Ready to give your walls a fresh look but stuck with old wallpaper? If you’re wondering whether you can just paint over wallpaper, the answer is yes! However, it’s not as simple as grabbing a roller and painting directly over the paper. There’s some prep work involved, but with the right steps, you can achieve a beautiful finish without the mess of removing wallpaper.
Let’s break down when painting over a wallpaper is a good idea and how to do it step by step. PS Painting Services Singapore offers excellent services to assist you in HDB painting, room painting, and wall painting.
When Is It Okay to Paint Over Wallpaper?
Before you start painting over wallpaper, check the condition of the wallpaper first. Before getting into the details, examine the state of your wallpaper. If it’s peeling, overly dirty, or showing signs of mold, you’ll need to remove it completely.
However, if the wallpaper is in reasonably good shape—well adhered, clean, and without much noticeable issues—covering it with paint can be a pretty simple thing to do.
What to avoid painting over:
- Fabric-backed vinyl
- Textured wallpapers
- Peel-and-stick wallpapers
These types of wallpaper are difficult to paint over. Applying paint could make it even harder to remove them later without damaging your walls.
What You’ll Need for Painting Over Wallpaper
Here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need to paint over wallpaper in your home:
Tools:
- Drywall sanding screen
- Drywall sander with pole
- Utility knife
- Paint roller and cover
- Paint tray and liner
- Respirator or face mask
- Screwdriver and cordless drill
- Flashlight
- Lint-free cloths
Materials:
- Fiberglass joint tape
- Drywall compound
- Oil-based primer
- Interior wall paint
- Painter’s tape
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Over Wallpaper
1. Remove Any Loose Wallpaper
The first thing you’ll want to do is remove any loose or peeling wallpaper. Use your utility knife to carefully cut away any sections that are coming off. Don’t worry if it’s just a few small spots—make sure that you remove them without damaging the drywall underneath. Use a flashlight to inspect around the edges of windows, doors, and baseboards to find any hidden loose areas.
2. Apply a Coat of Primer
Next, it’s time to prepare the surface for painting. Applying primer is crucial because it helps the paint stick to the wallpaper and creates an even finish. Start by using a paintbrush to cut in around the edges—like windows, trim, and corners—and then with the help of a roller, cover the larger areas. Apply a generous coat of primer, but avoid over-saturating it. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Seal the Seams and Use a Joint Compound Over it
Now, pay attention to the areas where two strips of the wallpaper are joined together. When paint penetrates these joints it tends to make them crack or curl. Use fiberglass joint tape to the joining portions, and then use a drywall knife to apply a layer of the drywall compound over the tape.
Once the compound dries it is advisable to lightly sand the area to smoothen it. If you have removed wallpaper in some areas, make sure to apply some joint compound and then sand it too.
4. Apply a Second Coat of Primer
After the drywall compound dries up and the surface is well sanded, apply a second coat of the primer. This extra layer will protect the drywall compound and create a better base for the paint. After you have applied the paint primer over the surface, make sure you allow the primer to dry before continuing to the next step.
5. Paint Over Wallpaper
Here comes the most interesting part – the process of painting over the wallpaper. Start by using your paintbrush to carefully paint the edges of the walls (around trim and corners). Next, use a roller to apply the paint to the entire area to ensure even coverage of the paint.
Evenly apply the first coat of paint, then allow it to completely dry. Depending on the wallpaper and the paint you use, you may need two coats of paint for full coverage. If the wallpaper is dark or bold in pattern, two coats will give you a more even, consistent finish.
Final Touches
Let the second coat of paint to dry up before you remove the painter’s tape you used in your work to avoid blurring of the edges. If there are one or two small areas that require retouching, you can easily do it with the help of a brush. And just like that, you’ve successfully painted over wallpaper!
Conclusion
Painting over wallpaper in Singapore is a smart solution for updating your space without the hassle of removal. By following these steps—cleaning, priming, reinforcing seams, and painting—you can achieve a smooth, modern look that lasts. With the right preparation, even the most dated wallpaper can disappear under a sleek new coat of paint. So grab your tools and get started!