Priya Kapoor
Painting over wallpaper can be a quick, cost-effective, and DIY-friendly way to transform a room. However, seams where one piece of wallpaper meets another can show through the paint, resulting in an unprofessional finish. To avoid this, you can skim coat the seams with a joint compound, repair glue, or seam adhesive to reinforce these areas and ensure they don't cause issues later on. While skim coating can save time and effort, it may not always be smooth sailing, and the joint compound may not stick properly, especially if the wallpaper has a texture, pattern, or shiny finish. Before deciding to skim seams on wallpaper, consider the potential issues and ensure you are prepared to address them for a satisfactory final result.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you skim seams on wallpaper to paint it? | It is possible to skim coat over wallpaper seams to paint it, but it is not always the best choice. |
| When to skim seams on wallpaper | If removing the wallpaper will be cost-prohibitive, time-consuming, or damage the wall. |
| How to skim seams on wallpaper | Use paper tape for the corners, and fiber fuse drywall tape or fiberglass mesh tape for the seams. Cover the seams with a skim coat of wallboard compound, drywall joint compound, or spackle. Sand the seams and apply primer before painting. |
| Risks of skim coating over wallpaper | The joint compound may not stick properly, especially if the wallpaper has a shiny finish, causing cracks or peeling. The moisture from the joint compound can cause bubbling or peeling of the wallpaper. Removing painted-over wallpaper can be difficult and damage the walls. |
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What You'll Learn
Painting over wallpaper: pros and cons
Painting over wallpaper can be a fast, cost-effective, and easy way to transform a room. It can be a good option when removing wallpaper may be costly or damaging to the wall. For instance, if the wallpaper has been painted before, it can be time-consuming and expensive to remove. Similarly, if the wallpaper was hung without a primer, it may not come off easily, and removing it could damage the wall.
However, painting over wallpaper can result in an inferior long-term product. The paint may end up uneven due to bubbles, rips, tears, dust, and other blemishes. The seams between pieces of wallpaper will also likely remain visible, no matter how many coats of paint are applied. The wallpaper's darkness and saturation are also important to consider, as the underlying colour or pattern may gradually re-emerge over time. Painting over textured wallpaper can be particularly challenging, as the underlying pattern may emerge through the paint.
If you decide to paint over wallpaper, it is important to prepare the walls properly. Clean the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt, and ensure the primer will stick. If the walls are greasy, clean them with a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). After washing the walls, look for peeling edges or seams, and repair any holes or imperfections. Once the primer has been applied, use a putty knife to apply a thin coat of drywall joint compound over each seam. Smooth the compound with a taping knife and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. If seams are still visible, apply a second coat. Use a drywall sanding sponge to sand each area smooth, removing any high spots or edges.
If you are going for a smooth wall look, you will need to "float" the wallpaper seams. Apply drywall joint compound over each seam and sand it smooth. Apply at least two coats, allowing four to eight hours of drying time between coats. Prime the repaired areas after sanding.
It is important to note that skim coating over wallpaper can be challenging. Wallpaper is not always the best surface for joint compound to stick to, especially if it has a shiny finish. The moisture from the joint compound can cause bubbling or peeling of the wallpaper. Additionally, skim coating over wallpaper will make it much harder to remove the wallpaper later on.
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How to prepare walls for painting
Before painting a wall, it is generally recommended to remove any existing wallpaper. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when removing wallpaper proves to be too costly or damaging to the wall. In such cases, you can consider painting over the wallpaper. Here are the steps to prepare your walls for painting:
Inspect the Walls
Take a close look at the walls to identify any common issues such as loose or flaked paint, holes, cracks, or imperfections that need to be addressed before painting.
Clean the Walls
Use a mixture of lukewarm water and a mild detergent or cleaning solution to wipe down the walls. This will help remove dirt, dust, cobwebs, and grime that can prevent the paint from adhering properly. Rinse the walls with a slightly damp cellulose sponge and ensure they are thoroughly dry before proceeding.
Repair and Fill Imperfections
Use lightweight filler or joint compound to repair small holes, cracks, and imperfections. For larger holes and cracks, you may need to use specialty repair methods or materials. Fill in any gaps or holes with surfacing compound and use paper tape if necessary.
Sand the Walls
Lightly sand the walls using sandpaper or a sanding pad on a stick. Typically, 150 to 200-grit sandpaper is recommended for walls. Avoid anything under 100-grit as it can be too rough and cause damage. Sanding will help create a smoother surface and give the wall a slightly grittier feel to improve paint adhesion.
Prime the Walls
Apply a primer to the walls, especially if you are painting over a glossy finish or significantly changing colours, such as from dark to light. Primer will help you achieve the desired colour and sheen, covering up any stains, old paint, or imperfections.
Tape Off Areas
Use painter's tape to tape off areas you want to protect from paint, such as trim, edges, outlets, and switch covers. Use longer pieces of tape to minimise gaps, and press the tape firmly to ensure a nice, even paint line.
Protect Furniture and Flooring
Cover furniture and floor surfaces with drop cloths to protect them from paint drips and spills. Canvas drop cloths are durable and absorbent, while plastic or paper drop cloths are more cost-effective but tend to slide.
Address Wallpaper Seams
If you are painting over wallpaper, pay special attention to the seams. Reinforce the seams with wallpaper seam repair glue or seam adhesive to ensure they are well-adhered. Apply drywall joint compound over each seam and smooth it out with a putty knife. Allow it to dry and sand if necessary to create a smooth surface.
Preparing walls for painting involves several steps, but proper preparation will ensure a smooth and professional finish. Following these steps will help you achieve the desired results and minimise potential issues.
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Sealing the wallpaper seams
If you're looking to paint over wallpaper, you may want to seal the seams to ensure a smooth and professional finish. While it's generally recommended to remove wallpaper before painting, there are exceptions to this rule. Painting over wallpaper can be a cost-effective and faster alternative to removing it, especially if the removal process proves difficult or costly.
To seal the seams of your wallpaper before painting, follow these steps:
Prepare the room: Clear the room of furniture, rugs, curtains, and light switch and outlet faceplates. Cover the floor with drop cloths or plastic to protect it from paint drips.
Inspect the wallpaper: Look for any loose, damaged, or missing sections of wallpaper. Use a pencil to mark these areas for repair.
Repair loose seams: If any seams are loose, purchase a seam sealer or wallpaper seam repair glue. Apply a small amount of the sealer or glue under the loose seam and use a seam roller to firmly roll it in a back-and-forth motion until it lays flat.
Apply joint compound: Use a 2-inch putty knife to apply a thin coat of drywall joint compound over each wallpaper seam. Smooth the compound with a 6-inch taping knife and feather the edges. Allow 24 hours for the compound to dry. If seams are still visible, apply a second coat.
Sand the seams: Once the joint compound is dry, use a medium- or fine-grit drywall sanding sponge to sand each area smooth. Remove any high spots or edges that may be visible.
Prime the walls: Before painting, it's important to prime the walls. Use an oil- or shellac-based primer and allow it to dry thoroughly. If you plan to use water-based latex paint, be aware that it may cause the paper to bubble up around the seams. In this case, consider using an oil-based primer to prevent this issue.
By following these steps, you can effectively seal the wallpaper seams and create a smooth surface for painting.
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Repairing loose wallpaper seams
Step 1: Clean the Area
Gently wipe the loose seam and surrounding wallpaper with a damp sponge to remove any dust or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive will stick properly.
Step 2: Apply Adhesive
Using a small artist's brush or a putty knife, carefully apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper seam adhesive to the underside of the loose edge. Make sure not to oversaturate the paper. If the seam is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the adhesive and help relax the wallpaper.
Step 3: Press and Smooth
Gently press the loose edge back into place, ensuring it aligns correctly with the adjacent paper. Use a seam roller to flatten the repaired area, working from the centre outward to remove any air pockets. For vinyl wallpaper, use a vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive and a wallpaper seam roller specifically designed for vinyl repairs.
Step 4: Clean Up
Use a damp sponge to clean up any excess adhesive. For some vinyl wallpaper repairs, you may need to use a heat gun or hair dryer to help relax the seams so that they lay down properly. Keep the heat gun moving to avoid burning the wallpaper.
Step 5: Prime and Paint
Once the adhesive is dry, you may need to prime and paint the repaired area to match the surrounding wallpaper. Choose a primer that is suitable for your wallpaper type and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you are going for a smooth wall look, you can apply a drywall joint compound over the seams and sand it smooth before priming and painting.
By following these steps, you can easily repair loose wallpaper seams and restore the sleek finish of your wallpaper.
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Painting techniques to hide seams
Painting over wallpaper can be a quick and cost-effective way to transform a room. However, seams can pose a challenge. The following techniques can help hide seams when painting over wallpaper:
Prepare the Wallpaper
Before painting, it is important to ensure that the wallpaper is well-adhered to the wall. Check all the seams and, if any look loose, apply seam adhesive or seam sealer to secure them. If your wallpaper has any texture or pattern, consider that it might show through your paint, leaving a noticeable finish.
Prime the Wall
Priming the wall before painting is crucial. Use an oil- or shellac-based primer and repair any holes or imperfections with spackle, joint compound, or surfacing compound. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding. To make it easier to spot imperfections, you can ask the paint store to add a tint to the primer so it differs from the drywall compound.
Tape the Seams
Use paper tape to create sharp, clean edges in the corners. For the seams between wallpaper pieces, fibre fuse drywall tape or fibreglass mesh tape can reinforce potential weak spots and help create a smooth finish.
Apply Joint Compound
Use a putty knife to apply a thin coat of drywall joint compound over each seam. Smooth and feather the edges of the compound with a taping knife. Allow the compound to dry for at least 24 hours. If seams are still visible, apply a second coat. For a smoother finish with fewer ridges, use progressively larger taping knives with each coat, allowing you to apply more compound per stroke.
Sand the Compound
Once the compound is dry, use a medium- or fine-grit drywall sanding sponge to sand each area smooth. Remove any high spots or edges. If necessary, apply another coat of compound over any remaining imperfections, then sand again.
Choose the Right Paint
Finally, choose a paint that will help disguise any remaining seams. Avoid high-gloss paints as these highlight imperfections. Instead, opt for flat or matte finishes, which are more forgiving and will help to hide any small remaining seams or cracks.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting over wallpaper can be a fast, cost-effective, and DIY-friendly way to transform a room. Removing wallpaper can be a daunting, time-consuming, and expensive task that may damage the wall beneath.
Painting over wallpaper may result in seams showing through the paint, the wallpaper pattern showing through, or bubbling and peeling of the wallpaper. Removing painted-over wallpaper in the future can be difficult and may damage the wall.
To prevent seams from showing through the paint, you can use a skim coat of wallboard or joint compound to hide them. First, ensure that the seams are glued tightly to the underlying wall. If any seams look loose, apply seam adhesive or seam sealer. Then, apply at least two coats of joint compound, allowing each coat to dry for 4-8 hours, and sand the surface smooth.
Before painting over wallpaper, it is important to prep your walls carefully. Remove and replace damaged sections, add adhesive to loose pieces, and seal the edges to prevent peeling. Cover textured paper with a thin coat of joint compound or spackle to smooth out the surface. Use an oil-based primer to seal the paper and prevent the latex paint from causing the wallpaper paste to soften and bubble.
