Get matched with top wallpaper pros in Crab Orchard, KY

To layer wallpaper over wallpaper, inspect your existing wallpaper for problem areas. Damaged wallpaper should not be covered. If it’s okay to proceed, prep by turning off the electricity and removing any outlet and switch covers. Dust your walls and lightly rinse them to prevent the existing paper from peeling. Apply primer, then apply your new wallpaper.

Hiring a professional wallpaper hanger is usually a worthwhile idea because, while the application of wallpaper itself is easy, getting the finished product to look good is complicated and takes a lot of practice and patience. A professional wallpaper hanger will not only be able to hang your wallpaper seamlessly, but they will also get an even application of wallpaper paste to avoid bubbling and imperfections immediately and over time. Plus, they can provide their professional opinion on whether to remove or wallpaper over an existing layer of wallpaper.

Most experts would not recommend hanging wallpaper over existing wallpaper more than twice. Even if the walls are in good condition and primed well, that third layer of wallpaper could cause problems with adhesion. Unless you like bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper as an interior design choice, it’s better to remove at least one existing layer before adding any more to a wall.

For the most part, peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn't damage walls. However, there may be some cases when damage does occur. For example, if you try to rip the paper off the wall, you may pull away some paint at the same time.

The walls can also be damaged if they aren't prepared properly before you add the wallpaper. For example, if the coat of paint is too fresh when you put the wallpaper on the walls, it can peel away as you remove the paper.