How to Paint Over Wallpaper Like a Professional

Yes, you can paint over wallpaper. Sometimes it is the only solution when you have wallpaper that is really stubbornly stuck to the wall. With some extra care, it can be made to look like any other painted wall and only you will know there is wallpaper underneath.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shellac or oil primer
• Drywall mud
• Drywall tools
• Caulk and caulking gun
• Enough paint for two coats
• Painting tools
• Plastic sheeting

1. Make sure the wallpaper is well adhered to the walls. Remove any loose seams and check for bubbles. If you find areas that have lifted off the wall, cut across it with a razor knife and pull off the loose part. It's OK, even preferable, to leave a torn edge as long as it's tight to the wall.
   
   Remove the switchplates, take nails out and mask off your baseboard. Don't mask the ceiling yet.

2. If you paint the wall without priming it first, there are two possible scenarios. One, it will be absolutely fine. Or two, the water based paint will lift the paper off the wall, loosen seams, bubble up and just generally cause a really big mess.
   
   Why take the chance? By priming it with a fast drying oil or shellac primer, you are ensured a tight bond to the wall and you'll also block any stains that might come through.

3. Prime all the wallpaper. One coat is all you need. Once it's dry, you can see all the seams, gaps and holes that need attention. Wrap the primer and tools securely in a large garbage bag so it's airtight. You will need the primer later for the drywall repairs. Cover everything possible with plastic sheeting because the sanding dust gets everywhere.

4. With a broad drywall knife and pan, sweep a broad, thin coating of drywall mud down each seam. Let this dry and sand it. Chances are you will need to do a second coat to even it out because it shrinks. Once you have the drywall to your satisfaction, caulk along the ceiling line and around trim. Prime over the drywalled areas.
   You have now done the bulk of the prep work and compared to that the painting will be a breeze.

5. I recommend a washable flat or eggshell paint, because the lower sheen will hide wall irregularities. If you are not painting the ceiling and don't have a steady enough hand, tape along the ceiling. Do all your brushwork first, then roll the walls.
   
   Now is your moment of truth: how good do all your repairs look? At this point you can get super picky and go over the walls with a bright light, fixing, sanding and re-priming everything so it looks flawless, unless you did a spot-on perfect job the first time around! Once it all looks good, brush and roll your second coat. Instead of cleaning off the switch plate covers, get new ones. They are very inexpensive.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want textured walls instead of smooth ones, prime and caulk, then do your texture. Remember to adjust for the amount of paint because textured walls will use a little more.
• There are many easy, fun faux finishes that can be applied over your first coat of paint which will also help minimize irregularities.
• A Shopvac or vacuum with crevice tool will be really helpful in getting up all the drywall dust.
• Use lots of ventilation when using solvent based primers.