Painting Over Wallpaper or Stripping It First?

Stripping wallpaper is a miserable job. So it is no surprise that people ask whether they can just paint over it.

You can, sometimes. Here is how to tell whether yours is one of the lucky cases.

When painting over can work

The paper must be firmly stuck down at every edge and seam, in good condition and smooth. It should be a lining-style paper or a plain vinyl without a heavy texture. If you press along the seams and nothing lifts, it has a chance.

Even then, treat it as a compromise, not a first choice.

When it usually fails

Loose seams and bubbles. Water in the paint soaks the paper and lets it lift.

Vinyl wallpaper. The shiny plastic-like surface resists paint and can peel.

Heavily embossed paper. The pattern shows through, and so does every join.

Damp or stained walls. Moisture rises and pushes the paper away.

Several layers. Old papers on top of each other can bring the lot away together.

A failed overpaint is often worse than the original paper, because stripping it afterwards is harder.

If you do paint over it

Seal it first with a suitable primer, because water-based paint can loosen the paste. Stick down any loose edges, fill gaps and sand rough areas. Then apply thin coats rather than one heavy one.

How to strip wallpaper properly

1. Score the paper lightly so water can get behind it. Take care not to dig into the plaster.
2. Soak it with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, or use a steamer.
3. Wait, then lift the paper off with a wide scraper. Hold the scraper flat to avoid gouging.
4. Wash off all paste residue, as it blocks paint and new paper.
5. Leave the wall to dry before you fill or sand.

Vinyl papers peel apart: lift the top layer dry, then soak the backing.

What you find underneath

Stripping often shows cracks, patching and rough plaster. That is useful. It is better to know. Fill and sand, then seal as we describe in our guide to wall preparation.

Lining paper as a middle route

If the plaster is poor, hanging lining paper first gives a smooth base for either paint or new wallpaper. We cover this in when lining paper helps.

Let a professional decide

A decorator can tell by touch and sight whether a wall is worth saving. Our wallpaper hanging service includes careful stripping and preparation, and our interior decorating team can take the wall through to a painted finish. Ask us for a quote.