Get matched with top wallpaper pros in Hickory Flat, MS

No, you don’t always have to remove old wallpaper before applying a new layer. However, you should pull off the existing wallpaper if it’s cracked, peeling, or in poor condition. We’d also recommend against putting wallpaper over textured or dark-colored wallpaper because the old layer may be visible through the new one. In addition, if you try to hang new wallpaper over vinyl-coated wallpaper, the adhesive might not stick properly. 

While many types of peel-and-stick wallpaper can be used in bathrooms, they may not adhere as well in humid environments as traditional wallpaper. For best results, choose a vinyl or polyester-based wallpaper, as these materials are more durable and water-resistant. Good ventilation is also crucial to reduce humidity from steamy showers. In bathrooms with high moisture and inadequate ventilation, even high-quality peel-and-stick wallpaper is likely to peel over time.

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.

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.