How to Paint Wallpaper to Look Like Copper

Over the years wallpaper can fade, become dull, or get torn and damaged. Tastes also change. If you want to paint your wallpapered walls it's best to remove the wallpaper first, and then to paint. However, sometimes this isn't possible. In old houses removing the first layer of wall paper can damage the wall. If this is the case you can paint over your existing wallpaper using these steps. One technique is to paint your wallpaper to make it look like copper. A bright copper finish is stylish and will add to the look of any décor.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Cordless drill
• Sheetrock mud
• Mud pan
• Mud knife
• Fine grit sanding block
• Painters tape
• Painters tarp
• Metallic copper paint
• Roller
• Tray
• Small paint brush or edger
• Clear coat

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface of the wall. Tear off any peeling wallpaper. Use a hammer to remove any remaining nails or use a cordless drill to remove screws. Tap in any nails, or countersink screws that hold the wall board to the studs. Use a fine grit sanding block to remove any remaining dents or scratches from where screws or nails were removed.

2. Fill a mud pan with sheet rock mud. Use a mud knife to apply a thin layer of mud over every wallpaper seam. Doing this makes it so that when you paint over the wallpaper the seams will not show. Cover all areas where wallpaper is peeling. Fill in all holes or cracks. If your wallpaper is textured you can cover the entire surface of each wall to hide it. Allow the mud 1 to 2 hours to dry completely. Use a sanding block to remove any rough spots in the mud. The surface of the walls will be perfectly smooth and flawless which will make the paint finish smooth and flawless as well.

3. Use painter's tape around the top edges of the wall to protect the ceiling, also tape off moldings and baseboards. Use painter's tape and newspaper to cover larger areas that you want to protect.

4. Lay down a painter's tarp in front of the wall you will be painting first. Fill your paint tray with metallic copper paint. Use a roller to cover the main surface area of the wall. Use a small paint brush, or an edger to fill in the edges and corners of the wall. Move the painters tarp to the next wall, roll the main area, fill in the edges and corners, and repeat until; the room is finished. Allow 1 hour to dry. Apply another coat in the same way for additional coverage and brightness.

5. Apply a clear coat laminate to the wall. Once all paint is dry apply a clear coat with a roller, and edger to protect the finish of the copper paint.

6. Remove all painter's tape before the room fully dries. Rinse off your roller, paint brush, edger, and paint tray for future use. Enjoy the new, stylish look of your room.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time.

• Ventilate while painting.

• Wear a face mask while sanding mud.

References

• Painting over Wall Paper INFO, and TIPS