How to Paint Over Wallpaper: The Definitive Guide

Can you paint over wallpaper? This is a common question when moving into a new home, or taking over a business space; you find them decorated in wallpaper that doesn’t match your style or brand. The thought of stripping wallpaper is overwhelming after moving boxes for days. Consider the time, mess, and effort involved! But what if you could skip all that and simply paint over it? You can, and this method is not only faster but also much cleaner.

In this article, you’ll discover how painting over wallpaper with Zinsser saves you time and effort, and learn how to do it properly for long-lasting, professional results. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, this guide will show you how to refresh your space quickly and effectively, without the mess of removing wallpaper.

Why Should You Paint Over Wallpaper?

There are several good reasons to paint over wallpaper instead of stripping it off. Let’s look at why this method is often the preferred choice for many:

• Less mess: Stripping wallpaper leaves a trail of dust, old paper bits, and sticky residue everywhere. Painting over it keeps the space clean.
• Faster process: You can complete the entire project in a day or two, as opposed to the time-consuming task of removing wallpaper, preparing the wall, and then painting.
• Avoid wall damage: Stripping wallpaper can sometimes reveal or even cause cracks, holes, or other damage that you’ll have to repair before painting. Painting over wallpaper avoids this issue.
• Cost-effective: You don’t need to buy specialised tools like steamers or heavy-duty scrapers, nor do you have to spend money fixing damaged walls.

 

Painting Over Wallpaper: Great For Businesses

Painting over wallpaper offers significant time-saving benefits for businesses. Stripping wallpaper is a lengthy and messy process that delays crucial tasks – equipment doesn’t set itself up, and stock doesn’t organise automatically. By opting to paint over it, shops and cafes, restaurants and takeaways, offices, etc, can complete renovations faster. Minimising downtime allows operations to get back on track without extended closures. Customer-facing businesses can get sales in through the door, where every extra day spent renovating can translate into lost revenue.

For landlords, painting over wallpaper is a cost-effective way to prepare rental properties. Rather than spending time and money on removing sound wallpaper and wall repairs, a fresh coat of paint can refresh the property quickly, reducing vacancy periods and increasing rental income. This allows landlords to return properties to the market faster, maximising profitability while avoiding the hassle of traditional redecoration methods.

Additionally, painting over wallpaper is an eco-friendly choice, reducing waste and avoiding the need for additional materials. With modern low-VOC primers like Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up, businesses can achieve a professional, durable finish while maintaining a healthier workspace. Whether you’re opening a new premises, refreshing a rental property, or renovating a retail or hospitality space, painting over wallpaper provides a fast, efficient, and sustainable solution.

How Do You Prepare A Wallpapered Wall For Painting?

While painting over wallpaper saves time, it is essential that the wallpaper surface is prepared properly to ensure a smooth finish. Follow these steps to get the best results:

1. Check the Wallpaper Condition

The first step is to ensure the wallpaper is securely attached to the wall. Look for any loose edges, bubbles, or tears. If you find any areas where the paper is peeling, use wallpaper adhesive to stick them back down. The goal is to have a completely smooth and well-adhered surface before you start painting.

2. Clean the Surface

Over time, wallpaper can accumulate dust, dirt, and grease. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the walls gently. Be careful not to soak the wallpaper, as too much moisture can cause it to loosen. Once clean, allow the walls to dry fully before moving on.

3. Treat for Mould or Mildew

If you spot any signs of mould or mildew, it’s crucial to treat these areas before painting. Use a mould removal product and follow the instructions carefully. Mould left untreated will not only spoil your paint job but can also continue to grow beneath the surface.

 

What Kind of Paint Do You Use to Paint Over Wallpaper?

When painting over patterned wallpaper, the choice of paint is critical for achieving a high-quality finish. The most effective product for this is Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up. This specially formulated primer seals the wallpaper, blocks stains including seeping smoke and damp residues, and provides a smooth surface for your final coat of paint.

Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up is ideal because it works with a variety of wall and ceiling topcoats, including emulsion paint, which is popular for its versatility and durability. It ensures that bold patterns and textures are fully covered, so you can confidently paint over wallpaper without worrying about any designs showing through.

How to Paint Over Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

To achieve a flawless finish when painting over wallpaper, follow this straightforward process:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Once you’ve checked that the wallpaper is securely attached and cleaned, you can begin preparing it for painting. Make sure there’s no moisture or mould on the surface. If necessary, use a mould killer and allow everything to dry thoroughly before continuing.

Step 2: Prime the Wallpaper

Priming is essential when painting over wallpaper. Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up ensures the wallpaper patterns won’t bleed through the paint. Use a short-pile roller (up to 5mm) made from mohair or microfibre for even application.

Apply one coat of primer and allow it to dry for at least 4 hours before moving on to the painting stage.

Step 3: Paint Your Walls

After priming, you’re ready to apply your topcoat. Use an emulsion paint for a professional-looking finish. Depending on the wall’s condition and the wallpaper beneath, you may need two coats for even coverage. Allow sufficient drying time between coats, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

FAQ’s

Is painting over wallpaper a good idea?

Yes, painting over wallpaper is a smart choice, especially when you want to save time and effort. Stripping wallpaper is an arduous and messy process. It often reveals hidden damage like cracked plaster or unfilled holes, adding additional work to your project. Painting over wallpaper avoids these complications, making it a convenient solution for homeowners, renters, and businesses looking for quick aesthetic improvements.

However, it’s important to note that this method works best when the wallpaper is in good condition. If the wallpaper is peeling, has bubbles, or is damaged, you should address these issues first by reattaching any loose sections and smoothing the surface. The key to success is thorough preparation, which ensures the wallpaper remains stable under the paint. Additionally, using the correct primer is essential to prevent any patterns or textures from bleeding through, giving you a smooth and professional finish.

 

Can I paint over wallpaper with emulsion?

Yes, emulsion paint is a great option for painting over wallpaper. Emulsion is widely used for interior walls because it offers a durable and versatile finish. It’s especially suitable for wallpaper because it is water-based, meaning it dries quickly and has minimal odour, making it ideal for living and working spaces.

However, it’s crucial to use a primer before applying the emulsion. A product like Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up serves as both a primer and a stain blocker, creating a sealed surface in one application that is ready for the final coat of emulsion. Without a primer, you risk the wallpaper’s texture, pattern, or colour bleeding through the paint, which can lead to a patchy or uneven appearance.

Wall paints such as emulsions come in various finishes – matte, satin, or silk – so you can choose one that matches the look you want for your space. Matte finishes are ideal for creating a smooth, subtle look, while satin and silk are more reflective, offering a slightly glossier appearance.

 

Can you paint over wallpaper with a roller?

Yes, a roller is the best tool to use when painting over wallpaper, as it allows for fast and even coverage. For the primer and final coat of paint, you’ll want to use different types of rollers depending on the wallpaper’s texture and condition.

For smooth wallpaper, a short-pile roller (up to 5mm) is ideal. This type of roller provides good coverage without absorbing too much paint, helping to create a smooth finish. When applying the primer, use gentle, even strokes to cover the entire surface without overspreading. If the wallpaper has more pronounced texture, you may want to opt for a medium-pile roller to ensure paint gets into any crevices or raised areas.

Apply primer with the roller in even, overlapping strokes, ensuring that the wallpaper is fully covered. After the primer has dried, you can use the roller again for the final coat of paint. For the topcoat, it’s advisable to apply two coats to achieve full coverage, especially if you’re working with a bold or patterned wallpaper underneath.

Can you paint over patterned wallpaper?

Yes, you can successfully paint over patterned wallpaper as long as you use the correct preparation techniques. The key challenge with patterned wallpaper is ensuring that the design doesn’t show through your final coat of paint. To prevent this, using a high-quality primer like Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up is essential. This product not only seals the wallpaper but also blocks patterns, stains, and colours, giving you a blank canvas to work with.

If the pattern on the wallpaper is very bold or dark, you may need to apply two coats of primer to fully cover the design. Once the primer is dry, you can then apply your topcoat of paint in your chosen colour. Most light-coloured paints will require at least two coats to completely hide any remnants of the original pattern. Choosing a high-opacity paint can also help if you’re worried about the pattern showing through.

Posted: 10th October 2019 | Updated: 9th October 2024