Get matched with top wallpaper pros in Morgantown, MS

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.

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.

Your peel-and-stick wallpaper can fall off for multiple reasons, including high humidity levels, extreme temperature changes, poor installation, and even the wall surface. Textured walls can prevent the adhesive from fully sticking to the wall, making it more likely for the wallpaper to peel off. Low-quality wallpapers with weaker adhesives are also more likely to fall off prematurely.

Textured or patterned vinyl wallpaper designs are the best option for hiding imperfections. Embossed designs or faux finishes like brick, wood, or linen textures are especially effective at camouflaging dents, cracks, or uneven surfaces. Avoid smooth, shiny finishes, as they can highlight flaws rather than conceal them.