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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. 

Removing wallpaper can be easy if you have a non-coated wallpaper, but most homeowners have vinyl-coated wallpaper, which is more durable but tears very easily during the removal process. This feature makes it challenging and time-consuming to remove most wallpaper. There are tools to speed up the process, like steamers, but, unfortunately, it’s easy to permanently damage your walls when using them. In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional wallpaper remover to get the job done quickly and without damaging your home.

Small amounts of wallpaper can be thrown away in your household trash. If you’re removing a whole home’s worth of wallpaper, you may need to contact a waste removal company, rent a dumpster, or schedule a special pick-up with your municipality’s waste removal service. Wallpaper isn’t recyclable, so no matter which method you choose to dispose of it, make sure it doesn’t get mixed in with the recycling.

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.