- Mon, Feb 2023
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- Mayas Painting
When you want to remodel any room on your property and have wallpaper on your walls, a great question is if you can paint over the wallpaper. The answer to that question is yes, you can paint over wallpaper. But is it okay? No, and not always.
However, the good news is; in this blog post. We’ll look at when it’s okay to paint over the wallpaper and when it is not okay to paint over the wallpaper. Also, offer some best practice tips if you decide to do your project.
Keep reading
When it Is Not Recommended to Paint Over Wallpaper
When it comes to painting on the wallpaper, it is not always recommended for several reasons. One of the main reasons why you should not paint directly over wallpaper. First, if the wallpaper is affected by humidity or other environmental factors.
If this happens, the paint may flake or peel off due to exposure to high moisture levels. Additionally, if there is a seam between two pieces of wallpaper and they are not properly sealed with caulking.
In that case, any water vapor in the air can escape and cause the wallpaper to become damp and start to disintegrate when painted over.
Another issue with painting over wallpaper is that some wallpapers are made with PVC or vinyl. Which contain plasticizers that can react badly with the paint.
The plasticizers can make the paint brittle and cause it to fail prematurely. Furthermore, some wallpapers have a textured design or pattern, which will show through even after painting.
In addition, any existing stains on the wallpaper before you begin painting will still be visible regardless of how much primer you apply.
This is why it is usually best practice not to paint directly over existing wallpaper and remove it before painting.
However, removing the wallpaper avoids bubbling, uneven coverage, and other aesthetic issues. Also, by removing existing paper guarantees, you won’t introduce potentially hazardous materials. Such as mold spores into your home environment from under old layers of decaying paper products.
When its Okay to Paint Over Wallpaper
Notably, painting over wallpaper can be a great way to update a room’s look without going through the lengthy process of removing it. Furthermore, it is a great way to quickly and easily spruce up a room in your home. However, it’s essential to ensure that the wallpaper surface is suitable for painting.
Another essential factor to consider is what type of paint you’re using. You’ll want to use an oil-based primer specifically designed on walls with vinyl wallpaper for best results.
Also, an oil-based primer will better adhere to wallpaper and paint than a water-based primer, ensuring that your freshly painted walls will last for years.
Regardless of whether you choose an oil-based or water-based paint finish. Always remember never to use a high gloss finish when painting over wallpaper. Finally, apply an acrylic sealer over the entire surface once you have finished painting your walls covered in wallpaper.
This will help protect your new paint from scuffing, bubbling, and fading due to water damage or other factors which could affect its appearance over time. With these simple steps in mind, you can rest assured that your painted walls covered in wallpaper will look beautiful for many years!
Steps to Paint Over Wallpaper
Before painting over wallpaper, it is essential to prepare the wall surface properly. Here are some steps you should take to ensure that you get a smooth finish:
- Start by cleaning the wallpaper with a mild cleanser and warm water. This will remove dirt and oils from the surface, making it easier for the paint to adhere to the wallpaper. After cleaning, allow the wallpaper to dry completely before continuing with your project.
- Once the wall is dry, inspect it for any loose edges or bubbles in the wallpaper. If there are any damaged areas, use a putty knife or other sharp tool to gently scrape away excess material until you have a smooth surface.
- Use an oil-based primer designed explicitly for covering wallpaper before beginning your painting project. This type of primer helps seal out moisture and allows the paint to adhere better to the surface of the wallpaper. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting your wall.
- When you’re ready to start painting, use high-quality acrylic paint or an eggshell or semi-gloss finish depending on your decorating style preferences. In detail, eggshell paints can be used in more subdued settings. In contrast, acrylic paints work best in areas where you want to add drama and dimension, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Apply two coats of your chosen paint color, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat (follow the product instructions). After both coats of paint have been applied. Inspect the walls for missed spots or seams and touch those areas as necessary before adding decorations or accessories to your room space!
Contact Us
We hope we have answered your question about whether you can paint over wallpaper. However, if, in the end, you decide to paint over the wallpaper, you follow the recommendations and take this project like a professional.
However, if you want to avoid dealing with the entire painting project, don’t worry because you count on Mayas Painting to offer complete painting services. We have years of experience in delivering exceptional results!
Get in touch with us to start your painting project. Our team is ready to give you the attention that you deserve.
