Home Painting

What Kind of Paint Can You Use to Cover Wallpaper?

It is only a matter of time before wallpaper patterns look dated and the newspaper discolors and peels. The ideal solution would be to tear it down, but that’s a challenging job that risks damaging your manicure. The alternative is to paint over wallpaper. However, it is imperative you carefully prepare the surface. Oil-based primer or priming shellac covers the pattern and seals the newspaper against moisture to keep the paper from the glue from loosening underneath fresh paint. You may use either latex or wax paint above the primer or shellac.

Prepare the Wallpaper Surface

Ventilate the work area. Apply wallpaper paste to the underside of peeled-up corners and seams using a foam paintbrush. Smooth the paper back into position to adhere it firmly to the wall.

Examine the entire surface of the wallpaper for bubbles. Cut away bubbled wallpaper working with a utility knife. Adhere the edges with wallpaper paste.

Allow the paste to dry for the moment the manufacturer recommends, then sand seams and edges using a fine-grit seams to make them level with the remainder of the wallpaper surface.

Spackle cut-away sections of newspaper and remaining raised seams with drywall compound and a putty knife.

Sand the vaccine chemical with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it and make it level with the wallpaper surface.

Wipe the wallpaper with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust.

Wash the wallpaper with a degreasing cleaner and damp cloth. Follow the degreaser package directions.

Caulk the wallpaper edges at the floor and ceiling with silicone to create a moisture barrier.

Let the wallpaper dry thoroughly.

Prime the Wallpaper

Apply a thin coat of primer or shellac into the wallpaper’s surface by means of a paintbrush or roller. Work in a small area at one time. Blend overlapping strokes to get an even finish.

Evaluate the primer or shellac coverage after the first coat dries. Apply another coat if the wallpaper pattern reveals through the first coat.

Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.

Paint the Wallpaper

Paint the wallpaper using a roller or paintbrush. Work in small sections of wall. Blend overlapping strokes to get even coverage. Enable the paint to dry.

Apply another coat of paint to your walls. Enable the paint to dry.

Evaluate the paint plan to find out whether you need a third coat.

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