Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? Expert Advice for a Flawless Finish

Yes, you can paint over wallpaper, but it is often a short-term solution with potential drawbacks. The success of the project depends heavily on the wallpaper’s current condition, its material, and thorough wall preparation. For a lasting, professional finish, removing the old wallpaper is almost always the better option.

When Is It Okay to Paint Over Wallpaper?

Painting over wallpaper can be a viable option, but only if the circumstances are right. It is a shortcut that works best when the existing wallpaper is in near-perfect condition. Before you even consider picking up a paint roller, inspect your walls meticulously. You can proceed if the wallpaper is very securely bonded to the wall everywhere, with absolutely no lifting seams, bubbles, or peeling corners. The paper should be smooth and flat, without any raised textures or embossed patterns.

The wallpaper should also be a single, solid layer. Walls that have been papered over multiple times are not suitable candidates for painting. The weight of the paint and primer can cause the lower layers to detach, leading to a disastrous finish. In essence, painting over wallpaper is for surfaces that are structurally sound but aesthetically dated. If your wallpaper meets all these criteria, you might achieve a satisfactory result.

When Should You Absolutely Not Paint Over Wallpaper?

There are several red flags that indicate you should abandon the idea of painting and focus on removal instead. If you see any signs of damage, such as peeling seams, bubbling, tears, or water stains, do not paint. Paint will not fix these issues; it will highlight them and can even make them worse by adding moisture that further loosens the adhesive. Any wallpaper that feels soft or spongy to the touch is also a poor candidate.

The material of the wallpaper is another critical factor. You should never paint over foil, vinyl, or heavily coated wallpapers. These surfaces are non-porous and designed to resist moisture, meaning primer and paint will struggle to adhere, leading to chipping and peeling down the line. Similarly, fabric-backed or grasscloth wallpapers will absorb paint unevenly and lose their distinct texture, resulting in a messy, unprofessional appearance. If your home is older, the wallpaper could also be hiding structural issues like cracks or damp, which painting would only conceal temporarily.

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Can U Paint Over Wallpaper That Is Textured?

Technically, yes, you can paint over textured wallpaper, but the results are rarely desirable. The original texture or embossed pattern will almost always show through the new layers of paint. Far from hiding the pattern, the paint can accentuate it in an unflattering way, making the wall look dated and poorly finished. The paint tends to pool in the crevices of the texture, creating an uneven sheen and highlighting every imperfection.

Attempting to smooth the texture with filler before painting is a labour-intensive process that often fails to create a perfectly flat surface. You are likely to end up with a lumpy, uneven wall that looks worse than when you started. For a truly smooth, modern finish, there is no substitute for removing the textured wallpaper. Starting with a clean, prepared wall allows you to achieve a professional result, whether you choose to paint or apply a new, contemporary wall mural, like a design from our Modern Wallpaper Designs for Contemporary Interiors collection.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Painting Over Wallpaper?

Deciding whether to paint over wallpaper involves weighing the convenience against the potential for a subpar result. While it can seem like an easy fix, it is important to understand the trade-offs. Here is a clear comparison to help you make an informed choice.

How to Prepare a Wall for Painting Over Wallpaper

Proper preparation is the most critical stage for achieving a decent finish when painting over wallpaper. Skipping these steps will almost certainly lead to peeling, bubbling, and a result you will regret. Take your time and be thorough.

1. Inspect and Repair Every Inch

   Begin by examining the entire wall surface. Run your hands over it to feel for any bubbles or loose areas. Pay close attention to seams, corners, and the edges near the ceiling and skirting boards. If you find any lifting edges or seams, apply a small amount of wallpaper seam adhesive with a fine brush and press the paper firmly back into place with a roller. Use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess glue immediately.

2. Clean the Surface Thoroughly

   Walls accumulate dust, grime, and oils over time, which can prevent paint from adhering properly. Mix a mild solution of sugar soap or a gentle detergent in a bucket of warm water. Using a soft sponge, gently wash the wallpaper from top to bottom. Be careful not to oversaturate the paper. After washing, rinse the wall with a clean sponge and fresh water to remove any soap residue. Let the wall dry completely, which could take up to 24-48 hours. Proper drying is essential to prevent moisture from getting trapped.

3. Fill and Sand Imperfections

   For any small nicks or tears that cannot be glued down, use a small amount of decorators' filler. Apply it sparingly with a flexible filling knife, feathering the edges to blend with the surrounding surface. Once the filler is completely dry, lightly sand it with a fine-grit sanding block (220-grit is ideal) until it is perfectly smooth. Be gentle to avoid tearing the surrounding wallpaper. After sanding, wipe away all dust with a slightly damp cloth.

What Is the Best Paint to Paint Over Wallpaper?

The choice of paint, particularly the primer, is crucial when painting over wallpaper. Using the wrong products can ruin the project before you have even finished. You cannot apply standard water-based emulsion directly onto wallpaper, as the moisture will soak through and loosen the adhesive, causing widespread bubbling.

You must start with a high-quality oil-based or shellac-based primer. These primers act as a sealant, creating a barrier between the wallpaper and the water-based topcoat. This barrier prevents moisture from reaching the wallpaper paste. An oil-based primer also does a superior job of blocking stains and hiding underlying patterns, which is especially important if you are painting over a dark or busy design like the bold patterns in our Elegant Damask Wallpaper Murals. Apply one even coat of primer and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is typically overnight.

For the topcoat, you can use a good quality water-based acrylic or latex paint in your desired finish (matt, eggshell, or satin). You will need at least two coats to achieve a solid, even colour. Using a paint that includes a built-in primer is not a substitute for a dedicated oil-based primer in this specific application.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Paint Over Wallpaper?

Once your wall is perfectly prepared and you have the right materials, you can begin the painting process. A methodical approach will give you the best possible chance of a smooth, professional-looking finish.

1. Protect Your Room

   Before you open any paint, cover your floors with dust sheets or plastic sheeting. Use painter's tape to mask off skirting boards, window frames, door frames, and ceiling lines. If possible, remove any socket and switch covers, or tape over them carefully. Good preparation makes for a much cleaner and faster cleanup.

2. Apply the Oil-Based Primer

   Ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors, as oil-based primers have a strong odour. Using a 2-inch (5 cm) brush, carefully 'cut in' with the primer around all the edges you taped off. Then, use a roller to apply a thin, even coat of primer to the rest of the wall. Work in a 'W' or 'M' pattern to ensure even coverage and avoid roller marks. Let the primer dry completely as directed by the manufacturer, usually for at least 12-24 hours.

3. Apply the First Topcoat

   Once the primer is fully cured, you can apply your first coat of water-based wall paint. Again, start by cutting in around the edges with a brush. Then, use a clean roller to apply the paint to the main wall area. Aim for consistent pressure and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Do not try to achieve full coverage with the first coat; a second coat will perfect the finish.

4. Apply the Second Topcoat

   Allow the first coat of paint to dry for the recommended time, typically 2-4 hours. Once it is dry to the touch, apply the second coat in the same manner as the first. This second coat should eliminate any patchiness or transparency and give you a solid, uniform colour. For very dark or heavily patterned wallpapers, a third coat may be necessary, but wait to make that decision until the second coat is fully dry.

5. Finishing Touches

   While the final coat of paint is still slightly wet, carefully remove the painter's tape. Pulling it off at a 45-degree angle will help you achieve a crisp, clean line. Allow the paint to cure fully for several days before placing furniture against the wall or attempting to clean it. You can find more detailed application advice in our Wallpaper Installation: A Step by Step Professional Guide.

What About Wallpaper That You Can Paint Over?

There is a specific category of wallpaper designed to be painted. Commonly known as paintable wallpaper, it is a thick paper with a raised, embossed texture. Its primary purpose is not to add colour or a finished pattern, but to cover imperfect walls with a durable surface that can then be painted in any colour you choose. It is excellent for hiding hairline cracks, lumps, and bumps on older plaster walls.

This wallpaper that you can paint over is very different from standard decorative wallpaper. It is typically plain white or off-white and made from materials designed to absorb paint evenly. If you have this type of wallpaper, painting it is not just possible, it is the intended next step. The process is much simpler than painting over decorative wallpaper; you can usually use a standard water-based primer followed by your chosen topcoat, though it is always best to check the manufacturer's specific recommendations.

Is Removing Wallpaper a Better Long-Term Option?

In almost every scenario, removing old wallpaper is the superior choice for a durable, high-quality, and professional-looking finish. While it requires more time and effort upfront, it provides a clean slate and eliminates all the risks associated with painting over an existing layer. Removing the paper allows you to properly inspect the wall beneath for any issues like cracks or damp, which can then be properly repaired.

A stripped and prepared wall offers a perfectly smooth surface, ensuring your final paint job or new wallpaper application is flawless. Seams will not show, textures will not be an issue, and you will not have to worry about the old adhesive failing under the weight of new paint. This approach is an investment in the longevity of your decor. A beautiful new finish, such as a subtle botanical like the Sage Banana-leaf Tropical Mural, deserves a perfectly prepared surface. For guidance on this process, see our article on how to prepare a wall for wallpaper.

Why a Made to Measure Mural is a Superior Choice

If your goal is to transform a room with a truly stunning and lasting feature wall, painting over old wallpaper is a compromise. A far better solution is to start fresh with a made to measure wall mural from Casavono. Unlike painting, which simply adds a layer of colour, a mural introduces art, depth, and personality to your space. Whether you envision the calming vista of a Terracotta Mountain Landscape Mural or the sophisticated pattern of a Blue Scroll Damask Mural, the result is a seamless, continuous image.

Casavono murals are printed to the exact width and height of your wall, eliminating waste and ensuring a perfect fit. Delivered in numbered panels that are hung edge to edge without overlap, the installation creates a single, breathtaking picture. We offer a choice of three PVC-free papers to suit any room, including a renter-friendly Peel & Stick option that is repositionable. By removing the old paper and applying a high-quality, made to measure mural, you are not just covering a wall; you are creating a bespoke feature that reflects your style and will look impeccable. You can learn more about how ordering a made to measure mural works and ensure a perfect installation by following our complete guide on how to hang a wall mural.

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