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The color of the paint, its opacity, and the depth of the texture on the paper all affect how many coats of paint you need to apply to paintable wallpaper. You'll need at least two coats of paint to ensure even coverage. Don’t be surprised if you need to apply three coats if the embossing is very deep or if you use a dark color.

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.

If you prefer peel-and-stick to traditional wallpaper, you can skip the priming process. Many manufacturers don't require an additional primer if you’re installing peel-and-stick wallpaper to painted walls. However, if you’re applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to unfinished drywall, you’ll need to apply a primer first.

You may end up with extra wallpaper once your project is finished. Hang on to that wallpaper, as you may need to use it to patch up areas that get damaged later on. If you have a lot of excess wallpaper, try getting creative with it. You can use it to line the inside of a cabinet or drawers, for example.