Lena Rivera
Painting over wallpaper is often considered a no-no in home improvement. However, there are times when removing old wallpaper can harm the wall beneath, especially if it was installed over unfinished drywall or plaster. If you're looking to cover up your wallpaper temporarily, or if removing it seems too daunting a task, you might be wondering if it's possible to simply paint over it. In this paragraph, we'll explore the signs that your walls have been painted over wallpaper and offer tips on how to prepare and paint your walls for the best possible finish.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of wallpaper and paint
If you want to identify the type of wallpaper and paint used on your walls, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, try to determine the wallpaper type by examining its texture and condition. Smooth and flat wallpapers are typically easier to paint over, whereas textured or fabric-backed vinyl wallpapers may require special consideration. If the wallpaper has a subtle pattern or print, it may be challenging to achieve a flawless finish without the pattern showing through.
To identify the paint type, start by visually inspecting its sheen or finish. There are five main types of finishes: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat finishes tend to be more matte and dry to the touch, while glossier finishes feel smoother. If you're unsure, you can use the paint chip method by taking a small chip to a paint store for identification. Alternatively, you can try colour matching by gathering paint samples close to the hue and testing them on the surface.
If you're dealing with multiple layers of paint, as is often the case with painted wallpaper, identifying the paint type can be more challenging. In such cases, it may be worthwhile to consult a professional or seek advice from a paint store or home improvement centre. They can guide you in identifying the specific types of wallpaper and paint involved and provide recommendations for your next steps, whether that's removing the wallpaper, adding another coat of paint, or exploring other options.
Additionally, keep in mind that removing wallpaper, especially painted-over wallpaper, can be a tedious and challenging task. If you intend to remove the wallpaper, be prepared for a potentially difficult project, as you will first need to strip the paint before addressing the wallpaper itself. Before initiating any removal or painting process, it's always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area to gauge the feasibility and potential outcomes.
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Prepare the wall
Preparing a wall for painting after removing wallpaper can be a tedious process. It is important to ensure that the wall is clean, smooth, and dry before applying any paint. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your wall for painting:
Fill Holes and Cracks
Use a putty knife to fill any holes, gouges, or cracks in the wall with a suitable material. For plasterboard or plaster walls, use Polyfilla, and for concrete walls, use pre-mixed concrete. Make sure the filling material matches the texture of the surrounding wall.
Sand the Wall
Sand the wall to achieve an even and smooth surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper, preferably with a grit above 100, to avoid damaging the wall. Sanding will help remove any ridges, bumps, or leftover paste and debris from the wall. If you are preparing drywall for painting, use a hand sander for better results.
Clean the Wall
Cleaning the wall is crucial to remove any dust, grease, or residue left behind. For walls with exposure to oil or grime, use a solution of water and grease-cutting detergent, followed by a rinse with clean water. For other walls, warm water with a mild soap or dishwashing liquid, or sugar soap, can be used. You can also add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the cleaning solution. Finish by wiping the wall with a damp cloth. Ensure the wall is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Prime the Wall
Apply a primer to the wall to ensure maximum adhesion of the paint and a smooth finish. Choose the appropriate primer based on your wall type. For drywall that has never been painted or primed, use an oil-based primer, followed by a wallpaper primer. If your wall has been painted and the paint colour may show through the wallpaper, use a primer to disguise imperfections and create a uniform finish. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding with painting.
It is important to take your time and follow these steps carefully to ensure a professional and smooth finish when painting over a wall from which wallpaper has been removed.
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Use primer
Before applying primer to your painted-over wallpaper, it is important to clean the walls. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe away any dust and dirt. If the walls are greasy and grimy, clean them with a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Be careful not to soak the walls, as this could soften the adhesive and cause the wallpaper to loosen or bubble. Allow at least 24 hours for the walls to dry completely. After washing the walls, look for peeling edges or seams, as these spots have weaker adhesion.
Once the walls are clean and dry, it's time to apply the primer. Choose an oil-based primer, as a water-based primer could soak into the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. Use painter's tape to cover edges and moulding to avoid a mess. Then, use a brush to cut in the corners and edges with the primer. After that, switch to a roller to cover the big stretches of the wall. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for drying time, and ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans.
You may need to apply two coats of primer for full coverage, especially if the wallpaper has a bold pattern or if you are painting a light colour over dark wallpaper. However, if you feel that your first coat of primer was sufficiently thorough, you don't necessarily need to apply a second coat.
After priming, you can paint the walls as you would any other surface, using the colour of your choice.
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Paint the wall
Painting over wallpaper can be a simple and cost-effective solution, especially if you don't have a lot of DIY experience. However, it is often considered one of the biggest "no-nos" in home improvement. If you have long edges of wallpaper unrolling or air bubbles beneath the surface, it is best to remove the wallpaper completely before painting.
If you decide to paint over the wallpaper, the first step is to determine whether it is coated or uncoated. To do this, get a small area of the wallpaper lightly wet in a hidden area and check if the colours bleed or if the moisture is absorbed. If it is absorbed or bleeds, it is likely uncoated. For uncoated wallpaper, use wallpaper dough to get rid of stains and residue. Coated wallpaper can be washed with a damp sponge and dishwashing detergent. Avoid wiping horizontally so that the sponge doesn't catch on any loose vertical seams.
Next, clean the walls with a vacuum to remove as much dust as possible. Then, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the walls. If the walls are greasy, clean them with a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Be careful not to soak the walls, as this could loosen the adhesive. After cleaning, look for peeling edges or seams and use a strong adhesive to re-affix them. Allow the adhesive to dry before you paint.
Once the wallpaper is cleaned and repaired, use an oil-based primer and a brush to cut in the corners and edges. Then, switch to a roller for the remaining areas. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
Finally, paint the wall as you would any other surface.
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Remove the paint and wallpaper
Removing painted-over wallpaper can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Before starting, it is important to prepare the room by opening windows and using exhaust fans to ensure proper ventilation.
Firstly, score the paint/paper with a scoring tool. Then, wet a section of the wall with hot water, wait 5 minutes, and repeat the process. After the second application of water, wait another 5 minutes, and the paint/paper should be ready to peel off. If the wallpaper is textured, you can sand the entire wall until it is smooth, using a palm or orbital sander. Once the wallpaper has been removed, scrub the wall with a coarse scrubber pad and clean water to remove glue residue.
If the wallpaper is particularly stubborn, an electric steamer can be used to help loosen the adhesive. Hold the steamer plate against the wall for about 30 seconds before attempting to scrape the wallpaper off. A putty knife or paint scraper can be used to peel away the softened wallpaper.
Alternatively, consider installing thin drywall mud over the top of the wallpaper. Test a small patch first to see what is underneath, as scraping may not be possible depending on the surface material. If the wallpaper has been installed over unfinished drywall or plaster, attempting to remove it could damage the wall. In this case, it may be preferable to simply cover the wallpaper with a skim coat of drywall compound, prime, and then repaint.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are unsure whether a previous owner has painted over the wallpaper, you can try peeling off a small section of the wall covering. If it is wallpaper, it should come off in strips. You can also try applying a small amount of nail polish remover to a paper towel and rubbing it on the wall. If the paint is latex, it will come off on the towel.
Painting over wallpaper is a cost-effective and simple DIY solution. It is also a good option if removing the wallpaper could damage the wall, for example, if there are multiple layers of paper or if it was installed over unfinished drywall.
If you decide to remove the wallpaper in the future, you will first have to strip the paint, which can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Wallpaper seams and patterns may also show through the paint, and the paint may not adhere well to the wall covering.
First, vacuum the wallpaper to remove dust and dirt. If the walls are greasy, clean them with a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Then, look for peeling edges or seams and use a strong adhesive to re-affix loose fragments. Allow the adhesive to dry before applying an oil-based primer with a brush and roller.
