Should I wallpaper over old wallpaper?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Q: How much does wallpaper installation cost?

• <div><p>The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-hang-wallpaper.htm">cost of wallpaper installation</a> is around <b>$550 per project</b>, or between <b>$200 and $1,500</b>, for most homeowners. Since projects and application areas vary wildly by size, it&rsquo;s usually more helpful to have an estimate per square foot, which is between <b>$1 and $7 per square foot</b>, or an average of <b>$4 per square foot</b>. Project prices can fall above this range, though, especially if you purchase custom wallpaper or a luxury product. The best way to get an estimate for your project is to have a professional inspect your space and provide a quote.</p></div>

Q: Should I wallpaper over old wallpaper?

• <div><p>We don&rsquo;t recommend wallpapering over older paper. That&rsquo;s because creating layers of glue can invite bubbling or excess moisture on the wall&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: How do you layer wallpaper over wallpaper?

• <div><p>To layer wallpaper over wallpaper, inspect your existing wallpaper for problem areas. Damaged wallpaper should not be covered. If it&rsquo;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. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to prime paintable wallpaper before painting?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t need to apply <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quick-primer-interior-painting.htm">paint primer</a> to your wall before hanging paintable wallpaper. Manufacturers design paintable wallpaper so that the paint will adhere effectively, so primer isn&rsquo;t necessary. Plus, even if you opt for a light shade of paint, you won&rsquo;t have to worry about the shade underneath showing through because you are painting on a light, white surface.</p></div>

Q: Do you need to prime before installing peel-and-stick wallpaper?

• <div><p>If you prefer <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/peel-and-stick-vs-traditional-wallpaper.htm">peel-and-stick to traditional wallpaper</a>, you can skip the priming process. Many manufacturers don't require an additional primer if you&rsquo;re installing peel-and-stick wallpaper to painted walls. However, if you&rsquo;re applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to unfinished drywall, you&rsquo;ll need to apply a primer first.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Wallpaper Service pros in Arundel, ME

*The Angi rating for Wallpaper Service companies in Arundel, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Wallpaper Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Wallpaper Service companies in Arundel, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Wallpaper Service needs.

Last update on January 19, 2026

Reviewed in February 2024
If I had to describe Mike's work in one word, I would say 'meticulous'. We hired him to add wainscotting and wallpaper in our powder room. With any project, you have expectations of what the completed job would look like, and I must say he far surpassed my expectations. He did...
Housecraftsman
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Reviewed in September 2022
Work was done on time and on budget. Excellent work and cleanup.
Dugan's Home Improvement
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Reviewed in October 2021
Abe was thorough in explaining process of treatment and in assessing other areas of my home.
AG Pest Services
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Reviewed in May 2018
Jack was very conscientious, meticulous, and professional. Job was done on time and to perfection. Very pleased with workmanship. Would highly recommend Jack for wallpapering.
Paper Works Wallcovering
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Reviewed in March 2015
Repaired water damaged ceilings , walls and woodwork. Removed old wallpaper and painted living , dining ,and bathrooms. Also helped facilitate the repair of some smaller jobs that came up during this period. This included shingles that blew off the roof with the high winds and a leaky pipe. ...
Gary Knowlton Inc
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Reviewed in June 2014
They are good. It was big job. First of all they were in there at the same time that there were carpenters, plumbers and the shower tile fellow. They regularly repaired the mistakes and wall damage made by the other contractors without being asked to do so and they were very accommodating. ...
Professional Painting Pays
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Reviewed in April 2012
The tile shower came out beautiful. The pattern of the tiles flows nicely. There are no awkward spots. Everything functions perfectly. The carpet and wallpaper also look great, and we appreciate the extra effort it took to work with wallpaper that had bubbles and curled edges. (The...
A & D Renovations
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Reviewed in March 2011
From start to finish it was a dream come true. I have heard of many issues with contractors - but we were so pleased with Phil and his team that we will use them again in the near future. We needed to have a tree removed from our front yard that was right up against the house. They arrived...
Hargrove Construction Co
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Reviewed in October 2009
After checking John's references, I hired him to hang 4 rooms with high end, expensive wallpapers. He did an outstanding job for me! He knows his trade inside and out, did an excellent job hanging the papers, was always on time, his pricing was more than fair and he completed each room papered...
Celebrity Interiors
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Reviewed in September 2009
Poor experience overall. After more than three weeks (for work he estimated at less than 2 weeks) we had to ask William to stop work and leave our home. He asked to be paid for the profit he would have earned had he finished the job as originally contracted. His rationalization was that he had...
FIRST RATE PAINT & DESIGN
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Wallpapering questions, answered by experts

The average cost of wallpaper installation is around $550 per project, or between $200 and $1,500, for most homeowners. Since projects and application areas vary wildly by size, it’s usually more helpful to have an estimate per square foot, which is between $1 and $7 per square foot, or an average of $4 per square foot. Project prices can fall above this range, though, especially if you purchase custom wallpaper or a luxury product. The best way to get an estimate for your project is to have a professional inspect your space and provide a quote.

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.

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.

No, you don’t need to apply paint primer to your wall before hanging paintable wallpaper. Manufacturers design paintable wallpaper so that the paint will adhere effectively, so primer isn’t necessary. Plus, even if you opt for a light shade of paint, you won’t have to worry about the shade underneath showing through because you are painting on a light, white surface.

If you prefer peel-and-stick to traditional wallpaper, you can skip the priming process. Many manufacturers don't require an additional primer if you’re installing peel-and-stick wallpaper to painted walls. However, if you’re applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to unfinished drywall, you’ll need to apply a primer first.

The Arundel, ME homeowners’ guide to wallpaper services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Oct 16, 2025Oct 16, 2025
How Much Does Wallpaper Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover wallpaper installation cost. Learn about material, labor, and project factors to estimate your budget and make informed choices for your home.
Amy Freeman
•
May 20, 2025May 20, 2025
Can You Install Wallpaper Over Paneling?
Do you have wood-paneled walls you'd like to conceal? If you're wondering if you can install wallpaper over paneling, the answer is yes. Find out how.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Can You Wallpaper Over Painted Wallpaper? Advice for Your Next Redesign
You can wallpaper over painted wallpaper if the wall is smooth and damage-free so that the newest layer can adhere well to it.
Paige Bennett
•
Apr 16, 2025Apr 16, 2025
Does Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Damage Walls? What You Need to Know
Does peel-and-stick wallpaper damage walls? Ultimately, it depends on application, adhesive strength, and even removal techniques. Find out more in this guide.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 25, 2025Apr 25, 2025
Wallpaper vs. Paint: Which Is Right for You?
Struggling to choose between wallpaper versus paint for your interior space? Learn how these options compare and which is best for your next project.
Amy Freeman
•
May 18, 2025May 18, 2025
Is Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Removable?
Is peel-and-stick wallpaper removable? Find out how to remove temporary wallpaper without causing damage to your walls.