Paint over wallpaper, or remove??

I have a ROOM FULL of wallpaper in the bedroom of my new condo. I would really like to paint the room - do I have to remove the wallpaper??

catcat
  • Posted by: catcat
  • June 13, 2022
  • 1030 views
  • 3 Comments

3 Comments

Gammy June 13, 2022
LOL We once tried to paint over a supposedly well-attached wall paper on a bedroom ceiling with disastrous results. It seems the moisture in the paint was just enough to loosen the wall paper and gravity did the rest.
 
Happygoin June 13, 2022
I’m a retired a painting contractor with over 20 years experience. The danger is that the wallpaper underneath will lift, causing bubbles.

And, as the previous poster says, there so much prep either way, why not do it right.

I’d opt for stripping the wallpaper, sanding the walls, priming and two coats of finish. It’s the right way to do it.

Break the steps into smaller projects if it makes it easier.
 
702551 June 13, 2022
Short answer: it depends.

Longer answer:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21331235/painting-wallpaper

courtesy of This Old House. There's a lot of prep work either way.

Best of luck.
 
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