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If you can already see the texture of the existing wallpaper through the layer of paint, then the texture could also come through the new layer of wallpaper. If that’s the aesthetic you want, then proceed. But if you want a smoother surface, you should either strip off the existing paint and wallpaper or hang a layer of liner paper before proceeding.

You should always use a primer before painting over wallpaper to help the paint adhere correctly and get a good finish. Not all wallpaper can be painted over, so do a test patch in an inconspicuous area before painting an entire wall. If the primer and paint don’t adhere, you’ll need to remove the wallpaper, prime the wall, and then paint.

We don’t recommend wallpapering over older paper. That’s because creating layers of glue can invite bubbling or excess moisture on the wall’s surface. You should also prime your wall before applying wallpaper and smooth the wall as much as you can, and another layer of wallpaper complicates this process.

It’s best to remove wallpaper rather than paint over it. You should only paint over wallpaper if removing it would damage the wall, the surface is relatively smooth, or there are minimal problem areas—such as slight peeling and lifted seams—that you can fix easily. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it can create more problems if the wallpaper is in poor condition and you don’t properly prep the area for painting. Depending on the state of the wallpaper, color, and textures could show through, and moisture from the paint could loosen the adhesive, causing unsightly bubbling.