Should I Remove Wallpaper or Just Paint Over It?

If your home is covered in wallpaper you no longer love, you may be searching for an easy alternative to the arduous process of stripping paper off the wall. Applying a fresh coat of paint is a particularly appealing option. But which is the preferred method, and which will guarantee the best results?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this question. It all depends on the wall, the wallpaper and the homeowner.

Professionally installed, quality vinyl wallpaper will last up to 15 years with little maintenance. While many homeowners love the look, style and longevity of wallpaper, some prefer to switch up their style more often than others.

You may be hesitant to remove the wallpaper in your home because of the horror stories you’ve heard from others about their experiences. Some homeowners peel back one layer only to find another underneath, and then another after that. Consider these potential problems before you commit to removing your wallpaper:

 · Time: Removing wallpaper can be incredibly time consuming and difficult depending on how and when the paper was applied and what type of adhesive was used. If you have an older home, there could be layers and layers of paper to remove before you hit the actual wall.

 · Unexpected surprises: As with any home improvement project, there could be unexpected surprises once the paper is removed. For example, the wallpaper may have been the only thing holding crumbling or damaged drywall together. Removal could potentially lead to costly repairs.

It is usually recommended that you remove wallpaper before painting, but there are some situations in which it may be more beneficial to just paint over it. One benefit of leaving the paper in place is that it will allow you to paint more quickly and easily. You also negate the risk of damaging your walls.

Before painting over your wallpaper, keep these problems in mind:

 · Patterns showing through paint: Wallpaper is applied in rows and is often textured. The seams between rows of wallpaper and the texture of the wallpaper itself will likely show through a layer of paint.

 · Peeling paper: When painted over, wallpaper may absorb the moisture of the paint. The moisture will cause the adhesive to loosen and the paper to pull away from the wall. Over time, the paper will peel off the wall altogether.1

If you do decide to paint over your wallpaper, follow these steps to ensure you achieve a result you can be happy with:

1.   Clean up loose corners and edges: If you have older wallpaper, there will probably be a corner or seam that isn’t adhered properly. Before painting, use a strong adhesive to re-affix it and allow the adhesive to dry.

2.   Clean the walls: Remove as much dust as possibly by vacuuming the surface of the wallpaper. For homes with uncoated wallpaper, use wallpaper dough to knead out stains and residue. Coated wallpaper can be washed with a damp sponge and dishwashing detergent. When doing this, ensure moisture doesn’t get into the seams.

3.   Test paint: Before committing to painting the entire wallpapered area, test paint in a hidden spot. This will help you understand how the paint will look over the wallpaper and give you a better sense of how many coats of paint and primer will be necessary.2

Before you make your final decision, it’s a good idea to receive a professional opinion. If you’re unsure about the best solution for your home, don’t hesitate to call Arizona’s Best Family Painting. We employ a full staff of professional painters who will help find the solution to fit your needs.

Join our ever-growing family of satisfied customers by calling (602) 606-2200 for your free estimate.

__________

1 https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/painting/paint-over-wallpaper.htm

2 https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/learn-it/how-and-when-to-paint-over-wallpaper