Isabella Flores
Wallpaper is a great way to add interest to a space, but what happens when you want to update a room that already has wallpaper? In some cases, you can simply add new wallpaper over the existing layer, but there are a few important factors to consider. Firstly, assess the condition of the current wallpaper. If it is well-adhered to the wall with no peeling or bubbles, it may be suitable for wallpapering over. However, if it is damaged or peeling, it is recommended to remove it entirely to ensure a smooth surface for the new wallpaper. The type of wallpaper also matters; vinyl wallpapers, for instance, may not provide a suitable surface for new wallpaper to adhere to, especially if they have a textured finish. Additionally, consider the design and pattern of both the existing and new wallpapers. If the existing wallpaper has a bold pattern or dark colour, it might show through the new layer, affecting the final look. Removing old wallpaper is often preferable for a cleaner finish. While wallpapering over existing wallpaper can save time, it is important to think about long-term durability. If the existing wallpaper starts to peel, it could affect the new layer as well, leading to maintenance issues.
Characteristics of painting over wallpaper
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition of existing wallpaper | No peeling edges or bubbles |
| Type of wallpaper | Avoid fabric-backed vinyl or vinyl with a textured finish |
| Number of existing wallpaper layers | Remove all layers and start from scratch |
| Design and pattern | Existing wallpaper with a busy pattern or dark color might show through |
| Long-term durability | Peeling or detaching of existing wallpaper could affect the new wallpaper |
| Grease and grime | Clean with a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) without soaking the walls |
| Primer | Use an oil-based primer to prevent the water-based primer from soaking into the wallpaper and loosening the adhesive |
| Ventilation | Open windows and use exhaust fans for proper ventilation |
| Wallpaper removal | Use a plastic putty knife or nylon spatula to remove the wallpaper |
| Wallpaper type | Peel and stick wallpaper might not be suitable if there is any texture on the wall |
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What You'll Learn
Removing painted-over wallpaper
Prepare the Area:
Start by laying down a drop cloth or a large towel, as this process can be messy. Ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a steamer, a putty knife or paint scraper, a sponge or cloth, and mild soap or wallpaper stripper. If you plan to use a steamer, fill it with water and allow it to heat up, which usually takes around 7-8 minutes.
Scoring the Wall:
Before steaming, use a scoring tool to create small punctures in the painted-over wallpaper. Be careful not to press too hard, as you only want to score the wallpaper without damaging the drywall underneath. Scoring helps the steam penetrate the surface more effectively.
Steaming and Peeling:
Start steaming by holding the steamer plate against the wall, focusing on one section at a time. For painted-over wallpaper, you may need to steam for longer, about 30 seconds, to ensure the steam penetrates the paint and reaches the wallpaper layer. After steaming, try peeling the wallpaper with your fingers first. If it doesn't peel easily, use a scraper to gently remove the rest, being careful not to damage the drywall.
Scraping and Cleaning:
If there are stubborn areas of wallpaper or adhesive residue remaining, use a putty knife or scraper to loosen and remove them. An electric steamer can also be helpful for particularly stubborn sections. Continue the process of steaming, peeling, and scraping until most of the wallpaper is removed. Finally, scrub the wall with a coarse scrubber pad and clean water to remove any remaining glue residue.
Patching and Priming:
Once the wallpaper is removed, inspect the wall for any damage or imperfections. If there are small holes or dents, fill them with spackling compound or joint compound, and sand the areas until they are smooth once dry. For larger damaged areas, use joint compound and drywall tape. After making the necessary repairs, clean the walls with water to remove any remaining adhesive residue, and allow the walls to dry completely. Finally, apply a primer suitable for your wall type to provide a base for new paint or wallpaper.
Final Thoughts:
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Wallpaper condition
If you are considering wallpapering over existing wallpaper, it is important to first assess the condition of the current wallpaper. If the existing wallpaper is in good condition, with no peeling edges or bubbles, it may be suitable to wallpaper over. However, if the wallpaper is damaged, peeling, or has multiple layers, it is recommended to remove it entirely to ensure a smooth surface for the new wallpaper.
Peeling or bubbling in the existing wallpaper indicates weak adhesion, which can be addressed by using a thin layer of wallpaper seam adhesive to reattach loose fragments. Alternatively, you can lift and cut away loose areas with a putty knife, fill in any gaps with spackle, and sand the area until smooth. If the existing wallpaper has a texture that you do not want to be detectable under the new wallpaper, you can sand the entire wall until it is smooth.
If there are multiple layers of existing wallpaper, it is strongly recommended to remove all layers and start from scratch. Removing old wallpaper can be a challenging task, and it is important to have the necessary tools and supplies before beginning. This may include a scoring tool or brillo pad to puncture the wallpaper, a solution of vinegar and water or wallpaper stripper spray to soak and loosen the paper, and a scraping tool to remove any remaining residue.
The type of existing wallpaper is also a factor to consider. Vinyl wallpapers, for example, may not provide a suitable surface for new wallpaper to adhere to, especially if they have a textured finish. If the existing wallpaper has a busy pattern or dark colour, it may show through the new wallpaper, affecting the final look. In such cases, removing the old wallpaper is preferable to ensure a clean and seamless finish.
While wallpapering over existing wallpaper can save time, it is important to consider long-term durability. If the existing wallpaper starts to peel or detach, it could affect the new wallpaper as well, leading to maintenance issues in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the condition, type, design, and pattern of the existing wallpaper before deciding whether to wallpaper over it or start fresh.
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Wallpaper type
When considering wallpapering over existing wallpaper, it is important to assess the condition of the current wallpaper. If the existing wallpaper is in good condition, securely adhered to the wall, and free of peeling edges or bubbles, it may be suitable for wallpapering over. However, if the existing wallpaper is damaged, peeling, or has multiple layers, it is recommended to remove it entirely to ensure a smooth surface for the new wallpaper.
The type of existing wallpaper is also a crucial factor. Vinyl wallpapers, for instance, may not provide the ideal surface for new wallpaper to adhere to, especially if they have a textured finish. The texture of the existing wallpaper may be detectable through the new wallpaper, affecting the desired smoothness of the final surface. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a new wallpaper that is not highly sensitive to the underlying texture.
Additionally, consider the design and pattern of both the existing and new wallpapers. If the current wallpaper has a bold pattern or a dark color, it might show through the new wallpaper, impacting the desired aesthetic. In such cases, removing the old wallpaper is preferable to achieve a cleaner and more consistent finish.
Long-term durability is another important consideration. If the existing wallpaper starts to peel or detach over time, it could compromise the adhesion of the new wallpaper, leading to maintenance issues. Therefore, ensuring the proper adhesion of the new wallpaper over the old one is essential to avoid future complications.
Before proceeding with wallpapering over wallpaper, it is recommended to clean the walls with diluted trisodium phosphate (TSP) if they are greasy or grimy. This step ensures that the walls are free of substances that could hinder adhesion. It is important to avoid over-soaking the walls to prevent softening the adhesive under the existing wallpaper. Once cleaned, repair any peeling edges or seams using wallpaper seam adhesive or by filling in with spackle and sanding lightly when dry.
In summary, while it is possible to wallpaper over existing wallpaper, careful consideration of the condition, type, design, and long-term durability of the existing wallpaper is essential. Removing the old wallpaper may be preferable in certain cases to ensure a smooth, consistent, and durable finish for the new wallpaper.
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Wall preparation
Before deciding to wallpaper over painted wallpaper, it is important to carefully inspect the condition of the existing wallpaper. Look out for any lumps, rips, peeling, or holes. It is also crucial to ensure that there is only one layer of wallpaper on the wall. If the existing wallpaper is severely damaged or has multiple layers, it may be advisable to remove it completely and start with a fresh surface.
If the wallpaper is only slightly damaged, with a few cracks, loose seams, or holes, it can be prepared for the new wallpaper. Start by repairing any loose seams using a seam sealer and a seam roller or a paint roller. Fill in any holes with a filler and let it dry before sanding the area until it is smooth and flat. Use a wallpaper brush to remove any dust or debris from the sanding process.
The next step is to clean the walls thoroughly. A sugar soap solution or a mild detergent can be used to remove any dirt, grease, or oily residues. For more stubborn stains, a specialised wallpaper cleaner may be required. After cleaning, rinse the walls with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
If the existing wallpaper has a texture that you do not want to be visible through the new wallpaper, you can sand the entire wall until it is smooth. Use a palm or orbital sander for this process, and then wipe away the dust with a slightly damp cloth.
Once the wall is clean, smooth, and dry, it is important to apply a primer. Choose an oil-based primer to prevent it from soaking into the wallpaper and loosening the adhesive. Use an angled paintbrush for the edges and corners, and a roller for larger areas. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper ventilation during the process.
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Painting over wallpaper
First, assess the condition of the existing wallpaper. If it is peeling or bubbling in multiple places, it is not suitable for painting over. In this case, it is best to remove the wallpaper entirely to ensure a smooth surface for painting. If the wallpaper is in good condition, with no peeling edges or bubbles, you can consider painting over it.
The type of wallpaper also matters. Certain types of wallpaper, such as fabric-backed vinyl, are not ideal for painting over. These wallpapers are often easy to remove, so it is recommended to remove them before painting. On the other hand, wallpapers that are more challenging to remove are usually better candidates for painting over.
If you decide to paint over the wallpaper, there are several steps you should follow. First, clean the walls, especially if they are greasy or grimy. Use a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP), being careful not to soak the walls as this could loosen the adhesive. Allow ample time for the walls to dry.
Once the walls are dry, repair any peeling edges or seams. You can use a thin layer of wallpaper seam adhesive to reattach loose fragments. Alternatively, you can lift these areas with a thin putty knife, cut away the loose bits, fill them in with spackle, and sand lightly when dry. If you prefer a smooth finish, you can sand the entire wall to eliminate any texture.
The next step is priming. Choose an oil-based primer to avoid loosening the adhesive. Cut in the corners and edges with a brush, then use a roller for the larger areas. Ensure proper ventilation during this process. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.
Once the primer is dry, you can proceed with painting. Treat the wallpapered surface as you would any other wall, applying paint with a brush and roller. Depending on the boldness of the wallpaper pattern and the colour of paint, you may need two coats.
While painting over wallpaper can be a convenient option, it is important to weigh the advantages against the potential downsides. Removing wallpaper that has been painted over can be challenging, so consider your long-term plans for the space before deciding.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, it is not recommended if the existing wallpaper is damaged, peeling, or has bubbles. It is also important to consider the design and pattern of both the existing and new wallpaper, as well as the long-term durability. If the existing wallpaper starts to peel, it could affect the new wallpaper.
First, clean the walls with diluted trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove any grease or grime. Then, repair any peeling edges or seams with a thin layer of wallpaper seam adhesive. You can also fill in any gaps with spackle and sand the wall for a smooth surface. Finally, prime the walls with an oil-based primer to seal and smooth the surface.
It is important to consider the condition of the existing wallpaper. If it is not adhered well to the wall or has multiple layers, it is recommended to remove it and start with a fresh surface. The type of wallpaper also matters, as some materials, such as vinyl, may not provide a suitable surface for the new wallpaper to adhere to.
One advantage is that it can save time and the hassle of removing the existing wallpaper. However, a disadvantage is that removing the wallpaper in the future can be more difficult, especially if the paint has soaked into the wallpaper. Additionally, the design and pattern of the existing wallpaper may affect the final look of the new wallpaper.
