How To Paint Over Wallpaper

Learn how to paint over wallpaper and save yourself the misery of removing layer after layer of old wallpaper from your room. With any kind of painting, preparation is the most important part of the process. To get a professional looking paint job on your wall, you must start with a clean, smooth surface on which to paint.

To paint over wallpaper, you will need:

• Paper glue
• Fine emery board
• Primer
• Paint
• Brushes
• Roller with extender pole
• Painting tray
• Plastic sheeting

1. Prepare the wall. Vacuum or dust the wall to be painted. Use caution not to damage any torn edges or loose seams. Use quick drying glue suitable for wall paper to glue down any tears or loose seams in the wall paper. Press firmly to on the glued area. Let the glue dry thoroughly. Cover the floor with plastic sheeting and secure with painters tape. Unscrew all outlet covers and faceplates. Cover the exposed outlets with painters tape. Tape around door, windows, and hardware.
2. Apply the primer.  Use an angled brush to edge the wall at the ceiling line, baseboard line, wall seams, corners, and around windows and doors. Hand painted edging should be two to three inches wide for good coverage. Fill the painting tray until the wallpaper primer reaches the grate on the tray. Install the extender pole on the roller. Roll the roller into the wallpaper primer and run the roller across the grate several time to spread evenly. Start rolling at one end of the wall at the ceiling line in a back and forth motion. When the roller makes a crackling sound, it is time to replenish the paint supply. Apply the first coat, dry completely, apply the second coat.
3. Check for seams. Once both coats of wallpaper primer have dried completely, check for protruding seams. Use a fine emery board with a light touch to gently file off any protruding seams. Wipe the dust away with a damp cloth.
4. Paint the wall. Now you are ready to paint over the wall paper using the same steps you used to prime the wallpapered wall. Apply a coat of paint to the entire surface and let dry. If a second coat is necessary, apply after letting the first coat dry according to the instructions on the label of the paint can. Let dry. Gently remove the tape. Reinstall the outlet covers and switch plates. Remove the tape carefully and dispose of the plastic sheeting.

Tips/Warnings: Your freshly painted wall may make your old outlet covers and switch plates look dingy. Consider upgrading your outlet covers and switch plates. It is very inexpensive and really refreshes the look of the room. To successfully paint over wallpaper, the wallpaper must be in good condition. Wallpaper that is torn, has puckers or veins, hole, peeling areas, or seems that won’t be secured, is not a good candidate for painting.