If you’ve ever taken old, stubborn wallpaper off the walls, you know what a difficult, back-breaking chore this can be. But here’s the good news: Instead of the time-consuming (and frankly irritating) work of removing wallpaper, you can just paint over it.
Painting over wallpaper is a great way to update the look of a room without having to remove the wallpaper itself. It’s a relatively easy project that can be done in a weekend, plus it can save you a lot of money.
Of course, if you want the peace of mind that comes from outsourcing your painting jobs to a professional, At Home Pros can connect you to the most reliable painting services in your area. For a DIY weekend job, here are a few simple steps you can take when painting over wallpaper so you get it right the first time.
Prepare the surface
The first step is to prepare the surface of the wallpaper. This means removing any loose wallpaper, as well as cleaning the surface and applying a primer.
To remove loose wallpaper, it helps to use a steamer or even a wet sponge to loosen the adhesive. Once the wallpaper is loose, you can simply peel it off. One of those portable clothing steamers is a great choice for this task.
To clean the surface, use a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly to remove all of the soap.
Choose the right primer and paint
Once the surface is clean, it’s time to apply a primer. Primer helps the paint adhere to the wallpaper and will also hide any imperfections in the surface. A primer is essential as some of the older wallpaper was stuck to walls with glue made of chemical compounds, which can stain and even change your new paint colors. Primer helps to seal off the wallpaper and moisture from bleeding through your paint.
Not all paints and primers are created equal when it comes to painting over wallpaper. You’ll need to choose one that is specifically designed for use on wallpaper. These options are typically thicker and more opaque than regular paints and primers, and they will provide better coverage.
Apply the paint over the wallpaper and primer
Once you’ve chosen the right paint, applied your primer and let it dry, you can start applying your paint. Use a roller or a brush to apply the paint in a thin coat. Be sure to apply the paint in the direction of the wallpaper pattern. An even coat ensures that bold patterns or a darker-colored wallpaper beneath your new paint will be well-hidden.
Let the paint dry
For this step, you’ll need patience. Once you’ve applied the paint, it’s critical to let it dry completely. This may take several hours, so set up time in your painting schedule for this step, because you cannot rush it.
Apply a second coat of paint
If you like, you can apply a second coat of paint. This will help to ensure that the coverage is even and that the paint is opaque. Once the paint has dried, it’s time to enjoy your new look. Painting over wallpaper is a great way to update the look of a room without having to make a major investment.
More tips for painting over wallpaper
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the best results when painting over wallpaper:
- This cannot be overstated: Use a primer. Primer will help the paint adhere to the wallpaper and will also help to hide any imperfections in the surface.
- Apply the paint in a thin, even coat.
- Let the paint dry completely between coats.
- Apply a second coat of paint, if you like. It’s not necessary, but it can help to make sure the wallpaper pattern is fully covered.
Common mistakes to avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when painting over wallpaper:
- Forgetting the primer
- Applying the paint too thickly
- Not letting the paint dry completely between coats
- Using paint and primer that aren’t designed for wallpaper coverage
Painting over wallpaper is an easy, cost-effective way to update the look of a room without having to deal with the painstaking process of removing the wallpaper. It’s a relatively easy project that can be accomplished in a weekend, and it can save you a lot of money.
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve great results in a short amount of time when painting over wallpaper. If you have a larger project or prefer to trust your home to the experts, contact At Home Pros to be matched with licensed, reputable paint professionals in your local area.