Get matched with top wallpaper removers in Frederick, OK

In most cases, you cannot wallpaper over existing wallpaper. It’s possible to wallpaper over non-coated wallpaper, but vinyl-coated wallpaper is much more prevalent in homes, so you generally shouldn’t put new wallpaper over existing wallpaper. Adding a layer of wallpaper over vinyl-coated paper will lead to poor adhesion, leaving behind bubbles and imperfections in your wall. Plus, wallpapering over vinyl-coated wallpaper can lead to mold growth, which can be hazardous to your health. It’s usually best to hire a local wallpaper removal service to handle the task to avoid these issues.

Removing a wallpaper border requires the same process to remove full walls of wallpaper. Clear the area, spray down the surface with your hot water and vinegar solution or store-bought spray, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then scrape it off with a putty knife. Sometimes, border wallpaper lifts easier than larger sheets, so you can just peel it right off the wall by hand.

Most experts would not recommend hanging wallpaper over existing wallpaper more than twice. Even if the walls are in good condition and primed well, that third layer of wallpaper could cause problems with adhesion. Unless you like bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper as an interior design choice, it’s better to remove at least one existing layer before adding any more to a wall.

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.