Introduction
Painting over wallpaper has always been a subject of debate among home improvement experts; while some argue that wallpaper should always be removed before painting, others suggest that painting over old wallpaper can give your walls a fresh and vibrant appearance. The process can be quite economical and less messy, provided it is done correctly. If you’re thinking of painting over wallpaper in your home and curious about how exactly to do it, you’ve landed on the right page. However, remember, this method only works with irreparable or hard-to-remove wallpapers.
When to Paint Over Wallpaper
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to assess when it’s appropriate to paint over wallpaper. Not all situations are suitable for this method. If your wallpaper is in good condition, meaning it is adhering firmly to the wall and does not have any significant blemishes, tears, or loose seams, then it’s a candidate for painting over. Likewise, you should also consider this method if the underlying wall is in poor shape or if you’re dealing with multiple layers of stubborn wallpaper.
Materials Required
Before you start the process, ensure you have the necessary tools. You’ll need a bucket, a roller with a medium nap cover, a paintbrush, a utility knife, a scraper or putty knife, primer, paint, an oil-based or shellac primer, acrylic caulk, a caulk gun, and sandpaper.
Preparing the Wallpaper for Painting
Proper preparation is the key to successfully painting over wallpaper. Start by wiping down the walls with a damp sponge to remove any dirt or dust. Then, utilize a utility knife and scraper to eliminate any loose or peeling wallpaper. Should any tears or holes be there, fill them up using a thin coating of joint compound.
Next, find and seal the seams. Seams of the wallpaper could become more noticeable after painting if not properly sealed. Using a thin line of acrylic caulk applied with a caulk gun, seal the seams and smooth it out using a finger.
Priming the Wallpaper
Priming the wallpaper is the next major phase in this process. Use a high-quality, oil-based or shellac primer for this purpose. The reason behind applying primer is twofold; it serves as a valuable undercoat for your paint, encouraging better adhesion and creating a surface that paint can cling onto efficiently. Secondly, the primer seals the adhesive in the wallpaper to prevent it from interacting with the moisture in the paint, which could loosen the wallpaper.
Painting the Wallpaper
Once your primer has thoroughly dried, you can go ahead and paint your wallpaper. Use a roller to apply the paint, beginning at the ceiling and working your way down, using a zig-zag pattern for even distribution. Cut in the edges with a 2-inch angled brush. It’s advisable to apply two coats for the best results, taking care to allow ample drying time between each coat for the best results.
Considerations
An important consideration while painting over wallpaper is to use a low-sheen paint, like an eggshell or satin. It conceals any imperfections better than semi-gloss or high-gloss paint and provides a smooth finish.
Also, while the process seems straightforward, patience is the key to a successful outcome. Be prepared for the process to take longer than painting over a standard bare wall. This is because the extra steps, especially the proper preparation of the wallpaper, will affect the overall time taken.
Conclusion
While painting over wallpaper may not be the first choice for many, it’s a handy option for those dealing with stubborn old wallpaper or problematic walls. It can save time, reduce mess, and provide a fresh, pleasing aesthetic to your living space. Provided you follow the right steps and employ patience, the results can be highly satisfying. Remember, every good paint job is 90 percent preparation, and painting over wallpaper is no exception. Following the guidelines outlined in this how-to article will help ensure that your newly painted wallpaper will look great, and the paint job will last for years.