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Will wallpaper bubble if it is painted?

Always
15%
Most of the time
39%
Some of the time
38%
Never
2%
Not sure
3%
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Question: Will wallpaper bubble if it is painted?
Top Answer (39% of 459 votes): Most of the time.

Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Wallpaper can bubble when painted because paint adds weight and moisture to the paper. If the wallpaper is not properly adhered or has weak seams, the paint can cause it to lift, wrinkle, or bubble. Proper surface preparation or removing the wallpaper entirely is the best way to prevent this issue.
Painting Company Hernandez
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: In our experience, the only wallpaper that will not bubble all over when painted is a type of waterproof/plastic coated wallpaper that was used many years ago in older homes. However, this type of wallpaper does come loose from the wall, requiring maintenance to reglue the lifting areas - a time consuming and continual process. Typically this vinyl wallpaper is fairly easy to remove before painting since scoring the paper will allow steam to penetrate and effect the wallpaper glue. Once painted, this process does not work as well - becoming much messier and also requiring scraping.
Clean Cut Painting, LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Wallpaper will most often bubble when painted because the moisture in the paint can reactivate the wallpaper adhesive or seep between the paper and wall, causing it to lift. This is especially common with older or poorly installed wallpaper. To avoid a ruined finish, it’s best to remove wallpaper entirely before painting.
Vassett Painting and Construction LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: Bubbling: As the adhesive gets wet, the wallpaper can loosen and form unsightly bubbles. * Peeling: Sections or even entire strips of wallpaper can peel away from the wall. * Wrinkling/Tearing: The wallpaper can wrinkle or tear as it absorbs moisture and expands, then shrinks as it dries.
HITTMAN handyman services L.L.C.
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: depends test a small area and see. most of the time its best to remove it if its just a top of wall border strip.
Home Pros
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: yes it can bubble if: Moisture from the Paint Water-based (latex) primers or paints can soak through the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive underneath, causing it to lift and bubble. Poor Adhesion If the wallpaper wasn’t installed well, or has weak spots (like loose seams or corners), paint can make those worse. Heat & Humidity Painting in a humid environment (like a bathroom) or during hot weather can make bubbling more likely.
shakura thompson
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Yes, wallpaper can bubble if it is painted. This happens due to several reasons: Moisture: Paint, especially water-based types, can seep into the wallpaper and reactivate the adhesive, causing it to loosen and form bubbles. Uneven Absorption: Wallpaper and its glue absorb paint unevenly, leading to expansion in some areas while others stay tight, creating air pockets. Existing Damage: If the wallpaper is already peeling or loose, painting over it can exacerbate these issues. Environmental Factors: High humidity or heat can accelerate the bubbling process as trapped moisture beneath the wallpaper expands. To minimize the risk of bubbling, it's advisable to: Remove the wallpaper before painting for the best results. Apply an oil-based primer first to seal the wallpaper and prevent moisture from soaking in. Use light, even coats of paint to minimize excess moisture.
Boost Your Services
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: I have never been dumb enough or careless enough to find out. But as you refer things it could bubble yes.
Clearshield painting
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Wallpaper will bubble if painted over due to several factors related to moisture, adhesion, and the condition of the wallpaper itself. Here’s why this happens: 1. Moisture Weakens Adhesive Most paints, especially water-based ones, contain moisture that can seep into the wallpaper and loosen its adhesive. When the glue softens, the wallpaper can detach from the wall in certain spots, causing bubbles and peeling. 2. Uneven Absorption Wallpaper and its glue absorb paint unevenly, which can lead to expansion in some areas while others stay tight. This creates pockets of air, resulting in bubbling. 3. Existing Looseness or Damage If the wallpaper isn’t perfectly adhered to the wall before painting, any areas that are already peeling or loose will be exaggerated once the paint is applied. The added weight and moisture from the paint can pull the wallpaper away even further. 4. Heat and Humidity Issues Environmental factors like high humidity or heat can accelerate the bubbling process. As the paint dries, trapped moisture beneath the wallpaper can expand, forcing it to lift and form bubbles. How to Prevent Bubbling? • Remove the wallpaper before painting for the best results. • If removal isn’t possible, apply an oil-based primer first to seal the wallpaper and prevent moisture from soaking in. • Use light, even coats of paint to minimize excess moisture.
Beautiful Spaces
ProMatcher
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: I have never painted over wallpaper so I’m not sure of what happens.
KRAOS LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Yes most of the time the wallpaper will bubble up as I mention in my last response air bubble will pop up.
Megga painting
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: It usually does cuz it's getting wet when u paint it
Srp inc.
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: You get paper wet and that can very well happen
S & L Paint Professionals
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Like I explained before it is common for the paper to lift and peel or bubble after painting over it. Wallpaper is not meant to be painted over. You need to remove the wallpaper before painting.
Greg Griffin Painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: A fast drying paint or primer such as parking lot striping paint can overcome bubbling the wallpaper, though I do not recommend this.
Surface Pros Staining and Coating
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: Moisture
Circle city painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: I have had many issues with the wallpaper underneath Paint and I don’t advise it
Number one choice LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: I don't recommend paint over wallpaper you can do that but need to be paint maybe 3 coats or more cots
Home's Quality Paint.
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Unless it’s a most modern wallpaper, the type of adhesive can not be known. A majority are water based and can activate at the seams or where there is a puncture on the surface, even with a oil base primer there’s a chance of some activation ( we would never recommend using a oil base primer in a home that is occupied or planned to be occupied due to fumes and high voc’s).
Fresco Painting and More
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Paint has an ammonia gas that is released when exposed to the air it will find an escape and fill th paint into bubbles which need to be repaired after it's dried and not easy or cost extra
Paint choice llc
Answer: Always
Explanation: wallpaper will Absorb moisture from the fresh paint
soto brothers on demand
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Most of the time when painting over wall paper it ends up bubbling
Brock's handyman
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Wall paper gets old and it will start to bubble or come unglued at some point!
Jackson's Paints & Interiors
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Before painting the entire wall, it's a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area to see how the wallpaper reacts to the paint. This can help you determine if any issues, such as bubbling, are likely to occur.
Best Way Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: Moisture caused the paper to bubble.
Floyd Painting Drywall & Plastering LLC
Answer: Always
Explanation: This is always common due to the paint wetting through and causing air bubbles in the wallpaper
Painters Professionals Perfectionists
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Painting over wallpaper without using an oil based primer first, creates moisture and may cause the wallpaper to separate from the adhesive causing air bubbles.
Giddurdunn LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: Yes...but not if you hire a professional that know his stuff
Skylight painting LLC
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Wallpaper has potential to bubble due to the water content in the paint which Will expand the paper creating the bubble. Often with acrylics these bubbles will not fall back into place (which too, is not so good either). If this happens suggested removal and seise of paint persisits.
Zero G Painting
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: It's not a good idea to paint over there will be complications
Paint choice llc
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Sometimes it won’t effect it if it sealed, but you should beanie to tell right off before painting it if it’s going to peel
RT painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: The wall paper is getting wet, that can make bubble.
Brothers Canelas Painting LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: The amount of moister from the paint alone can make it bubble
Zipnonby painting & home services
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Most of the time you should remove the wallpaper if you can do so without damaging the wall. But there is an exception to every rule. If the wall paper was installed really good and taking it off will likely cause damage then it is probably ok to paint.
New Horizon Construction and Remodeling LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Lots of different products out there but most will bubble when painted over. But there is a few that will not.
Stringers Property Maintenance LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: its very common for bubbles to appear over time when wallpaper's been painted over. There are lots of DIY fixes but really the wallpaper just needs to come down and the walls properly prepped.
Gherkin Custom Cabinets & Remodel
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: It could bubble, therefore I recommend applying an oil base primer first. However there's no guarantee that it wont bubble.
Brian Winget Painting
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Depends on what's under it
Central Mississippi Paint and Finishes
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: We can use a scoring device to limit the possibility of the wallpaper bubbling or lifting but we cannot guarantee it will never happen.
jdspaintingllc
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Paint is made of water so without proper primer I have never been successful at just painting over wallpaper
Planet perfect painting maintenance and repair
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Over time the wall paper glue can age and pull away from the wall.
AJ Garcia Painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: It depends on the condition of the wallpaper before it was painted.
Nice Vibrant Finish
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Yes sometimes you will see bubbles in the wallpaper
T&K Remodelers
Answer: Never
Explanation: If the wallpaper can be painted over, the appropriate primer must be used to prevent this from happening. With proper identification of whether the wallpaper is even a candidate for painting over first, and the proper steps being taken to prime it correctly, there should not ever be a problem with the wallpaper bubbling.
Clark's Painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: You can cut the bubbles out and mud them after they form. If you will prime the wallpaper with oil-based primer it cuts down the chances of bubbling.
Daniel's Quality Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Moister trapped behind can cause it to crack
Jefferson painting
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Wallpaper should not be painted over the one thing you will see the seams you can try primers and stay away from oil-based paints but even if it doesn't bubble of first eventually it will help soften stool glue and the paper and just becomes a mess highly and advisable to paint over wallpaper
efficiency resolutions
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: If the paper bubbles this means that it was not properly affixed and sealed prior to painting. Don't worry, it can be fixed.
Freedom Capital Group Renovation & Repairs
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: It depends on the wall paper's properties, when it was installed, what kid of glue was used and so on. Most people have no idea and if it doesn't bubble it will probably peel or do something unsightly. It's not advisable to paint over wallpaper.
Red Lodge Home & Tree LLC
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Once wallpaper becomes wet it will most likely begin peeling
RPS
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Yes it can be done, the reason why it bubbles is that air is trapped under it. Simply make a hole with a needle that will release the air After the paint dries out you should have no problem Its not a good idea to paint over existing wallpaper Strip the walls first
JM Painting Services LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: wet paint over paper makes it bubble,then paint drys and curls up seams on wallpaper,if the glue under wallpaper has dry spots,here comes the bubbles
Randy Johnson Painting and Drywall
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: If it is older or applied incorrectly, the moisture from the paint will activate the glue in the wallpaper and cause failure.
1-800-PAINT-JOB
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: I've found that it's best to remove the wall paper when possible. It usually gets messy painting and texturing over wall paper, not to mention it often looks bad
Shelton's painting
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Again it is possible but not advisable to paint over wallpaper.
Action Painting and Handyman
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Moisture in the Paint can often loosen wallpaper glue causing bubbles or peeling!!!
Shambaugh Painting
Answer: Always
Explanation: Wallpaper will bubble if it is not primed in oil. Ideally one would remove, however there are times when it's not economical and applying plaster over the wallpaper is a less expensive solution than removing and applying paint.
Down Under Faux
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Yep, if it gets wet.
Misija construction
Answer: Always
Explanation: Yes always come bublesif it is painted
Ben's painters
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Most of the time it will. Remove it to be safe.
Pixley's Painting Pressurewashing Plus
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Once the wallpaper and adhesive get wet or even damp this starts the process in removing it.
Henson Coatings and Construction
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: If the seams are not properly sealed moisture will get under there
Phoenix Empire Painting
Answer: Always
Explanation: paint loosens wall paper glue.
Mandy's Contractors
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: because the paint will make it moist
New Era General Construction
Answer: Always
Explanation: It all depends on how long and how thick
XPRESS MOVING CLEANING AND REPAIR SERVICES
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: It depends on what kind of wallpaper
All-Pro Painting
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Most wallpaper these days is still the old paper style. For sure, once that paper is soaked with a liquid the chances of releasing the glue underneath is greater. Even with vinyl "paper", the chances of the seams peeling is just as great.
Patric's custom painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Yes, over time it does start bubbling, Because if the drywall gets wet it will start damaging the wallpaper.
Certified Painting Professionals
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Depends on how it was put on. If you paint over it...use an oil base primer. But if you use a latex almost 95 percent of the time the bubbles will lay back flat.
popes painting
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Sometimes paint causes the paper to bubble up. Then it must be removed.
BK Design Associates
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: All Depending on what material the wallpaper is, how it was applied and how old it is. Most older (like 80s and older) wallpaper your lucky to get it off at all.lol
S. Williams Painting
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: This is true and expected
Coatings by Chris
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: It will also begin to peel away from the wall as the adhesive ages.
Moonlight Murals & Framing
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: The paint's moisture will cause the wallpaper to bubble
Colorado Concrete
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Mostly show bubbles and boarder lines.
TJT Solutions
ProMatcher
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