Painting Over Wallpaper: When Is It Ok To Do It?
Wallpapers have recently made their way into trends, but some of us still have walls that remind us of our grandparents’ homes. Painting over wallpaper may seem like the most convenient way to change up the look of your home, but it is not always the right way to go about it. It is essential to check the quality of the wallpaper before painting over it. Our most important rule of thumb is if the wallpaper will come off easily, it is worth removing it.
The best way to find out if the wallpaper is able to be taken off easily, we suggest testing a small strip of the paper. Try to remove the wallpaper off of the wall. If it comes off easily and in one piece, then it is likely going to come off of the rest of the wall well. The newer the wallpaper is, the more likely it is to come off easily. Older wallpaper is normally pretty stuck on the wall. Sometimes, especially in older homes, wallpaper can be a couple layers thick. If you are able to remove the wallpaper, then you should do so instead of painting over it.
If you find that the wallpaper will be difficult to remove, we suggest painting over it. Although that may not be the easiest task, we have compiled a few tips and tricks to make painting over wallpaper easier.
Use an oil based primer. This will help block out any patterns that may otherwise show through your new coat of paint.
Repair any and all imperfections in the wall before you begin painting. This will allow for a smooth appearance after you are finished painting.
Make sure you are using safety gear, such as covering your eyes, face, and body, to protect yourself from getting paint on yourself. Your safety should be your top priority when completing projects around your home.
Painting over wallpaper can often be a tricky process. It is likely that you will be able to do the task yourself, but you could also invest in a professional painter local to you. Our favorite painter is PaintPositive. Choosing an experienced professional will ensure that your home will be at its fullest potential. Updating your home can be stressful, but getting rid of wallpaper and replacing it with a trendy color instead will be sure to impress all of your guests.
