Painting over old wallpaper

Discussion in 'Interior Design' started by chevy, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. chevy

    chevy New Seed

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    Hello everyone.
    I do not have any experience dealing with wallpaper other than the fact that I have a small half bath decorated with wallpaper. I don't know how old it is but I definitely do not like it. Can I paint over it, or do I have to remove it completely?

    I will take any advice. Thanks!
     
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  3. CritterPainter

    CritterPainter Awed by Nature

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    you can paint over it unless it's solid vinyl (paint may not stick well) but be sure to check for and fill all the nail holes that might be present. You may still see seams, though.
     
  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    If it's a proper bathroom, vinyl wallpaper then I would be tempted to scrape it all off as it's not easy to cover with paint as Mary said. The walls will need a sealing undercoat before putting on a steam/waterproof paint. Any large DIY store will advise on the best types of paint to use for a bathroom so don't worry about having to find it for yourself. :stew1:
     
  5. stratsmom

    stratsmom Flower Fanatic

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    You might want to try a coat of KILZ over the paper first :shrug:
     



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  6. jde

    jde New Seed

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    Yes, can be painted over, as longs as the surface is not too glossy.
     
  7. anilseo

    anilseo New Seed

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    Remove the Wallpaper

    Removing the Wallpaper first would be a good idea, as the paint done after removing the wallpaper will have good hold on the wall.
     
  8. nooysters

    nooysters New Seed

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    Remove the wallpaper

    I would remove it, it could peal down the road. I would try a heat gun and paint scraper.
     
  9. kfer

    kfer New Seed

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    I think you should uncover the old wallpaper and then paint the wall or use new wallpaper of your choice.
     
  10. daisybeans

    daisybeans Hardy Maple

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    My opinion -- taking off old wallpaper is a pain in the neck, but well worth it. The quality of the finished wall will be much nicer and last longer. And you will never have to worry about future peeling or having to repair later on.
     
  11. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

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    I've been painting over old wallpaper for years. If the wall paper has not been applied properly it saves a lot of dry wall restoration.

    If the wall paper appears loose, and has been properly applied it should strip-off easily.

    Best of luck with whatever you decide.
     
  12. raky

    raky New Seed

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    Before painting any thing we should properly remove any wallpaper, chart paper or any old wall color. By doing this the life of paint gets longer and wall looks good. Even if you paint on current wallpaper then the finishing will not be good and the paper will be again visible after few days or month.
     
  13. kuntrygal

    kuntrygal Texas Rose

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    You don't want to go through the process of painting without removing the old paper. It wouldn't be long before it started showing seams and flaws. You want to do a job that you can be proud of! :-o
     
  14. wilsonmian

    wilsonmian Seedling

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    Yes you can paint on the wallpaper.There is variety of paints available that can be prove useful over wallpapers.
     
  15. Pricklypear

    Pricklypear Seedling

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    I wouldn't paint over the wall paper. Take the time to get the wall paper off and then clean the walls, prime and paint.

    Painting over wallpaper is asking for trouble down the road especially in a bathroom.
     
  16. shmily2046

    shmily2046 New Seed

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    You might want to try a coat of KILZ over the paper first good luck
     

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