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It is less costly to paint than wallpaper when you only consider the upfront cost. Wallpaper costs $320 to $820 when applied by a pro, while paint only costs $200 to $700 per room. However, when comparing wallpaper versus paint, consider the long-term as well. Wallpaper can save you money over time since it has a much longer life span than paint.

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.

In most cases, it is not recommended to wallpaper over existing wallpaper, as the success depends on the type of paper already on the wall. While you might be able to cover non-coated wallpaper, you should never apply new wallpaper over a vinyl-coated one, which is more common. Doing so can lead to poor adhesion, resulting in bubbles, imperfections, and peeling. It can also trap moisture, potentially causing hazardous mold growth between the layers.

Even if the existing wallpaper is suitable, experts recommend applying only one new layer. Adding multiple layers (more than two total) can cause significant adhesion problems, leading to warping and bubbling. For the best results, the recommended approach is to remove the old wallpaper and all paste residue before hanging the new paper. If you are unsure about your wallpaper type, consider consulting a professional.

Accent walls have been a popular decor choice over the past two decades, and they don’t seem to be going out of style any time soon. They’re a quick and easy way to change the mood of the room without committing to painting every wall, and many homeowners like the visual interest they add to a room.