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While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it’s not always ideal. If the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no bubbling or peeling, and isn’t textured, you can try to prime and paint over it. Use an oil-based primer to prevent the adhesive from bleeding through. However, if the paper is damaged or loose, removal is the better long-term solution.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper isn’t the best choice to cover wood paneling. Because paneling has a textured, uneven surface with grooves and peel-and-stick wallpaper has weaker adhesive than traditional wallpaper, you’d need to do a significant amount of prep work to get the wallpaper to lay flat and adhere properly. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works best on painted or primed drywall without a textured finish.

Many types of wallpaper exist, from removable peel-and-stick options to more permanent options that involve pasting. You can also find wallpaper that you can paint over, wallpaper with a texture, and wallpaper made from various materials, such as vinyl. Some types of wallpaper are washable, which can be a great option for kitchens or if your household has small children.

How long peel-and-stick wallpaper lasts depends on a few factors, including the conditions in the room, the quality of the wallpaper, and the wallpaper's application. As a general rule, peel-and-stick wallpaper can last for at least five years, but you may decide to remove it sooner. Under ideal conditions, it can also last for much longer.

Factors that may shorten the lifespan of peel-and-stick wallpaper include high humidity in a room (such as a bathroom), dirty walls, and low-quality paper.