Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? Expert Advice and Tips

by Mark Hunt
December 16, 2025

One of?the dilemmas facing homeowners when redecorating is what to do with wallpaper that already exists. It can be a long process, an?expensive one, and, literally, a wall-breaking one. This prompted a frequently asked question: Can you paint over wallpaper? Knowing the potential, methods, and shortcomings can help one save plenty of time and effort?while still getting the new, nice finish.

So this guide dives into practical advice and tips to help?homeowners make a tangible choice about painting over wallpaper, or not, and how to do it right.

Assessing the Wallpaper Condition

If you are considering hanging chemicals on top of the wallpaper, you need to assess the wallpaper’s?condition first. The outcome is obviously reliant upon the quality of the wallpaper.

Look for?peeling or loose edges: If the wallpaper is lifting at the seams or corners, it will most likely not stick well when painting. Loose pieces might need to be trimmed back, or glue may need?to be used.
Be on the lookout for rips, blisters, and wet stains – all?of which should be mended before painting. It results in uneven surfaces, and if not,?it will be very disturbing.
Identify the type of wallpaper: Smooth, vinyl-coated wallpapers are generally easier to paint over than textured?or fabric-backed ones. If this surface is really textured, you?have to prep it a little better to get a uniform finish.
If the wallpaper is damaged, then the more reliable solution is?to remove it. On the other hand,?properly applied wallpaper can act as a substrate for paint if done carefully.

Preparing the Surface

The finish?that lasts a long time is the one that your surface is prepared for. Without the right amount of prep work, painting over wallpaper?could result in it peeling, bubbling, or having streaky colours.

Wipe?the wall down: If there is dust or dirt on the wall, the paint will not stick properly. A mild detergent and water solution would?get rid of all the surface dirt and grime. Let the wall?dry thoroughly before adding additional coats.
Patch Wounds: Apply?spackle to any holes or grooves and level it. If rough, lightly sand?to ease.
Seal the wallpaper (optional): A wallpaper primer or sealer can be used to create a barrier so the paint moisture does not soften the glue. A?quality primer also enhances adhesion and coverage for the paint.

By skipping these processes, you are ensuring that the paint will eventually peel or the wallpaper will eventually lift?from the wall.

Choosing the Right Paint

Your choice of paint can make (unfortunately) double the difference in how well you have painted over wallpaper.

Latex paint: A water-based option that is very versatile and the go-to?for many interior walls. Dries fast, has?decent coverage.
Oil-based?paint: This type is more durable but a little tougher to apply and clean. Assuming someone would want to attempt this, I?believe it would work nicely on glossy or vinyl-coated wallpapers if all were primed well.
Finish considerations: Flat or matte finishes?often disguise blemishes, while semi-gloss or gloss finishes may highlight apparent imperfections.

Needless to say, as was the case with the paint primer not shown in the original image, they used some?form of primer on it as well, and if you are going to be painting over something with paint, it would be a good idea to apply some form of primer before painting, no matter the type of paint. Primers assist the adhesion, reduce the risk of?peeling, and achieve a uniform color.

Painting Techniques

It is important to technique, to not damage the wallpaper?when painting over wallpaper.

For edges: Invest in a good angled brush for painting edges and corners, trims, and along baseboards.
Roller: Rollers can be used for?larger areas. Carefully press down evenly to?avoid creating bubbles or pressing into wallpaper seams.
Deiterdas: Various thin layers: Many thin coats of paint are best over?a thick single coat. By applying?paint in thin coats, you can minimize the possibility of the paint sagging and pulling the wallpaper with it.

Take care when applying it, and it gives you a uniformly?coated final that is tougher than nails. Getting on?with it without taking utmost care can endanger the outcome, and you might end up carrying out more repair work afterwards.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even where it?is possible to paint over wallpaper, difficulties might occur. If you are aware of these issues upfront,?you will not get frustrated.

Bubbling or peeling: These are usually the result of moisture or improper adhesion. This risk can be reduced using?a sealer or primer before painting.
Visible seams: Your wallpaper?seams might show through after painting. But to hide those lines, a little sanding followed?by a high-build primer should do the trick.
Challenges with texture: Especially when they are heavily embossed or patterned, wallpapers may?need additional coats of paint or a skim coat to be smooth.

If?you proactively mitigate these common challenges, you are far more likely to end up with a professional-looking result.

When to Consider Wallpaper Removal

Some wallpaper can be painted over, but in?some cases, it might be best to just remove it.

Peeling, old or damaged wallpaper: Loose, peeling, or water-damaged wallpaper seldom offers a good base?for paint.
Wallpaper patterns under paint: If you are trying?to paint over a bold, textured, or dark wallpaper pattern, painting over it may not be enough to hide the old design. It removes, providing?the base for any color.
Future remodeling projects: Walls?painted over wallpaper that will be difficult to change later. Start with Wallpaper. You want to be able to do a repair down the road, making it easy to?make changes if the aesthetics shift.

While the average DIY enthusiast might not want to spend all day carefully peeling colorful wallpaper off their walls, for some homes, especially ones with a lot of patterns or fragile plaster, professional wallpaper removal is a?good idea and can save a home from damage.

Final Tips for Success

Before proceeding, apply the paint to a corner or small hidden area to ensure that the seams do not separate and the paint?stays intact.

Tape off?Trims and Baseboards for That Clean Edge

Keep ventilation in mind while?using primer or paint to minimize the stench and speed up the drying time.
Let them dry completely between coats, or?the result might be bumpy or streaky.
If?it’s an intricate pattern or unusual paper, you may want to hire a pro; improper technique can ruin the paper.

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Conclusion

There is no simple answer?of yes or no to the question- can you paint over wallpaper? With good preparation, appropriate supplies, and the right methods, painting over wallpaper that has been applied close to the wall and doesn’t have any major defects is a task that?can be done. While wallpaper that is not damaged, textured, or?loosely attached can be painted over, in some cases, the best option is to remove it.

Using the tips in this guide?on assessment, prep, choosing a paint, and technique, homeowners can refresh and beautify a wall surface. The final product is solid and beautiful because of careful planning?and consideration. This guide provides all of the information you need to make good decisions about wallpaper and paint, whether a single room or your whole home is being updated, and ensures a successful and satisfying?transformation.

Summary

One of?the dilemmas facing homeowners when redecorating is what to do with wallpaper that already exists. It can be a long process, an?expensive one, and, literally, a wall-breaking one. This prompted a frequently asked question: Can you paint over wallpaper? Knowing the potential, methods, and shortcomings can help one save plenty of time and effort?while…