If you’re tired of the dated wallpaper in your home, you may be in luck. While you can’t paint over all wallpapers, certain kinds can be painted over. You may want to pursue this project on your own; however, many painters in Overland Park suggest hiring a professional when painting over wallpaper.
At Residential Solutions, we want your home to look its best. So, to help you, we’ve compiled a list of when you should and should not paint over wallpaper.
When Shouldn’t You Paint Over Wallpaper?
Certain wallpapers should not be painted over. Interior house painters in Overland Park suggest not painting over any peeling, cracking, or bubbling wallpaper. These factors make the wall uneven, and the paint might not stick.
You also shouldn’t paint over any textured wallpaper, including fabric-backed vinyl. If your walls are covered with wallpaper that cannot be painted over, you’re not entirely out of luck. Most wallpaper is easy to remove, so you may be able to paint directly onto the wall after the wallpaper is discarded.
When Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
House painters in Overland Park don’t recommend painting over wallpaper, but it is possible. Ideally, you want to paint over smooth wallpaper with no peeling, bumps, or cracks. The key to successfully painting over wallpaper is proper preparation.
What Items Do You Need to Paint Over Wallpaper?
Home painters in Overland Park come equipped with everything needed to paint over wallpaper. However, if you decide to do the job yourself, make sure that you have:
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Bucket of warm water
- TSP
- Cloths
- Putty knife
- Spackle (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Paintbrushes and rollers
- Oil-based primer
- Topcoat paint
How to Properly Paint Over Wallpaper
To correctly paint over wallpaper, it’s essential that you follow the proper steps. Interior painters in Overland Park suggests that you follow the steps listed below.
Clean Your Wallpaper
Take a damp cloth and wipe the dust and dirt off the walls. This will allow your primer to sick. If your walls are greasy, use a diluted TSP solution to clean them.
Repair Any Damages
After your walls have dried, it’s time to repair any damages to the wallpaper. Keep an eye out for peeling edges and seams. Experts suggest using a thin layer of wallpaper seam adhesive to reattach them. This is also where you would smooth out any bubbles and fill any cracks in the wallpaper.
Tape What You Don’t Want to be Painted
Use painter’s tape to protect the items that you don’t want to get paint on. Painters commonly use tape around crown molding, trim, wainscot, and baseboards. For larger objects, such as furniture, use drop cloths for protection.
Prime the Wallpaper
After everything is protected, you are finally ready to begin painting over your wallpaper. No matter what type of topcoat paint you plan on using, it’s essential to prime your walls. Priming makes it easier for the paint to go on smoothly. Primer also helps extend the lifespan of the topcoat.
Paint Your Topcoat
After your primer has completely dried, it’s time to add your topcoat of paint. Experienced painters recommend using two coats of paint, allowing plenty of drying time in between. This is important if your wallpaper has a bold pattern. Or if you are painting a lighter-colored paint over dark wallpaper.
While it is possible to paint over wallpaper yourself, it’s best to call Overland Park professional painters for help. An experienced painter will come equipped to repaint your walls and will get the job finished efficiently.
Are You Looking to Work with Professional Painters in Overland Park?
At Residential Solutions, we strive to be the best interior house painters in Overland Park. We also offer exterior painting, cabinet refurnishing, wood rot, hardwood floor installations, and deck staining services.
If you are considering painting your home, contact us online or at 913-522-9004 to discuss your next project.
