Recover the beauty of your walls by painting over damaged or old wallpaper.
Painting over wallpaper is a way to change the appearance of the wall completely without having to go through the messy work of removing the wallpaper first. While painting directly over the wallpaper can save you time, the paper has to be properly prepared first. Loose or peeling wallpaper can cause the paint to peel or prevent adhesion entirely, while missing wallpaper can show through the top coat of paint, creating unintentional lines throughout the painted surface. With proper preparation however, the wallpaper can serve as a stable base for the paint, allowing you to create the look you want in a fraction of the time.
Instructions
1. Clean the wall with a pH-neutral cleanser and a damp sponge. Rinse with water, and pat the surface dry with a piece of cloth. Remove any loose wallpaper and paste down loose edges with wallpaper paste. Mask off the edges of adjoining surfaces to prevent accidental spreading of the paint. Place a dropcloth along the base of the wall to prevent stains from drips as well.
2. Apply a layer of oil-based primer over the wallpaper. Use a paintbrush to apply the primer along the edges, and then switch to a short nap paint roller to cover the rest of the surface. The oil-based primer will not seep through the wallpaper like water-based primer would, loosening the paper in the process. Apply the primer in rows along the surface of the wallpaper, overlapping row ends by about 2 inches to create even coverage.
3. Level the surface of the wall by replacing the loose wallpaper pieces removed with drywall mud. Apply the mud with a putty knife, filling the space left with the wallpaper removal. Use the edge of the knife to level the space with the rest of the wall by scraping it smooth along the edges. Allow the mud to dry completely, and then sand it smooth with medium-grit sandpaper.
4. Wipe away the sanding residue with tack cloth, then apply a second layer of primer to the wall. Allow the primer to dry.
5. Paint two layers of topcoat color onto the primer using the same application process as for the primer coat. Allow the first layer to dry before applying the second. With the oil-based primer protecting the wallpaper, you can use a water-based topcoat if you prefer, but an oil-based top coat will provide the best results. Wait the manufacturer's recommended paint drying time before removing the masking tape and dropcloth to use the wall surface.
Related posts
Before painting white over red, first apply two coats of white primer.Covering an intense, vibrant color with a light color of paint can be a difficult endeavor. Often, even when the finish coat a...
Painted Brick RowhouseIf you have ever driven through older neighborhoods, where the brick homes date back to the early 1900s, you have seen how beautiful painted brick walls can be. Some people c...
A good paint job adds personality to a dull gray concrete wall.Many houses and apartments have concrete walls. Instead of staring at lifeless gray stone, try customizing your concrete walls with p...
Freshly painted baseboards brighten a room.In an older house, wood baseboards often show wear and tear. Applying a coat of paint to the baseboards gives them a fresh new look and brightens the app...
Knowing the basics of painting will make a difference.Painting is one of the most economical and popular ways to improve your home. Painting a room or wall can drastically change the way your enti...
