Do I have to remove old wallpaper before applying new wallpaper?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/laying-wallpaper-over-wallpaper.htm">putting wallpaper over</a> 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. </p></div>

Can you just paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

• <div><p>While <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/painting-over-wallpaper-its-possible.htm">it is possible to paint over wallpaper</a>, 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. </p></div>

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Q: Will peel-and-stick wallpaper damage walls?

• <div><p>For the most part, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/does-peel-and-stick-wallpaper-damage-walls.htm">peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn't damage walls</a>. However, there may be some cases when damage does occur. For example, if you try to rip the paper off the wall, you may pull away some paint at the same time.</p><p>The walls can also be damaged if they aren't prepared properly before you add the wallpaper. For example, if the coat of paint is too fresh when you put the wallpaper on the walls, it can peel away as you remove the paper. </p></div>

Q: How many times can you wallpaper over wallpaper?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s better to remove at least one existing layer before adding any more to a wall. </p></div>

Q: Do I have to remove old wallpaper before applying new wallpaper?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t always have to remove old wallpaper before applying a new layer. However, you should pull off the existing wallpaper if it&rsquo;s cracked, peeling, or in poor condition. We&rsquo;d also recommend against <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/laying-wallpaper-over-wallpaper.htm">putting wallpaper over</a> 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. </p></div>

Q: Can you just paint over wallpaper instead of removing it?

• <div><p>While <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/painting-over-wallpaper-its-possible.htm">it is possible to paint over wallpaper</a>, it&rsquo;s not always ideal. If the wallpaper is firmly adhered, has no bubbling or peeling, and isn&rsquo;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. </p></div>

Q: What is the fastest way to remove wallpaper from a wall?

• <div><p>The fastest way to remove wallpaper is usually to spray the paper with a mixture of hot water and either vinegar or dish soap, let it soak in, and then scrape off the wallpaper using a putty knife. Unfortunately, this process can easily damage your walls if you spray too much or scrape too aggressively. Your best bet is to call in a professional wallpaper remover who knows how much to wet the walls and how much pressure to apply when scraping the paper off. They might also use steamers and other tools to speed up the process.</p></div>

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Last update on December 05, 2025

Reviewed in December 2024
He removed the old turn of valve, replaced it, and was very efficient and polite. I would hire him again.
Overbeek Plumbing and Electrical LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Carter was great to work with on our historic home in removing our old knob and tube. He's installed several outlets and new lights along with troubleshooting and educating us on our electrical setup.
Honeycutt Electric
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Reviewed in February 2024
Victor and Austin were excellent. They removed 16 pine trees and cleaned the area up, with perfection. I highly recommend them!!!! I really enjoyed watching them.
Shepherd's Tree Service
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Reviewed in November 2023
Installed a water softener to remove the spots on my dishes. Everything looks clean now now and my hair is very soft now. Highly recommend them very professional and very neat.
Absolute Water Conditioning & Plumbing LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Removed old metal roof and replaced with new. Excellent job. Morris and his crew did great work. On time and would highly recommend them.
Wyatt's construction and roofing
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Reviewed in September 2013
They arrived on time as stated, and performed their job professional and efficiently. I have to say it was probably an easier job since the house was empty, but since we had a lot of molding that was not being painted, it was a time consuming job and they did it brilliantly. They referred us...
Medias Painting Contractor LLC
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Reviewed in November 2009
Mike came to give an estimate for hanging wallpaper in bathroom. After he gave the estimate, there was quite a delay in my having the paper hung because of replacing a bathtub. When I called Mike to let him know that I was ready to proceed with the papering, he responded promptly, arrived...
Mike Wechsler Wallcovering & Painting Contractor
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Master drywall remodeling.

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AJ's Paint and Remodeling Services, LLC

AJ's Paint and Remodeling Services, LLC

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Gray Contracting

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