
Painting over wallpaper in a manufactured home is possible, but it depends on the condition of the walls and the type of wallpaper. Manufactured homes typically have vinyl-on-gypsum (VOG) wall panels with batten strips covering the seams, which can be painted over. However, it is important to clean the walls, repair any imperfections, and apply a primer to ensure the paint adheres well and covers any patterns or colours underneath. Some recommend removing the wallpaper for a smoother finish, as it can be difficult to achieve a seamless look with VOG panels. Additionally, the type of primer and paint used is crucial—an oil-based primer and a good-quality latex paint are generally recommended.
Can you paint over wallpaper in a manufactured home?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wallpaper type | Professionally installed, factory-installed, paper wallboard, vinyl-coated walls |
| Wall material | Vinyl-on-gypsum (VOG) wall panels, drywall, fiberboard, particleboard, MDF |
| Wall condition | Imperfections, seams, holes, dark colours, patterns, water damage, odours |
| Preparation | Clean with mild detergent/TSP/Dawn, repair imperfections, apply primer (e.g. Kilz, Zinsser), use painter's tape |
| Paint type | Flat, satin, low gloss, acrylic, oil-based, not latex |
| Paint brand | Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore |
| Paint quantity | Two coats of primer, one coat of paint |
| Additional considerations | Use a roller for broad areas, leave battens up for easier painting |
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What You'll Learn

Use primer to cover imperfections and patterns
If you're looking to paint over the wallpaper in your manufactured home, it's important to use a primer to cover any imperfections and patterns. While it is possible to paint directly on wallpaper, using a primer will ensure a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Before priming, it is recommended to clean the walls with a soapy cleaner and warm water to remove any dirt or grime. You should also repair any imperfections, such as filling in holes and sanding down lumps. Once the walls are clean and smooth, you can apply the primer.
When choosing a primer, look for a product specifically designed for use under wallpaper, such as a wallcovering primer. These primers are formulated to improve adhesion and reduce the chance of bubbling. They also make it easier to remove the wallpaper in the future, as the adhesive will stick to the primer rather than the wall itself.
To hide any gaps, imperfections, or patterns in the wallpaper, you can tint the primer to match the colour of your wallpaper. This is especially effective for light-coloured wallpapers, as white or pigmented primers can be tinted to match blues, greys, and other pale tones. However, keep in mind that primers can only take on a limited amount of tint, so they may not be suitable for darker or more vibrant colours.
After applying the primer, be sure to let it dry completely before proceeding with your chosen paint colour. Using a primer will not only help cover any imperfections and patterns but also create a smooth base for your paint, resulting in a more professional-looking finish.
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Paint with a flat finish
If you're looking to paint over wallpaper in a manufactured home, it's important to first determine the type of walls you have. Most walls in mobile and modular homes are factory-installed panels with seam strips every four feet. If your walls are drywall, it is recommended to remove the wallpaper before painting. However, if your walls are the panels with seam strips, painting over the wallpaper is a viable option. It is crucial to prepare the surface properly before painting. This includes cleaning the walls, repairing any imperfections, and applying a primer to ensure the paint adheres well and the wallpaper pattern does not bleed through. Once the primer is dry, you can proceed with painting.
When choosing a paint finish for your project, consider the aesthetic you want to achieve and the functionality you require. Paint with a flat finish, also known as matte paint, provides a velvety and non-reflective look to the walls. It absorbs light instead of reflecting it, creating a calm and quiet vibe perfect for bedrooms, offices, and study spaces. Flat paint is ideal for hiding wall imperfections such as bumps, cracks, scratches, seams, or damage, making it a popular choice for older homes or walls with quirks. Additionally, flat paint is typically less expensive and easier to apply than higher gloss finishes, as it glides on smoothly without noticeable streaks or roller marks.
However, it's important to note that flat paint is less durable than shinier finishes due to its lower resin content. It may not hold up well in areas that require frequent cleaning or are prone to stains, such as kitchens or children's rooms. Cleaning flat paint can be challenging, as it may require gentle wiping to avoid removing the paint. Touching up small areas can be tricky, as it may be difficult to match the paint perfectly and maintain a consistent finish.
When painting over wallpaper in a manufactured home, consider the advantages and disadvantages of using flat paint. While it excels at hiding imperfections and creating a calm atmosphere, it may require careful cleaning and touch-up techniques. If you decide to use flat paint, ensure you select a high-quality paint, such as Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore, to achieve the best coverage and minimise the number of coats needed. Additionally, using a primer specifically designed for wallcovering, such as Kilz, will help ensure a smooth and successful painting project.
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Use a latex or oil-based primer
If you're painting over wallpaper in a manufactured home, using a primer is essential to ensure the final coat looks good and prevent the original pattern from bleeding through. While some recommend a flat wall paint to hide any imperfections, others suggest using a primer to seal the wallpaper before painting with a matt paint.
When choosing a primer, you can opt for a latex or oil-based option. Latex primers penetrate the surface of the wallpaper, while oil-based primers sit on top of the paper and seal it. If you use a latex primer, make sure it is a primer-sealer, not a bonding primer, as the latter can cause the wallpaper to bubble. You can also use a shellac primer, which, like oil-based primers, sits on top of the paper and seals it.
If you're using an oil-based primer, be aware that it may raise the grain of the drywall and create an uneven finish. Oil-based primers are also not recommended if you plan to hang wallpaper after priming. Instead, opt for a latex primer, which is suitable for both painting and wallpapering.
Before priming, it's important to clean the walls with a cleaning agent that will remove grease and oil. You can also use a soapy cleaner or a mixture of fabric softener and water. If there are any holes or imperfections, fill them with spackle and sand them down. Additionally, make sure to caulk the edges of the wallpaper to the trim with a premium acrylic caulk before priming.
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Remove wallpaper if walls are drywall
Removing wallpaper from drywall can be a challenging task, and it is important to be careful not to damage the drywall underneath. Before starting the removal process, it is crucial to clear the room and protect the surrounding area. Remove all pictures, decorations, and anything attached to the wall. Move furniture and other large items to the center of the room or, if possible, out of the room entirely. Cover the remaining items and floors with drop cloths to protect them from moisture and debris. It is also recommended to shut off the electricity to the room and cover any electrical outlets or light switches with painter's tape.
Once the room is prepared, the next step is to identify the type of wallpaper you are dealing with. There are three main types: strippable, peelable, and traditional. To determine if you have strippable wallpaper, use a putty knife to loosen a corner of the paper and try to peel it off. If the paper comes off easily, it is strippable. If the paper peels away but leaves a paper backing, it is peelable, and if it doesn't budge, it is traditional wallpaper.
For strippable and peelable wallpaper, the removal process is relatively straightforward. Use a putty knife or a scraper to carefully peel off the top layer of paper. If you are dealing with peelable wallpaper, you will then need to remove the paper backing. This can be done by scoring the backing with a scoring tool or coarse sandpaper to create small holes, and then using water and a chemical stripper to loosen the adhesive. The backing should then come off easily.
Traditional wallpaper is more challenging to remove and typically requires the use of a chemical stripper. Score the wallpaper with a scoring tool to create small holes, then apply the chemical stripper according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place wallpaper-removing sheets on the wall vertically, ensuring that the edges are touching to prevent exposed areas. The sheets will protect the drywall from excess moisture. Use a putty knife or scraper to remove the wallpaper, working in sections. If the wallpaper is difficult to scrape, you may need to use an electric steamer to loosen the adhesive first.
After removing the wallpaper, it is important to clean the walls with soap and water to remove any residue. If there are any tiny holes or imperfections in the drywall, use spackling paste to fill them, let it dry, and then sand the area smooth. Once the walls are clean and dry, they are ready for a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper.
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Use tape to mask edges
Taping is the best option if you are texturing your manufactured home walls or if you prefer a smooth finish. Cover the floors and furniture with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatter. Clean the walls with a mild detergent or TSP solution and a rag. Go over each surface twice, then finish by wiping down with a fresh cloth dampened with clear water. Once the walls have dried, use painter's tape to mask the edges along the trim, ceiling, and floor.
When masking horizontal surfaces like floor trim, don’t fold excess tape down onto the trim. Instead, apply the tape edge to the trim as close to the wall as possible, and then leave the excess tape sticking out like a roof overhang so that it will catch any paint splatter. Painter's tape is designed to be removed and leave no residue. It also won't wrinkle or shrink when it comes into contact with the paint.
To seal the tape to the surface, press down as you apply the tape to ensure it's properly sealed to the surface. This will stop paint from bleeding and prevent the tape from peeling off prematurely. Instead of your finger, you can also use a putty knife flat against the surface to seal the tape in place, just be careful not to tear the tape. Blue painter's tape resists UV light, which degrades the tape and glue over time. If you're working outside, always use this type of tape.
When you're finished painting, remove the tape. To prevent the tape from sticking, leaving residue, or chipping the paint, remove the tape as soon as you're finished painting. If you wait for the paint to dry first, you risk the paint drying to the tape and peeling off with it. Peel the tape off slowly, and pull it at a 135-degree angle toward yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint over wallpaper in a manufactured home. However, it is recommended that you first apply a primer, such as Kilz, to ensure that the paint adheres well and to prevent the wallpaper pattern from showing through.
Before painting the walls of a manufactured home, it is important to clean them with a mild detergent or TSP solution and a rag. You should then fill any holes or imperfections with spackle or joint compound and sand them down. If you plan to paint vinyl-coated walls, it is recommended to use an acrylic primer to help the paint adhere better.
It is recommended to use a good quality paint when painting manufactured home walls, as thinner paints may require more coats. Latex paint should be avoided as it may peel off. An oil-based or shellac-based primer is recommended if there are odours on the walls.
First, ensure that the wallpaper is in good condition and that the seams are not lifting. Clean the walls and apply a primer, such as Kilz, to help the paint adhere and prevent the wallpaper pattern from showing through. Once the primer is dry, you can paint the walls with your chosen colour.











































