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Will wallpaper bubble if it is painted?

Always
15%
Most of the time
40%
Some of the time
38%
Never
2%
Not sure
3%
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Question: Will wallpaper bubble if it is painted?
Top Answer (40% of 460 votes): Most of the time.

Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: With my many years experience. I've seen damages paint jobs, always, due to not removing the wallpaper.
Alionce handy pros
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: If not sealed/primed wallpaper will bubble up
Scad Painting & Preservation inc
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Yes, wallpaper can bubble if it is painted, and it’s a common problem for several reasons. This could be Moisture from Paint, which Latex or water-based paints introduce moisture that can seep into the wallpaper glue. This softens the adhesive, causing the paper to loosen and bubble up. Another reason is the old or Poor Adhesion: If the wallpaper wasn't applied well originally, painting over it can make weak spots release from the wall. The next option could be the Air Trapped Underneath: Any trapped air or uneven application underneath the wallpaper becomes more pronounced once paint is applied. The last reason could be Heat or Humidity: Environmental conditions like high humidity or direct sunlight can worsen bubbling, especially after painting.
Birth of Aurora Designs LLC
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: It will bubble if it doesn't get primed with an oil-based paint or a shellac to seal the adhesive and stop bubbling.
Clean Cut Renovations
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: There is a very high chance it will.
Jack of trades services
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: Wallpaper can bubble when it is painted due to several reasons: 1. Moisture: When paint is applied to wallpaper, the moisture in the paint can seep through the wallpaper surface and reactivate the adhesive underneath. This can cause the wallpaper to loosen from the wall and form bubbles or blisters as the adhesive expands and creates pockets of air. 2. Poor Adhesion: If the wallpaper was not properly installed or if there are imperfections in the wall surface, such as cracks or uneven areas, the wallpaper may not have good adhesion to the wall. When paint is applied, it can exacerbate these adhesion issues, causing the wallpaper to lift and bubble. 3. Incompatible Materials: Some types of wallpaper may not be suitable for painting, especially if they have a glossy or non-porous surface. Paint may not adhere well to these surfaces, leading to poor adhesion and increased risk of bubbling. 4. Insufficient Drying Time: If the wallpaper was not allowed to fully dry before painting, residual moisture trapped beneath the surface can interact with the paint and adhesive, causing bubbling to occur as the moisture tries to escape. Overall, bubbling can occur when painting over wallpaper due to a combination of moisture, adhesion issues, and incompatible materials. Proper surface preparation and choosing the right type of paint and primer can help minimize the risk of bubbling, but in some cases, removing the wallpaper may be the best solution to achieve a smooth and durable finish.
DJ CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OF NEW YORK, LLC
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: When wall paper gets wet, whether it be water, coffee or paint, it’s going to bubble up and create an even bigger project then it needs to be. Properly scraping wallpaper from the wall will allow you to smoothly do a new paint job.
Busy Hands construction & restoration LLC
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Higher quality wallpaper won't bubble but it's still advisable to remove prior to finish painting.
Cox's Coating's
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: depends one the age of wallpaper
Construction Depot
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: If the wallpaper is installed properly it can be painted over without bubbles. But, paint can sometimes loosen the glue in wallpaper and therefore forcing it to bubble.
Coarcama.com
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: The best thing to keep wallpaper from bubbling is to use the proper primer. Some primers are made to seal wallpaper before painting. They will keep the paint from bubbling the wallpaper.
Hometown Painting LLC
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: It's really varies on the type of wallpaper that you have if the cheaper version of the wallpaper sometimes they do bubble up but it's just best not to paint over wallpaper
Southern Handyman Services & More
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Sometimes if it old enough you might not be able to remove the paper if so you can paint over it but take precautions and mud the seems just in case there might be something loose
Swan Painting
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Some cases you might get lucky where the wall paper is glued on the wall pretty well and has no holes or scratches and the paint doesn’t penatrate.
Drywall trim and paint
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: If it is not primed with an oil based primer it will bubble. I would recommend removing the wallpaper prior to painting.
Pearl Painting
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Never
Explanation: If the wallpaper is glued tight an it's not peeling or coming a loose from wall it's can be painted if prepp properly
Baity Painting
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: it will if you use any kind of latex paint as a primer first
MIRACLE MAN PAINTING
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: Its possible that it can bubble but I would say its very rare if it is properly prepped with the correct primer/sealer.
Paint Works of Texas
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: Will not suggest
RJB Painting & Handyman Service
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: It’s not a guarantee it will but your taking a risk by applying paint over wallpaper.
Laurie’s Painting
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: yes most of the time
Property Repair Service & Inspections
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: dont paint over wall paper your just going to waste money
Dee Cee's exterior cleaning
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Always
Explanation: If the wallpaper is damaged or old it will cause a delay in project and time wasted.
XPRESS Moving and Cleaning Services
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Most of the time
Explanation: It's a gamble when you paint over wall paper. Somthing we don't do.
Bogue Art Studios
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
ProMatcher
Answer: Some of the time
Explanation: If it's primed with a water based product, it will realease the glue.
Scott's Painting
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
ProMatcher
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