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No, you don’t always have to remove old wallpaper before applying a new layer. However, you should pull off the existing wallpaper if it’s cracked, peeling, or in poor condition. We’d also recommend against putting wallpaper over textured or dark-colored wallpaper because the old layer may be visible through the new one. In addition, if you try to hang new wallpaper over vinyl-coated wallpaper, the adhesive might not stick properly. 

If you’re installing new wallpaper and have leftover glue, you can remove unused wallpaper paste from the bucket or pan it’s in by letting it dry. If it’s an oil-based paste, seal it in a plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. Otherwise, toss the leftover wallpaper paste in the trash. Although it’s water-soluble, don’t rinse unused wallpaper paste down the sink because it could dry in the pipes and cause a blockage.

To remove adhesive-backed wallpaper, you’ll need to soften the adhesive before you try peeling the wallpaper off the walls. You may wonder whether peel-and-stick wallpaper damages walls. It can depend on the removal method. Make sure to be patient and consider using a steamer, hair dryer, or adhesive remover to carefully take down adhesive-backed wallpaper.

Painting over wood paneling is an option that can save you money and time. However, if you go this route, the style and texture of the wood you paint over will still be evident. Painting over paneling is an excellent way to modernize an otherwise outdated aesthetic. Instead of removing wood panels, consider painting them a bright color–like white or ivory. This is essentially wainscoting, but without any of the required installation.