How to Paint Wallpaper

Painting on the surface of wallpaper is possible in some circumstances. It is sometimes easier to paint over than removing and faster, too. Use your painting skills to freshen up the room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stain blocking primer
• Latex paint
• Drop cloth
• Masking or 2 inch painters blue tape
• Latex gloves
• Sandpaper
• Sponge
• Paint tray
• Screwdriver
• Roller frame with extension and extra rolls
• Paint brushes 2 in. for corners
• Turpentine
• Coffee can
• Rags
• Ladder

Test a Small Area

1. Buy either an oil or alcohol base stain blocking primer at you paint supply store and a ½ inch brush. Get a small can of the latex color you plan to use. In case too much bleeding occurs you won't be stuck with a lot of unusable paint.

2. Look for a small section of wall to test paint. Use a hidden location. A seam area is best to get an idea of how it looks covered with paint. Some wallpaper colors bleed through paint so find out now.

3. Wipe the spot with sponge and water.

4. Place newspaper under the test area.

5. Paint the test spot with a stain blocking primer. Shake then 0pen with a screwdriver. Try one coat on one spot and two coats on another. Remember to clean your brushes. A coffee can is good. Turpentine works best for oil based paint.

6. Give time to dry.

7. Paint the test area with the latex color. Shake the can to mix then after it dries apply another coat if it's not to your liking.

8. Notice if any bleed through occurred in either place. If so, try another coat of the stain blocker and another coat of latex.

Prepare and Paint the Wallpaper

9. Purchase a stain blocking primer. If your wallpaper is a light color and the paint is light use a primer that is tinted. Match the primer close to the paint color. An oil based primer is best for vinyl.

10. Get a good quality latex paint.

11. Sponge wash the walls surface to remove dirt and grime.

12. Look for tears or lifted seams and glue these down. Use white glue then gently press into place. Wipe off excess.

13. Tape along the ceiling where it meets the wall. Mask around windows and over electrical outlets.

14. Place a drop cloth or other protector on the floor for protection.

15. Get your ladder if needed.

16. Look to see if your wallpapers surface is made of paper or vinyl.

17. Lightly sand vinyl wallpaper with fine sandpaper. Use a tack cloth after to remove the particles and sponge wash the walls.

18. Sand borderlines. These are noticeable after painting. Sanding helps somewhat but the lines remain. Tact off the particles and sponge clean before painting.

19. Paint the wallpaper with the primer. Put on latex gloves for painting. Use a brush or roller depending on the job. Stir or shake the primer before painting then pour into paint tray. Open lid with screwdriver. Paint a coat and let it dry. Add a second coat if the wallpaper bled through and let dry.

20. Paint with the latex color of your choice. Shake or stir the can. Pour into a paint tray for the roller. Adjust the extension arm.

21. Finish painting where the wall meets the ceiling and windows with a brush.

22. Clean all painting equipment with water and dry.

23. Remove all tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Always paint in a ventilated room.
• Eye protection and respirator are recommended.
• Avoid painting wallpaper that has foil patterns. If you attempt to do this you must first lightly sand the foil patterns off. This results in an uneven paint job and takes too much time.