painting walls with wallpaper

Painting Walls That Have Wallpaper

Painting Walls That Have Wallpaper

You may wonder whether or not you can paint a wall that has wallpaper on it, or if you will need to remove the wallpaper before beginning your painting project.  The answer is a little complicated, but we are here to help you make the best decision for your home. 

If your wallpaper is in good condition, then chances are quite good that you will not need to remove the wallpaper, in order to paint the wall; however, there are certain steps that you should follow in order to prep the wall correctly before painting.  Consequently, if your wallpaper is in poor condition, then removal of the wallpaper before painting is recommended.

Wallpaper can add great character to a room.  There is such a wide variety of wallpaper options available, that many homeowners enjoy the variety of color, design, shape, and texture.  However, if you are a homeowner who wishes to paint a wall that is covered with wallpaper, then you have some decisions to make before you begin the project.  Once you have decided that your wallpapered wall is paint-worthy, then follow the steps below for a successful paint project.

First, take a good look at the wall, or walls, that you wish to paint.  Inspect the wallpaper very closely.  Is the wallpaper peeling along any of the edges?  Are the seams of the wallpaper extremely visible?  Does the wallpaper have a texture that you wish to hide, or smooth, before you paint?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then follow the steps below, in order to prepare the wall for a smooth painting surface.

-Add wallpaper adhesive to any sections of the wallpaper that are loose or curled along the edges.

-Add a thin layering of clear caulk along any joints, seams, or edges of the wallpaper.  This will seal the edges and help to keep the wallpaper from peeling in the future.

-If the wallpaper is textured, then apply a thin layer of spackling over the surface, in order to achieve a smooth finish.

-Sand down the caulk or the spackling that you have applied, in order to ensure a smooth surface that is suitable for painting.

-Use an oil-based primer on the wall.  Primer will prepare the wall for better paint coverage.

-Now you are ready to paint.  Use an oil-based paint for this project.  Latex paint has too much moisture in it and can cause the wallpaper to loosen, or peel, over time. Call Noel Painting to get started on your project!

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