
Durable: High-quality wallpaper is more durable than paint and can last for many years without fading, chipping, or peeling. Textured options: Wallpaper comes in a variety of textures, patterns, and finishes, making it a great option for adding visual interest and depth to a room.
To paint over wallpaper successfully, a specific type of primer is indeed necessary. A shellac-based or oil-based primer will effectively seal the wallpaper better than water-based primer, providing a stable base for the paint.
Use on wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Not recommended for mold or mildew-prone surfaces or on flooring.
What type of paint is best for painting wallpaper? Latex paint can be used over the oil-based primer. Oil-based paint is a great option as well.
Improper Painting Surface Preparation
The painting surface needs to be thoroughly prepared before the paint job is initiated. When the paint is applied on an unprimed or uneven surface, it will start blistering and peeling. Proper prep work is a must if you want to avoid this.
When painting over wallpaper, oil and shellac primers are a safer bet to avoid the wallpaper from peeling. Oil and shellac primers do not penetrate the surface of the wallpaper like latex primers do. They sit on top of the paper and seal it.
Try to maintain a wet edge. When using a roller keep the open side towards the area just painted. Try to complete one full surface at a time. Paint in an even grid pattern from top to bottom.
You can use either a brush or a roller for this, depending on which you prefer. Once you've applied your first coat, allow it to dry. Using the same techniques, apply a second coat of paint to achieve a better finish. After your second coat is dry, take a step back and assess your work.
Start by adding a skim coat to the walls using a 12 inch drywall blade and joint compound. Then grab a pole sander and give the wall a good sanding, hitting all the high spots. Wipe down with wet cloths to get rid of the dust. Now your walls are uniform and smooth and ready for a fresh coat of paint.
Latex paints will not stick to oil based paints. The exception is that an oil based primer may accept any kind of top coat paint. For that reason, an oil based primer is recommended to be applied over any oil based top coat, then a water based paint may be used as a top coat.