Let’s peel back the layers
Installing wallpaper over existing wallpaper works when your walls are smooth, damage-free, and properly prepped with primer to ensure strong adhesion.
You should inspect the wall for peeling paint, loose seams, or bubbling before adding another layer to prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath.
Repair any damage, clean the walls thoroughly, and lightly sand glossy paint or textured surfaces to create a better surface for adhesion.
Hiring a local wallpaper installation professional takes the guesswork out of prepping your walls and ensures proper adhesion for lasting, beautiful results.
Removing wallpaper can be challenging, which is why many homeowners decide to simply paint over it. But what happens when you want to change up the look with wallpaper once again? Do you have to strip off those original layers, or can you wallpaper over the painted wallpaper? If the latter option sounds like a lot of layers, you’d be right—but you might be able to pull it off if the conditions are right.
You can successfully hang wallpaper over existing paint and wallpaper, but this is true only if those layers provide a surface smooth enough for the newest layer of wallpaper to stick (otherwise, you’ll have poor results). While the best results will come from removing the original wallpaper, it’s understandable that you don’t want to go through the hassle.
However, if you call a wallpaper installer near you, you could hire a pro to do the entire project or at least have them prep the walls for an easier DIY wallpaper application.
Here’s what you should first determine when trying to figure out if you can wallpaper over painted wallpaper.
Wallpaper will always adhere better to a smooth surface, so inspect your wall for damage, such as loose wallpaper seams and any peeling or bubbling paint. If the wall is smooth, you’re in luck. This means the original wallpaper not only adhered well to the wall, but the paint also adhered well to the wallpaper. This bodes well for your ability to add another layer of wallpaper.
It helps to know what type of wallpaper is currently on the wall under the layer of paint. Vinyl-coated wallpaper doesn’t allow for another layer of paper or paint to stick to it well, and textured wallpaper can also prove problematic.
However, If the painted-over wall is looking rather smooth without too many spots of damage, you can assume that it’s non-coated paper or fabric wallpaper, or at least the vinyl coating was sanded off to allow for a layer of paint.
Just as with that initial layer of wallpaper, it’s helpful to know what type of paint is currently on the wall.
Matte or flat paint: These will offer the smoothest surface for the new layer of wallpaper to adhere to. That said, it’s still a good idea to add a primer first.
Oil-based paint: Use a bonding primer first to ensure the wallpaper sticks.
Gloss or semi-gloss: Like vinyl-coated wallpaper, this type of paint has a slick, shiny surface that makes adhesion that much harder. However, a light sanding should do the trick to improve the texture for a better wallpaper application.
No matter what type of paint is on the wall, if it’s chipping, peeling, or in any other state of disintegration, you should smooth and repair any damage before attempting to add another layer.
Just as you would prep a bare wall for paint or wallpaper, you’ll need to prep a covered wall for a new layer of wallpaper.
Inspect the wall for signs of damage—anything from peeling paint or paper to holes in the wall. This is the time to smooth and fill any holes and restick or remove peeling layers. You don’t want any moisture getting trapped between the layers and causing mold to grow.
Note that fixing a spot or two on the wall might not be an issue. But if there are too many spots to repair, it’s easier to scrape off the paint or pull down the wallpaper before attempting to add another layer.
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove surface dirt and dust. Then, mix a commercial wall cleaner or mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water and wipe the walls with a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe again with a clean cloth to remove any residue and let dry.
If there’s a glossy sheen or texture to the paint, sand the wall lightly to remove it so that the wallpaper can stick more easily. It’s a good idea to use a wallpaper primer to ensure proper adhesion.
Measure, cut, and hang the wallpaper according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriorsThe Cisco team did an exceptionally good job of painting (very detailed), and they were professional, courteous, helpful and just pleasant to have in our home for a week. I have already recommended Cisco to some neighbors.
Cisco FinishesI cant stop admiring my newly painted walls. Custom Paint Jobs LLC made my house feel brand new.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWould hire again. Wall looks great. Happy with job.
Central PavingBecky went above and beyond as usual! I met her over 8 years thru Angies list and she has been doing paint and wallpaper for me ever since we met. I am an Interior Designer and she has always taken great care of my clients, my home, and even my dog. She's become part of my family and I always...
The task proved more difficult than anticipated. When they arrived the first day, they had no tools with them at all, and had to make a run to purchase appropriate tools. It was quickly determined that the paper had to be steamed off, and neither the workers, nor the company itself, had...
ABS Interiors of Mid-Ohio LLCWe needed them to do extra work to remove existing wallpaper, and provide full primer and painting/trim work around existing furniture etc, during a move-in period. They did everything top-notch with minimal mess. They were always extremely on time, and very professional. They also cleaned...
WALLS IN OLD VICTORIAN WERE GOUGED AND CRACKED AFTER REMOVAL OF WALLPAPER. VERY CAREFUL WORK. GOOD ATTENTION TO DETAIL. CLEAN-UP WAS A LITTLE MESSY.
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