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It is possible to remove wallpaper yourself, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a professional. Some types of wallpaper can prove to be a real challenge to remove, and the process is labor intensive regardless, so most homeowners prefer to save themselves time and frustration by hiring a pro. Professional wallpaper companies have special tools like steamers and the experience to use them effectively without damaging the drywall behind it, which can get damaged if it gets too wet. Hiring a pro gets the job done quickly and minimizes the wall prep you’ll need to do afterward.

It’s best to remove wallpaper rather than paint over it. You should only paint over wallpaper if removing it would damage the wall, the surface is relatively smooth, or there are minimal problem areas—such as slight peeling and lifted seams—that you can fix easily. Painting over wallpaper can save time, but it can create more problems if the wallpaper is in poor condition and you don’t properly prep the area for painting. Depending on the state of the wallpaper, color, and textures could show through, and moisture from the paint could loosen the adhesive, causing unsightly bubbling.

While it is possible to paint over wallpaper, it’s not always ideal. If the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no bubbling or peeling, and isn’t textured, you can try to prime and paint over it. Use an oil-based primer to prevent the adhesive from bleeding through. However, if the paper is damaged or loose, removal is the better long-term solution.