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Can You Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper?
It depends, so inspect your walls carefully to avoid a sticky situation
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Installing wallpaper over existing wallpaper works when your current paper is non-coated, smooth, and damage-free, so the new layer adheres properly.
Vinyl-coated wallpaper creates a non-porous surface that prevents new adhesive from sticking, so you need to remove it before applying fresh wallpaper.
Dark colors or bold patterns on your existing wallpaper can show through new paper, so test a small sample before covering the entire wall.
Hiring a local wallpaper installation professional ensures proper adhesive use and expert removal if your walls need prep work before fresh paper goes up.
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Wallpaper is back in style, but many outdated designs still need a refresh. To cover the old wallpaper in your home with a new pattern, you need to know about alternatives to the time-consuming, messy removal process. In some cases, wallpaper removal isn’t necessary. But whether or not you can put wallpaper over wallpaper depends on your specific situation. This guide will walk you through instances where you can or cannot take the easier route.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper
Whether or not it's a good idea to put wallpaper over wallpaper depends on several factors. Consider the following before you make a decision.
Coating
Wallpaper comes in multiple types, the main two being non-coated and vinyl-coated. In most cases, you can wallpaper over non-coated products, but the vinyl coating creates a non-porous surface that new wallpaper adhesive won't stick to. Instead, the adhesive may bubble up and ruin your installation.
Angi Tip
If you don’t know whether your wallpaper is vinyl-coated or not, dampen a sponge with warm water and rub it on a small area. If the dampened area darkens, it's likely non-coated.
Condition
Cracked or peeling wallpaper shouldn't be covered, as these are signs of underlying moisture issues, mold, mildew, or other damage. You'll want to remove the existing paper completely to inspect the full surface and remedy problems before a new wall covering is applied.
Texture
Photo: Betsie Van der Meer / Stone / Getty Images
If your existing wallpaper is embossed, embellished, or has any sort of raised texture, said texture will create visible bumps when you apply new wallpaper on top. Remove it before installing new paper to avoid a messy finish.
Color
Even if your existing wallpaper is non-coated and in good shape, a particularly dark color or bold pattern may show through the new wallpaper. You can test this by purchasing and applying a small sample of your desired new wallpaper.
Number of Layers
The more layers are beneath your wallpaper, the less effective its adhesion will be. We don't recommend wallpapering over more than one existing layer. You may have to remove or cut into a small section of your existing wallpaper to see how many layers are underneath.
Should You Hire a Pro to Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper?
Wallpaper installation is fairly straightforward, but layering wallpaper over wallpaper can have some complications. Improper prep can result in wallpaper that doesn't adhere properly, leaving you with a costly, bubbling, peeling mess in some instances.
To guarantee a problem-free project, contact a local wallpaper installation professional. A trained pro will use the correct adhesive and primers for the project and can remove existing wall coverings safely and efficiently if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wallpaper services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Sue B.
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 & exteriors - Jim V.
The 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 Finishes - Mark B.
I cant stop admiring my newly painted walls. Custom Paint Jobs LLC made my house feel brand new.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Kathy W.
Would hire again. Wall looks great. Happy with job.
Central Paving - Locke M.
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 LLC - Alesia B.
We 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...
- William B.
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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