Painting over old wallpaper

Discussion in 'Interior Design' started by chevy, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. chevy

    chevy New Seed

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Houston
    Hello everyone.
    I do not have any experience dealing with wallpaper other than the fact that I have a small half bath decorated with wallpaper. I don't know how old it is but I definitely do not like it. Can I paint over it, or do I have to remove it completely?

    I will take any advice. Thanks!
     
  2. Loading...

    Similar Threads
    1. dawg803
      Replies:
      5
      Views:
      108,913
    2. Rebecca
      Replies:
      9
      Views:
      95,834

  3. CritterPainter

    CritterPainter Awed by Nature

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2006
    Messages:
    1,428
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Washington State
    you can paint over it unless it's solid vinyl (paint may not stick well) but be sure to check for and fill all the nail holes that might be present. You may still see seams, though.
     
  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2005
    Messages:
    29,088
    Likes Received:
    6,281
    Location:
    Scotland
    If it's a proper bathroom, vinyl wallpaper then I would be tempted to scrape it all off as it's not easy to cover with paint as Mary said. The walls will need a sealing undercoat before putting on a steam/waterproof paint. Any large DIY store will advise on the best types of paint to use for a bathroom so don't worry about having to find it for yourself. :stew1:
     
  5. stratsmom

    stratsmom Flower Fanatic

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2006
    Messages:
    4,086
    Likes Received:
    701
    Location:
    Southern Oregon
    You might want to try a coat of KILZ over the paper first :shrug:
     



    Advertisement
  6. jde

    jde New Seed

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2009
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Yes, can be painted over, as longs as the surface is not too glossy.
     
  7. anilseo

    anilseo New Seed

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2009
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Delhi
    Remove the Wallpaper

    Removing the Wallpaper first would be a good idea, as the paint done after removing the wallpaper will have good hold on the wall.
     
  8. nooysters

    nooysters New Seed

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2009
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    California
    Remove the wallpaper

    I would remove it, it could peal down the road. I would try a heat gun and paint scraper.
     
  9. kfer

    kfer New Seed

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2009
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    I think you should uncover the old wallpaper and then paint the wall or use new wallpaper of your choice.
     
  10. daisybeans

    daisybeans Hardy Maple

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2009
    Messages:
    3,695
    Likes Received:
    78
    Location:
    annapolis md
    My opinion -- taking off old wallpaper is a pain in the neck, but well worth it. The quality of the finished wall will be much nicer and last longer. And you will never have to worry about future peeling or having to repair later on.
     
  11. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Messages:
    4,385
    Likes Received:
    3,637
    Location:
    Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW,Zone7b
    I've been painting over old wallpaper for years. If the wall paper has not been applied properly it saves a lot of dry wall restoration.

    If the wall paper appears loose, and has been properly applied it should strip-off easily.

    Best of luck with whatever you decide.
     
  12. raky

    raky New Seed

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    India
    Before painting any thing we should properly remove any wallpaper, chart paper or any old wall color. By doing this the life of paint gets longer and wall looks good. Even if you paint on current wallpaper then the finishing will not be good and the paper will be again visible after few days or month.
     
  13. kuntrygal

    kuntrygal Texas Rose

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2007
    Messages:
    3,436
    Likes Received:
    20
    Location:
    Texas ~ Zone 8
    You don't want to go through the process of painting without removing the old paper. It wouldn't be long before it started showing seams and flaws. You want to do a job that you can be proud of! :-o
     
  14. wilsonmian

    wilsonmian Seedling

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2008
    Messages:
    107
    Likes Received:
    1
    Yes you can paint on the wallpaper.There is variety of paints available that can be prove useful over wallpapers.
     
  15. Pricklypear

    Pricklypear Seedling

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2009
    Messages:
    241
    Likes Received:
    18
    Location:
    Southern Arizona
    I wouldn't paint over the wall paper. Take the time to get the wall paper off and then clean the walls, prime and paint.

    Painting over wallpaper is asking for trouble down the road especially in a bathroom.
     
  16. shmily2046

    shmily2046 New Seed

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2009
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    You might want to try a coat of KILZ over the paper first good luck
     

Share This Page