N
Glam Journal

How many times can you paint over wall paper?

Author

Emily Wilson

Updated on April 06, 2026

How many times can you paint over wall paper?

Once you have primed the wall properly, you can use any kind of paint on top. Dark or heavily patterned vinyl wallpaper will need multiple coats of emulsion. Typically, you will need around three coats of emulsion. Make sure that you leave ample amounts of time between each coat.

How do you cover up old wall paper?

If the old wallpaper is embossed or otherwise rough, apply a very thin layer of joint compound over the entire wall and sand it smooth once dry. As far as products go, oil-based primer and paint are ideal, as they won’t loosen the wallpaper adhesive. Matte paint is preferable, as it disguises any minor imperfections.

Is it better to paint over wallpaper or paint over it?

If your wallpaper is in good condition, without peeling areas and holes, try painting over it instead of replacing it, for a fresh new look. If your wallpaper is textured, the texture may be visible even after the wall is painted. To avoid this, it is best to remove the wallpaper from the wall.

Is it OK to remove wallpaper after painting?

If your wallpaper is textured, the texture may be visible even after the wall is painted. To avoid this, it is best to remove the wallpaper from the wall. Water-based paints and primer may reactivate the wallpaper glue resulting in unwanted peeling.

How long does it take to paint over wallpaper?

You’ll likely need two coats, with plenty of drying time in between. This will be especially necessary if the wallpaper has a bold pattern, or if you are applying light-colored paint over dark-colored wallpaper. Painting over wallpaper can be done, and sometimes it should be done rather than removing the wallpaper.

What’s the best way to cover wallpaper before painting?

We’d recommended using Zinsser Wallpaper Cover Up. Cover the seams – Although the paint will normally cover the seams of the wallpaper, it can be good practise to smooth these out to avoid any issues once painting begins.

Is paint better than wall paper?

The verdict is in and it’s undeniable that wallpaper is better than paint. Wallpaper is cheaper in the long-run, durable, easy to clean, and the options are endless. The next time you’re deciding on what to buy, consider the following 5 reasons why wallpaper is better than paint.

What do you need to do to paint over wallpaper?

When painting over wallpaper, go for an oil-based, rather than a water-based, primer/sealer. Apply the primer/sealer to the wall. Use a paint brush or paint roller to add a layer of primer/sealer to your wallpaper. Apply it the same way you would apply paint, and make sure to get into corners, nooks, and crannies.

What is the best primer for painting over wallpaper?

Even though it’s more trouble to use, oil or shellac based primer works best when priming over wallpaper, since it reduces the chance of bleeding through and won’t loosen the glue holding the paper to the wall like a water based primer can. Once the primer has dried, paint over it with two coats of a high quality latex paint.

What kind of paint do you use over wallpaper?

In terms of durable paintcoats, painting over wallpaper is easy. You can paint over it with latex wallpaint, also when the wallpaper is made of vinyl.