House Painting  Promote Your Business
House Painting
ProMatch
Directory
Cost Report
 

Is it advisable to paint over wallpaper?

Yes, go ahead and paint over it
9%
No, remove the wallpaper first.
86%
Not sure
3%
Get Free Quotes Today!
Question: Is it advisable to paint over wallpaper?
Top Answer (86% of 521 votes): No, remove the wallpaper first..

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: you can but you want to test a small area behind furniture etc and see what happens. clean it, lightly scuff it, wipe clean and prime 1-2 coats let dry apply paint use a specialized made to go over things like that and is anti scuff for the primer and paint. If it doesn't start to separate or bubble, curl after a few days you're good. always consult with your local paint supplier for more recommendations are. New products and processes are coming out all the time. This process has worked many times in the past for me but every job is different. I have just removed it all and textured the walls as needed and then prime then paint.
Home Pros
Answer: Yes, go ahead and paint over it
Explanation: Yes, you can paint over wallpaper, but it requires some prep work to do it properly. yes if: The wallpaper is well-adhered with no peeling or bubbling. It’s not heavily textured (like fabric or grasscloth). NO if: seams showing through paint Moisture or steam (e.g., bathrooms) — can cause wallpaper to peel over time Wallpaper adhesive bleeding through paint If the wallpaper is in bad condition or in a damp area, removing it is usually the better long-term solution.
shakura thompson
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Paint may not adhere well to wallpaper, especially if it has a glossy, vinyl, or textured finish. Over time, the paint can peel, crack, or bubble—especially in humid or high-traffic areas. Seams and Texture Will Show. The seams of the wallpaper and any patterns or textures will likely show through the paint, creating an uneven, unprofessional finish. Even multiple coats of paint usually can’t fully hide these imperfections. Wallpaper traps moisture underneath. When painted over, this trapped moisture can lead to mold, mildew, or wall damage over time—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or poorly ventilated spaces.
Birth of Aurora Designs LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: The paint will just peel off...
Mumme Construction
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It would be so terrible to paint over. It would look so bad and the company would be stealing g money from the client. End result no good lazy contractor and upset client
Clearshield painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Painting over wallpaper might seem like a quick and easy solution, but it often leads to long-term issues. Here’s why it’s not a good idea: 1. Adhesion Problems – Wallpaper isn’t designed to hold paint, so the paint may not adhere properly. This can lead to bubbling, peeling, or an uneven finish. 2. Visible Seams and Texture – The seams of the wallpaper will likely show through the paint, and any texture or pattern may still be visible, making the final result look unpolished. 3. Moisture Damage – Paint can loosen the wallpaper adhesive, especially if water-based paint is used. This can cause the wallpaper to peel, creating an even bigger mess. 4. Difficult Future Removal – If you paint over wallpaper and later decide to remove it, the paint can make it much harder to strip the wallpaper without damaging the drywall underneath. 5. Trapped Damage – If the wallpaper is already old, loose, or damaged, painting over it won’t fix the underlying issues. It may actually make imperfections more noticeable. What to Do Instead? The best approach is to remove the wallpaper completely before painting. This ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish. If removal isn’t an option, applying an oil-based primer over the wallpaper before painting can help reduce some of the risks. However, removal is always the best choice for a professional-looking result.
Beautiful Spaces
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Moisture from paint may cause wall paper to bubble up and lead to more problems down the line.
Quality Coat Painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Paints can adhere to almost all surfaces. Wallpaper peels over time so any paint over it would eventually peel and crack as well.
KRAOS LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Usually old wallpaper "bubbles" and comes loose in spots. When adding moisture the wallpaper can bubble or deteriorate even more. One way is to prime sealer over the top. Remove & Refinish Wall Surface: I advise to have wallpaper steamed off, then scrape walls, patch and fill as needed. Maybe ReTexture. Then add finish paint.
1st Choice Services
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: I would advise to remove the wallpaper before painting mainly because wallpaper isn't really meant to be painted over and seams can be seen even if painted over. But if you're looking for a cost friendly solution you can paint over it using a bonding primer to be safe. The bonding primer will help the finish paint stick to the wallpaper, I'd suggest oil based bonding primer as well.
Keith's Color's Painting LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You can paint over wallpaper but I wouldn’t advise it because wallpapers tends to peel sometimes or bubble up so it will come out bad. So I advise not and it will look way better once you take off the wallpaper first and repair the walls and then paint.
Megga painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Even the best of pros with the best of paint will be unable to completely cover the seams and texture of the wallpaper, often leading to unsatisfactory results and dissatisfied customers.
McConnal Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: We always take down wallpaper then use guards to seal it. Then skim coat. And paint
Aplus reglazing llc
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: most cases its ok if vynal wallpaper, but if its mde of other material it will cuse problems even if prepped correctly. like air bubbles ,seams coming loose after time passes
Brocks Painting inc
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It is always recommended to remove the wallpaper first because when you paint over wallpaper it tends to bubble and peel off
Carolina home painter
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Always remove the wallpaper before u start painting because it won't look as good if u just painted over the wallpaper
Srp inc.
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Its always better to remove it.
Jack of trades services
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wallpaper will eventually start to peel away from the wall so it is best to remove it and any glue left behind then use a high quality primer and paint for best results
S & L Paint Professionals
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It is not advisable to paint over wallpaper. Wall paper is not meant to be painted. It will cause the wall paper to lift peel, also you will see the whole outline of the paper and the seams. Wall paper needs to be removed with an etching tool and a solution to help loosen the glue. After wall paper is removed you need to prime over it and retexture it. It's normal to damage the Sheetrock from removing the wall paper so texturing is the best way to fix the surface.
Greg Griffin Painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: We do not remove wallpaper but we recommend it already be removed before we paint.
Surface Pros Staining and Coating
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: If the wallpaper isn't removed, you will possibly see the seam.
She Paints Cabinets LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: The paint will not adhere to the wall and can cause bubbling in the paper
Ridgway Construction LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It will pill
Circle city painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It can be done but I would advise to take the wallpaper off tears and chips will be visible
Number one choice LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: When painting a surface you need a clean wall. Wallpaper when painted peels and falls off the wall.
Southern Tek Handyman
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: We normally recommend to have a professional look at the wall paper. On certain circumstances it is advisable to leave the existing wall paper on depending on time frame it was installed. If you are going to be adding texture to the wall that might be a different process.
Texas New Mobile Homes "Better Homes Better deals"
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: There are ways to do it without removing it but if you decide to paint over it you may have problems.Better to remove it or glidwall it.
Nky Paint
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It's will bubble up the paint cannot adhere ti the wallpaper correctly it will cause many issues down the road for t both painters and customers
Paint choice llc
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: To get a quality job you must remove paper saying and prep the walls for quality work
I do it RIGHT 100LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: In some cases the painted wallpaper in time will lift up in places
Fresh Start Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: If it all possible remove the wallpaper, I know sometimes it can’t be removed. Then you have to do a whole lot of sheet rock putty. But if you just paint over it, there’s a possibility the paper can come loose from wall and curl up on edges.
Kens Painting Service
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: peel.
Handy Man Services
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: removing wallpaper before you paint will give a more long lasting result compare to leaving it on
soto brothers on demand
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: For proper bonding and adhesion ots advised to completely remove wallpaper and prime surface and sand before final coats
Cox's Coating's
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: I personally would recommend to remove wall paper before painting.
Brock's handyman
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: If you can remove the wallpaper first it will save on time and money in the future!
Jackson's Paints & Interiors
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wall paper will almost always bubble up when painted if not at the moment you are painting over it within a short time it will and then you will have to peel it off and ended up waisting time and money
Epic ceilings and painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: This is common knowledge to anyone who has done this in the past.
Construction Depot
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It's better to remove the wallcovering and apply the paint on the wall surface instead of on top of wallpaper or vinyl
Floyd Painting Drywall & Plastering LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You can paint over wallpaper but it must be prepared correctly first to hide any flaws and keep any air bubbles from forming. But taking the extra time to remove wallpaper prior to painting will always be the better option.
Giddurdunn LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Painting over wallpaper can be done but it's almost always best to remove the wallpaper first. The seams in the wallpaper can show through and add lines to your painting job plus not give it as durable of a painting foundation and will usually lead to paint chipping much easier and quicker. You should rarely paint over wallpaper and should remove instead for best quality.
Coarcama.com
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You have to remove all wallpaper before Painting cause the wet paint will bubble the wallpaper
JSD Drywall & Paint
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: The paint may adhere to the wallpaper for a short time but eventually it will start to peel off from under the paint.
Happy Handyman LLC
Answer: Yes, go ahead and paint over it
Explanation: Often times unless the wallpaper is falling off in sheets or potentially 75% or more will come off due to age and degradation. It is unnecessary to remove wallpaper to be painted.
Zero G Painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wallpaper is put on with a water base glue. Therefore if you paint it with a water base paint then it will bubble and possibly come off after painting. I do however remove wallpaper as well.
Seltenright Solutions
ProMatcher
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Depends on circumstances and wall size
Koast painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You should 100% remove wallpaper before painting. Painting wallpaper may seem okay at first, but it can create a headache in the future. This will help ensure that the paint bonds in a durable manner and provides a smooth visual appeal!
P&P Painting LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wall papers seams may bubble and peel. Not always but have to be on look out for it cause it may happen
RT painting
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: We have to remove the wallpaper to make a look paint professional.
Brothers Canelas Painting LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It is always recommended to remove wallpaper before painting to get the best quality.
Veteran Paint Squad
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wallpaper should be removed for proper adhesion and uniform finish.
chris mcgoldrick painting
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: If you tried to paint over wallpaper their design on it will bleed through the paint it's a lot easier just go ahead and remove the wallpaper and do it the right way
Southern Handyman Services & More
Answer: Yes, go ahead and paint over it
Explanation: While painting over wallpaper is possible, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should make sure the wallpaper is still stuck down to the wall. Any edges where the paper has come up can continue to peel after the paint is applied. My grandfather was a professional painter. He painted over some wallpaper in the home he bought 50 years ago. To this day you would never know that there is wallpaper under the paint on his walls.
Hometown Painting LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Because as the wallpaper becomes saturated it begins to peel away and therefore your paint would peel with it
New Horizon Construction and Remodeling LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: No ...we always remove wallpaper ,skim coat and texture before repaint .in certain cases we will drywall over the top and start with new sheetrock to achieve optimal finish .
All walls custom paint and coatings
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: No we need to remove the wall paper first
Rdu Painting Services LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It will peal and bubble
K&M Enterprise
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Best to remove. BUT! New products out there today that allow's us to seal it, skim coat the seams, prime and paint. We do this a lot and we remove it a lot, but never any call backs.
Stringers Property Maintenance LLC
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: We believe paint is best applied on a properly primed and prepped substrate that is permanently installed without the use of glues or adhesives. Since wallpaper is adhered using a glue, we advise completely removing wall coverings and glue, then putting down a layer of bonding primer before applying 2 coats of paint. This ensures a long-lasting and durable wall that will enhance the look of any room.
Applied Right Painting and Restoration
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wallpaper sometimes peels when moisture is applied, better to remove clean glue and patch to start fresh
Peoples Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Remove Wallpaper, Skim areas needed with mud.Sand prime and paint.
Purdy Painting Inc
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: The wallpaper will bubble up the paint is applied to it if you roll it on to the paper it my come off onto your roller and mess up the wall that your trying to paint
Swan Painting
Answer: Yes, go ahead and paint over it
Explanation: Wallpaper can be painted over, but first an oil based primer should be applied. This step will "lock" the wallpaper to the drywall and seal out any glue or stains that may try to bleed thru traditional latex wall paint.
Brian Winget Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: Wallpaper can be painted over if certain precautions and prep is done first. Safer to remove wallpaper, prime then paint.
1800propainter
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: We can paint over wallpaper but we cannot give a warranty for the work as the wallpaper can bubble or lift over time with the temperature and moisture variances that naturally occur inside your house
jdspaintingllc
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You dont paint over wall paper there can be minor holes or scratches that can’t be seen and the paint will penatrate quickly and create bubbles behind the wall paper.. My advise is remove the wallpaper prior to painting.
Drywall trim and paint
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: All wallpaper has to be removed You can not paint over wallpaper.
BALTIMORECOATING@GMAIL.COM
Answer: Yes, go ahead and paint over it
Explanation: Best option for painting a wall that has wallpaper is to first remove any wallpaper from the surface. However, wallpaper can be hard to remove and painting over the wallpaper may be the better option under these circumstances. If you decide to paint over wallpaper, clean the wallpaper first, apply joint compound over the seams in a thin layer, sand, and then apply primer and sealer. You'll then be able to paint over the wallpaper with paint of your choice.
Five Star Painting of Edison
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: No
Empire Painting Service
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You want a clean look. Wall paper will bubble and peel.
Grand View Painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: You should always remove wallpaper before painting because the paint will not adhere to the wallpaper.
Smacks Contracting Services LLC
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It really depends on how old the wallpaper is and what condition is it in... i.e. Is it peeling & bubbling?
Nice Vibrant Finish
ProMatcher
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: never paint over it will bubble eventualy
Affordable painting Graphics west painting
Answer: No, remove the wallpaper first.
Explanation: It can be done it doesn't look to great if possible remove the wallpaper first
T&K Remodelers
Answer: Yes, go ahead and paint over it
Explanation: This is not a "one size fits all" answer. If the wallpaper is in good shape, no places where it is trying to tear or come loose, and it's just a color or design you don't like, with proper wall prep and priming the surface with the correct primer, it can be painted. If however, the wallpaper is less than pristine, it is best to remove it and fix any imperfections in the wall before priming and painting the wall. Each room needs to be evaluated carefully before deciding whether you need to remove or whether it can be painted over.
Clark's Painting
ProMatcher
Get Free Quotes Today!
Find Local Pros
Free Interior House Painting or Staining Cost Estimates

Related Questions

Is it customary to tip a professional painting service?Top answer: No

How many square feet can one gallon of paint typically cover? (one coat)Top answer: 300-400 square feet

Do painters who paint homes also paint commercial properties?Top answer: Some of the time

Do painters who paint home interiors also paint home exteriors?Top answer: Most of the time

Wallpaper seams will show through if they are painted without first applying a joint compound.Top answer: True



Free Cost Estimates   |   House Painters Directory   |   House Painting Cost Report   |   Free Business Listing



All users of ProMatcher.com are subject to our terms of use.

Home   |   Articles & Videos   |   Affiliates   |   Networking Groups   |   Search by Category

Terms of Use   |   Privacy   |   Partner Network   |   Your Privacy Choices   |   About Us   |   Contact Us   |   Member Login

©2003-2025 - VentureStreet, LLC

Join Our Business Network