Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? Here's What Experts Say

Removing wallpaper is a big job—and often one best left to the professionals—which is why it can be tempting to cover dated prints or not-your-style colors with a coat of fresh paint.

But while a high-quality paint may cover wallpaper in the short term, it also exposes you to a list of potential issues, including visible imperfections, highlighted paper seams, and peeling.

Despite these challenges, you may still be considering painting over wallpaper. To help you with this project, we spoke to experts who shared their thoughts on whether or not you can paint over wallpaper. Here's what they said.

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?

Yes, you can paint over wallpaper, but it requires the right tools, prep, and attention to detail. "It makes sense to paint over old wallpaper if the removal costs are too expensive, or if removing it would damage the condition of the walls," says Terry Koubele, owner of Five Star Painting of Federal Way and Tacoma.

That said, there are some limitations. "The concern with existing wallpaper is, does it have good adhesion to the wall?" says Mike Mundwiller, senior manager of end user product experience at Benjamin Moore. "During the drying and curing phases of latex paint, surface tension is created, and this surface tension could pull off the wallpaper that you once thought had good adhesion."

Even in homes where the old paper is properly secured, painting over it won't always give you the type of polished finish you're looking for. "Even the most premium paints will not hide wallpaper seams," says Mundwiller. While hiring a professional is your best bet, painting over wallpaper is possible in certain circumstances.

When Not to Paint Over Wallpaper

Certain papers are easier to paint over than others. "If the wallpaper is already damaged or if there is a unique texture to the wallpaper, painting over it will not fix those issues since it will show up when you paint," says Koubele. "In this case, you are better off just removing it."

Wallpapers with heavy texture, a high-gloss finish, or a dramatic print will also be difficult to cover. "High-sheen wallpaper and heavy texture wallpaper especially will not work due to the paint not being able to adequately cover seams and texture," says Mundwiller.

When to Paint Over Wallpaper

Smooth, high-quality wallpaper is more likely to hold paint. If you want to paint over wallpaper, you should ensure it is in good condition with no peeling, bubbling, or significant damage, says Koubele.

What Paint to Use Over Wallpaper

Painting over wallpaper requires an oil-based primer and a topcoat. "Your first coat must be oil-based," says Koubele. "If you use something that’s latex or water-based, you’ll re-activate the glue, which would loosen up the wallpaper. Oil-based primer seals in any old glue from the paper and prevents any paint failure from occurring down the road." If you want to cover a wallpaper that's a dark color or has a bold print, Koubele recommends a gray-tinted primer.

Your topcoat can be oil-based or latex, but it shouldn't be too glossy. "Avoiding high-sheen finishes like satin or gloss will help minimize the appearance of imperfections," says Koubele. Lighter or neutral paint colors are generally more forgiving, as they are less likely to highlight flaws or textures in the wallpaper. Darker shades can work but may need more coats for even coverage, and it’s important to use proper preparation and priming to achieve the best results."

How to Paint Over Wallpaper

Painting over wallpaper can bring out the best in your room. But since it will highlight every flaw in your wall, proper preparation is critical for achieving an end result you're happy with.

Repair Loose Seams

Check the wallpaper seams for any edges that are loosening, then secure them. "Paint and primer that finds its way underneath loose ends can make the edges look even worse," says Koubele. "Any loose ends will need to be either glued down or the seam mudded, sanded, and textured if necessary. Visible seams should really be skim coated and sanded prior to priming so that they are totally hidden."

Clean and Dust

Remove any dirt or dust from the wallpaper to give your paint the best chance of adhering to the paper. "Use a cloth or duster to clean the surfaces," says Koubele. "Do not use water, though—that can mess with the glue, which would ruin the wallpaper."

Protect Your Space

Use painter's tape to define the area you're painting and protect ceilings, baseboards, and trim. "Tape is essential for creating clean lines and protecting trim and other surfaces from paint drips," says Mundwiller. He also recommends laying down plastic or reusable drop cloths. "Having a drop cloth makes it easy and efficient to protect your floors and furniture against spills and drips," he says.

Gather Your Tools

Along with the painting tools you need for most other projects—including microfiber rollers, a roller cage frame, and an angled brush—you should collect supplies specific to working with an oil-based primer. "Use a brush designed for oils, which will be bristlier to grab the paint," says Koubele. "Use paint thinner or mineral spirits to clean your brushes, then air dry and don’t use them for anything but oil paints in the future."

Paint the Wall

Once the oil-based primer is completely dry, you can add your latex paint. The technique for painting over wallpaper is similar to painting over a bare wall. "Start at the ceiling with an angled brush, then roll the rest of the wall, working in a 'W' shape, then crisscrossing to cover the entire wall," says Koubele. "If you brush up and down, you’ll leave new lines as paint builds up on the roller."