Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? What Homeowners Need to Know
Updated: 6 days ago
Painting over wallpaper can seem like a simple way to update a room without the time and cost of removing it first. In some circumstances, it can be done—but that does not always mean it is the best option.
The quality of any paint finish depends on the surface underneath it. If the wallpaper is old, loose or hiding damage, the new paint will not have a reliable foundation.
At Hearth Painting, we look carefully at the condition of a surface before recommending how it should be painted. We want homeowners to understand the options, the possible risks and why proper preparation matters.
Can wallpaper be painted over?
Yes, wallpaper can sometimes be painted over when it is completely secure, dry and in very good condition.
Before considering it, a painter should check that:
The wallpaper is firmly attached across the entire wall.
There are no lifting edges, open seams, bubbles or tears.
There are no signs of mould, staining or previous water damage.
The wallpaper is not heavily textured or unsuitable for painting.
The visible wall surface appears dry and sound.
The wallpaper can be cleaned, repaired and properly sealed.
The difficulty is that the condition of the wall behind the wallpaper cannot be fully assessed without removing it. Even wallpaper that looks secure from the outside may be hiding old repairs, deteriorating adhesive or moisture damage.
What can go wrong when wallpaper is painted?
Wallpaper adds another layer between the wall and the new paint. If the wallpaper, adhesive or surface beneath it is not sound, the new paint may also fail.
The wallpaper may bubble, lift or peel
Moisture from paint can soften or reactivate some wallpaper adhesives. This may cause the paper to bubble, seams to open or edges to lift while the paint is drying—or sometime after the room has been completed. Paint cannot prevent this if the problem begins underneath the wallpaper.
Seams and patterns may remain visible
A new coat of paint will not necessarily hide wallpaper seams. In fact, the joins can sometimes become more noticeable once the wall is painted a single colour, particularly in rooms with strong natural or directional lighting. Raised patterns and textured wallpaper can also remain visible through the finished paint. Additional coats may change the colour, but they will not create the appearance of a smooth plastered wall.
Stains may come through the new paint
Old water marks, adhesive, smoke residue and other stains can sometimes show through a new coat of paint. A specialist sealer may help block staining, but it cannot fix an active moisture problem. If there are signs of water entry, the cause needs to be identified and repaired before painting begins.
Damage can remain hidden
Wallpaper can hide cracks, loose plaster, old repairs, mould and moisture-related damage.
Painting over the wallpaper may make the room look fresher for a time, but it does not repair problems that have not been uncovered and properly addressed.
When should wallpaper be removed?
Removing the wallpaper is generally the more reliable option when:
Its age or installation history is unknown.
Edges or seams are beginning to lift.
There are bubbles, tears or damaged sections.
Several layers of wallpaper may be present.
The paper has a heavy, glossy or textured finish.
There are stains or signs of previous water damage.
The surrounding walls or ceilings show signs of ageing or deterioration.
A smooth and lasting painted finish is expected.
Once the wallpaper has been removed, the painter can see the actual condition of the wall and determine what repairs and preparation are needed.
Why can wallpaper removal take time?
Wallpaper removal is not always as simple as pulling the paper from the wall. The amount of work involved depends on the type of wallpaper, the adhesive used, the number of layers and the condition of the wall beneath it.
Proper removal and preparation may include:
Protecting the floors, trims and nearby surfaces.
Scoring or steaming the wallpaper where suitable.
Removing the decorative surface and backing paper.
Removing the remaining adhesive.
Cleaning the exposed walls and allowing them to dry.
Repairing damaged plaster or previous patches.
Filling, sanding and smoothing the surface.
Sealing porous, stained or unstable areas.
Applying the correct primer and paint system.
Sometimes wallpaper comes away cleanly. In other homes, removing it reveals damaged plaster, old repairs or moisture-related problems. Until the wallpaper begins to come off, it may not be possible to know exactly what is underneath or how much preparation will be required.
What should you ask another painter?
If a painter recommends painting directly over wallpaper, it is reasonable to ask:
How will you check that the wallpaper is properly adhered?
What preparation and sealing products will you use?
Will the seams or texture remain visible?
What will happen if the wallpaper bubbles or lifts?
Is wallpaper or adhesive failure covered by the workmanship warranty?
Will the preparation and any exclusions be clearly included in the written quote?
A lower price can be appealing, but make sure the quote includes proper preparation rather than simply applying new paint over an uncertain surface.
Our approach at Hearth Painting
As professional painters, our preference is almost always to remove wallpaper before painting. This allows us to assess the wall underneath, complete any necessary repairs and give the new paint a sound, properly prepared surface.
Although securely adhered wallpaper can sometimes be painted, we generally recommend removal so the underlying surface can be properly assessed and prepared.
Hearth Painting does not install wallpaper, but we can remove existing wallpaper and prepare the walls for painting. We would rather leave a room untouched than apply a coating we cannot confidently stand behind.
If there are signs of active moisture, leaking or structural deterioration, these issues should first be assessed and repaired by the appropriate qualified professional.
A lasting finish begins beneath the paint
The colour is the part everyone sees, but much of the quality of a painted finish is decided before the first full coat is applied. Although painting over wallpaper may occasionally be suitable, removal will usually provide a more reliable foundation for a smooth, lasting finish.
Planning an Interior Repaint?
If you have wallpaper that needs to be removed or walls requiring additional preparation, we are happy to assess the visible condition of the surfaces and talk you through the options.
Hearth Painting provides careful, professional interior painting throughout Mandurah, Peel and surrounding areas.
