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Wallpaper in bathrooms can last anywhere from one to 10 years, depending on what type was used, how well it was installed, and the measures in place to reduce moisture and humidity levels. Opting for a more durable variety and taking all the necessary protective measures will get you closer to that longer lifespan.

Painting over wallpaper is an efficient way to cover it if it’s in decent shape. Before painting over wallpaper, make sure the surface is clean and smooth. You may have to remove minor problem areas, such as lifted seams or small peels, with a sheetrock knife or putty knife. Add a latex- or oil-based primer to keep moisture at bay before painting. You’ll likely need two coats of paint to cover the area.

You can wallpaper and paint over certain types of wallpaper, but it’s usually a better idea to remove it first. Removing the wallpaper and prepping the wall before painting is a good way to guarantee a smooth finish that looks professional. If you ever have a moisture or water issue after painting over wallpaper, the paper will bubble and damage your wall. Additionally, you should never paint over wallpaper already peeling or otherwise damaged, as this will leave obvious imperfections in your wall and could lead to additional problems.

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.