If your wallpaper looks drab or you are tired of the design and colors, painting over it may be an option. Removing old wallpaper can damage the drywall beneath it–making a paint job an attractive choice. Painting with patience and avoiding these mistakes can produce a long-lasting finished paint job without the hassle of removing wallpaper.
Wallpaper Painting Mistakes
Painting old wallpaper brightens and modernizes a room. Making any of these mistakes can make the job turn out badly.
Poor Wall Preparation
Painting wallpaper requires the same care and attention as any other surface. For best results, the walls have to be clean and dry, free of dirt, grime, and grease. They also have to be as smooth as possible. Repair any torn or missing wallpaper.
Condition Of the Wallpaper
Painting over loose, bubbled, or torn wallpaper leaves a shoddy finished product. Loose wallpaper can peel. Every bubble and tear shows through the new paint.
Glue down loose edges, cut out bubbles, and torn paper. Apply a skim coat of drywall patching compound over every area you cut out and sand it to make a smooth surface. Imperfections–even only the thickness of wallpaper–are amplified by paint.
Primer Problems
Skipping the primer saves time and money. It also produces a substandard finished product. Your new paint job may peel off–especially if you are painting vinyl wallpaper. Use a high-quality primer suitable for the type of wallpaper you are painting.
Using the Wrong Paint
Not every type of paint is suitable for wallpaper application. Tell your paint supplier what you are doing and take their recommendations for the proper paint and primer. Using the wrong paint reduces coverage, durability, and lifespan.
Not Covering the Wallpaper Pattern
Do not skimp on paint. The wallpaper pattern may show through. Apply two coats of good-quality paint. Allow sufficient drying time between coats. Rushing to put on the second coat usually leaves streaks and results in poor coverage.
