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Can You Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper?
It depends, so inspect your walls carefully to avoid a sticky situation
Photo: Vostok / Vostok / Getty Images
Photo: Vostok / Vostok / Getty Images
Highlights
Wallpaper requires a porous surface for proper adhesion, so you won’t be able to cover vinyl-coated wallpapers.
You should consider other factors like texture, condition, and color.
Avoid covering multiple wall covering layers with new wallpaper.
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Wallpaper is back in style, but many outdated designs still need a refresh.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.
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