How to Paint Wallpapered Walls

Thinking about painting over your old wallpaper? It’s not always the easiest task (bubbles!), but sometimes it’s the best option! But it’s crucial to do it right to avoid peeling, bubbling, or unsightly seams. 

In this guide, we’ll dive into when you should consider painting over wallpaper and the step-by-step process to achieve a beautiful, lasting finish.

When Should You Paint Over Wallpaper?

Alright, so you’re staring at those old, tired walls covered in wallpaper that’s seen better days. Maybe you’ve been putting off doing something about it because you’ve heard that removing wallpaper is a nightmare. 

Trust me, I’ve been there. As someone who’s spent over 25 years in the painting business, I can tell you that painting over wallpaper is definitely an option, but it’s not always a straightforward one. 

There are certain situations where you can just paint over it and others where it’s probably best to bite the bullet and take the wallpaper down.

Let’s talk about one of the most common scenarios: bubbles in the wallpaper. If you’ve got multiple layers of wallpaper, especially older ones, bubbling is common, especially when done by someone who doesn’t know what they were doing. 

These bubbles are usually a sign that the adhesive is failing, and painting over them might just make things worse. 

Imagine putting a fresh coat of paint on top of those bubbles—they’ll just get more noticeable. 

However, if the bubbles are minimal and the wallpaper seems secure, you could try a bit of strategic spackling to smooth things out before painting. 

But in my experience, if you’ve got more bubbles than you can count, it’s worth considering taking down at least the top layer before painting. 

Now, if you’ve got wallpaper that’s already been painted over—whether it’s poorly done or you just can’t stand the color anymore—you’ve got a different challenge on your hands. 

First off, if the previous paint job was sloppy, with visible brush strokes, drips, or uneven coverage, you’ll need to do some serious sanding to smooth things out. 

Once you’ve got a smooth surface, you can paint over it.

If you’re just looking to change the color, the process is a bit easier. 

Just clean the walls and then go ahead with your new color. 

When You Want to Get Rid of Textured Wallpaper

Textured wallpaper, ah yes. This is a tricky one. On the one hand, textured wallpaper can add a lot of character to a room, but when it’s time for a change, it’s not so simple. 

It’s usually easy to tear down textured wallpaper since they’re often peelable. 

But sometimes they can be really hard to tear down so you’ll need to apply a skim coat of joint compound to create a flat surface. This can be a bit labor-intensive, but it’s worth it if you want a smooth, modern look.

You could also hire someone to do the prep work so all you have to do is the painting.

Other Reasons

Sometimes, you just need a quick fix. Maybe you’re renting, and you want to update the space without getting into major renovations. 

Or perhaps the wallpaper is in decent shape, and you simply can’t stand the pattern anymore. 

Painting over wallpaper can be a quick and cost-effective solution in these cases, but again, it all comes down to preparation. 

If the wallpaper is well-adhered, with no bubbling, peeling, or obvious damage, and you’re okay with a bit of texture showing through, go for it. 

Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, what’s the verdict? 

The main benefit of painting over wallpaper is that it’s usually quicker and less messy than stripping the wallpaper entirely. 

You avoid the hassle of dealing with potentially damaged walls underneath, and you can get the job done in a weekend. 

However, the cons can’t be ignored. If the wallpaper is in poor condition, the paint job won’t last long, and you might end up with bubbles all over or visible seams down the line.

So, weigh your options, take a good look at your walls, and decide if painting over the wallpaper is truly the best path for you.

Choosing the Right Paint and Tools

When it comes to the actual paint, choose a high-quality latex paint with a color and a finish that suits your room. 

And remember, quality matters. A cheap paint might save you a few bucks upfront, but you’ll end up needing more coats, which means more work and possibly a less durable finish. 

Invest in a good brand—you won’t regret it.

When it comes to primer it depends on the wallpaper and substrate.

If it’s vinyl or other “plastic” wallpaper you should prime it before applying a topcoat.

If you’ve removed the wallpaper but there’s still a lot of paper residue on the walls, it’s important to prime the entire surface with a special primer, such as PRO-999 Rx-35 Sealer or a stain-blocking acrylic primer, which will minimize the bubbles that usually forms when it gets wet from paint or joint compound.

I always prime the wallpapered walls before I skim-coat them, even if I haven’t removed the top layer of the wallpaper since bubbles usually form.

Tools and Materials Needed for Painting and Spackling Wallpaper

Alright, so you’ve got your paint sorted. Now let’s talk tools. 

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is trying to get by with whatever old brushes and rollers they have lying around. 

But the truth is, using the right tools can make all the difference between a smooth, professional-looking job and a mess that you’ll want to redo in a month.

Here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need to paint over wallpaper (keep in mind that you won’t need all the things listed if your walls are in good condition and only need a couple of coats of paint):

Materials:

1. High-Quality Latex Paint – Choose the appropriate finish (satin, semi-gloss, eggshell, or matte).
2. Stain-Blocking Primer – Before skimcoating.
3. Joint Compound – For smoothing out seams, skimcoating.
4. Sandpaper – Fine grit (120-150) for smoothing surfaces.
5. Paintable Caulk and a Caulking Gun – For filling gaps between trim and in corners etc.

Tools:

1. Roller Covers – 9”-12” width and 3/8-inch Nap
2. Roller Frame – 9”-12” width 
3. 9″ drywall compound roller cover with frame
4. Extension Pole
5. Paint Brushes – A 2.5-inch angled sash brush for cutting in edges and corners.
6. Painter’s and Masking Tape – For protecting trim, ceiling, and other areas from paint.
7. Floor Protection Paper – It will get messy, just roll it up when done.
8. Step Stool – Sturdy and safe for reaching high spots.
9. Putty/Joint Knives – For removing wallpaper and applying spackle or joint compound.
10. Drywall Sander(and paper) – For smoothing large areas.
11. Utility Knife
12. Paint Tray– Or just use the paint bucket if it’s big enough for the roller.
13. Stir Sticks – For mixing paint and primer before use.
14. Skimming Blades – For skim coating
15. Masking Paper – For masking areas where you don’t want paint/joint compound on.
16. Plastic Sheeting – For masking areas where you don’t want paint/joint compound on.

These items will ensure you’re well-equipped to tackle painting and spackling over wallpaper with professional results.

If you have poor lighting consider using an LED light so you’ll see imperfections and that you get an even finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Over Wallpaper

To get that professional finish, you’ve got to approach it methodically. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, from start to finish.

Clear the Room

Before you do anything else, clear the room as much as possible. Move out furniture, decor, and anything else that could get in the way or catch stray splatters of paint. 

If there are larger pieces you can’t move, push them to the center of the room and cover them with plastic sheeting.

Cover the Floor

Protecting your floor is absolutely crucial, especially when dealing with the mess that comes from removing wallpaper and applying joint compound. 

For this job, I recommend using floor protection paper instead of traditional drop cloths. Floor protection paper is a disposable option that will save you a lot of hassle in the clean-up process. 

Roll out the protection paper to cover the entire floor, overlapping the edges slightly to ensure no spots are exposed. Tape the seams together and secure the edges with masking tape, especially near the baseboards. This will keep everything in place even as you move around the room.

When you’re skim-coating, things can get even messier since you’ll be applying the joint compound with a roller, which tends to splatter. 

Once you’re done with the job, you can simply roll up the paper and toss it—no need to deal with washing or storing drop cloths. 

Remove Outlet Covers, Switch Plates, and Other Hardware

Take a few minutes to remove all outlet covers, switch plates, and any other hardware on the walls. This will make your job much easier and give you a cleaner, more professional finish. Place the screws and covers in a container so they don’t get lost. 

If you’ve got wall-mounted fixtures or curtain rods, consider taking those down too, or at least wrapping them in painter’s tape and plastic to keep them clean.

Tear Down the Old Wallpaper (If Necessary)

Now, if your wallpaper is in really bad shape—peeling, torn, or bubbling like crazy—it’s time to decide whether to take it down. 

If you do decide to remove it, start by scoring the paper with a utility knife or wallpaper scoring tool. Then, use a wallpaper remover solution or warm water to loosen the adhesive. 

Scrape off the wallpaper with a putty knife, being careful not to gouge the wall underneath.

You can also use a wallpaper steamer to loosen the wallpaper.

However, if the wallpaper is in decent condition and just needs a refresh, you can skip this step and move on to the prep work for painting over it.

Apply a Suitable Primer

With the wallpaper situation handled, it’s time to prime. 

Applying a stain-blocking primer will minimize the bubbles that usually form. If it’s vinyl wallpaper a regular wallpaper primer will do.

Use a roller for the large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step. 

Skim-Coat the Walls If Needed or Just Spackle the Seams

Once your primer is dry, it’s time to address any texture or seams on the wallpapered walls. 

If the wallpaper has a noticeable texture or if you want to ensure a perfectly smooth surface, you’ll need to apply a skim coat of joint compound. Here’s how to do it efficiently.

Start by using a roller to apply a layer of joint compound across the wall. Using a roller for this step helps you cover large areas quickly and evenly, but it can get a bit messy, so make sure your floor is well-protected with that floor protection paper we talked about earlier. 

Use a 9″ drywall compound roller cover for this task, as it will hold enough compound to spread evenly over the surface.

After rolling on the joint compound, grab a large skimming blade—typically a 12-inch or wider blade works best—and smooth out the compound. 

Hold the skimming blade at a slight angle to the wall and pull it across the surface in long, even strokes. 

This will level out the joint compound and remove any excess, leaving you with a smooth, even surface. Work systematically across the wall, overlapping your strokes to avoid lines or ridges.

For corners, edges, or any tight spots where a large skimming blade won’t fit, switch to joint knives. 

A 6-inch joint knife is great for these areas. Use the joint knife to apply the compound directly into corners or along edges, then smooth it out for a clean finish. 

Don’t worry if the first coat isn’t perfect—the joint compound shrinks slightly as it dries, so you might need a second coat to get everything perfectly smooth.

Allow the skim coat to dry completely, which usually takes a day, depending on the room’s temperature and humidity. 

Once dry, inspect the walls for any imperfections. If you notice any rough patches or areas that need more smoothing, apply a second coat of joint compound and repeat the process with the skimming blade and joint knives.

This method of using a roller to apply the compound and skimming it smooth with a blade gives you a professional-level finish, perfect for painting. 

It’s a bit of extra work, but the end result will be walls that look as smooth as new drywall, ready to take on a fresh coat of paint.

Sand to a Smooth Surface

Once your skim coat (or spackle) is dry, it’s time to sand. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a drywall sander to smooth out the surface. 

This step can get a bit dusty when sanding by hand, so make sure you’re wearing a dust mask and have good ventilation. 

Sanding is crucial for a smooth finish, so be thorough—run your hand over the wall to check for any rough spots, and sand until it feels completely smooth. 

Consider Painting the Ceiling and Trim

Before you jump into painting the walls, take a moment to consider whether your ceiling or trim could use a fresh coat as well. 

It’s easier to paint the ceiling before the walls because you won’t have to worry about dripping paint ruining your freshly painted walls. 

Similarly, painting the trim before the walls can make the whole process smoother, allowing you to tape off the trim and avoid messy edges later.

Apply Two Coats of Paint

Now for the main event—painting the walls! 

Start by cutting in along the edges with your angled brush. Once the edges are done, use a roller to cover the larger areas. 

Apply the paint in a “W” or “M” motion to ensure even coverage. After the first coat is dry, apply a second coat. This will give you a richer color and a more durable finish.

You might need to sand the walls after the first coat of paint, run your hand over the wall to check for any roughness, and gently sand until it feels completely smooth before you apply the final coat of paint.

Clean-Up and Touch-Ups

Once you’re satisfied with the paint job, it’s time to clean up. Remove the painter’s tape and replace the outlet covers, switch plates, and any hardware you removed earlier. 

Finally, do a walk-through to check for any spots that need touching up. Use a small brush to fix any minor imperfections.

Fold the floor protection paper inwards and roll it up, this way you will minimize dust and debris from going everywhere.

Conclusion

And there you have it!

It might seem a bit daunting at first, especially if you’ve got some stripping and skim coating to do first but trust me, you’ve got this. 

It’s all about taking it one step at a time and being patient with the process.

By following the steps we’ve talked about and giving your walls the attention they need, you’ll end up with a fresh, new look that really makes the room pop.