Tips for Painting Over Wallpaper: What You Need to Know
Home Owners’ Guides On Wall Painting
Tips for Painting Over Wallpaper: What You Need to Know
Wallpaper might’ve been the style trend of a past decade, but if you’ve just moved into a home in Edmonton—or you’re giving your current space a refresh—you might be wondering: Do I need to strip this all off, or can I paint right over it? The good news: Yes, you can paint over wallpaper. But there’s a right way to do it if you want long-lasting, professional-looking results.
Here’s what Edmonton homeowners need to know before reaching for that paint roller.
1. Know When It’s OK to Paint Over Wallpaper
Not all wallpaper is a candidate for painting. You’ll want to paint over it only if:
The wallpaper is securely adhered to the wall (no bubbles, peeling, or curling edges).
There’s no evidence of mold, mildew, or water damage underneath.
It’s a smooth or lightly textured wallpaper—not deeply embossed or fabric-backed.
If it’s loose, damaged, or bubbling, stripping it is usually the better (and safer) route. In Edmonton’s drier winters, lifting wallpaper can worsen quickly.
2. Test for Adhesion and Strength
Before you begin, do a quick adhesion test. Run your hand along the wallpaper. If you hear crackling or see movement, it’s not bonded well enough for paint. Pull gently at corners and seams—if anything lifts, it’s likely worth removing altogether.
3. Clean the Wallpaper Thoroughly
Wallpaper often collects dust, oils, and residue over the years. Edmonton homes—especially older ones—may also have soot or smoke buildup near vents.
Clean the surface with a diluted vinegar solution or mild dish soap and warm water. Be gentle but thorough. Any grease, dirt, or grime left behind will bleed through the paint and ruin the finish.
4. Seal the Seams and Edges
Use a clear caulking or wallpaper seam adhesive to secure any loose edges or seams. This will help prevent peeling after you’ve painted.
For gaps or raised areas, a lightweight spackling compound works well to level the surface. Sand smooth after it dries.
5. Prime with Care
Here’s where many homeowners go wrong. Do not skip the primer—regular paint alone won’t cut it.
Use an oil-based or shellac-based primer. These primers:
Block patterns or dyes in the wallpaper from bleeding through.
Seal the surface, so the paint adheres evenly.
Prevent bubbling caused by moisture in latex paint.
Avoid water-based primers—they can soften the wallpaper glue and cause it to bubble or peel.
6. Choose the Right Paint Finish
After priming, you can use any high-quality interior paint. In most Edmonton homes, eggshell or satin finishes work well in living areas, while semi-gloss is better for kitchens and bathrooms due to durability and washability.
Two coats are typically recommended for even coverage, especially over darker or patterned wallpaper.
7. Don’t Forget to Ventilate
Painting over wallpaper traps any underlying moisture. Be sure to ventilate the space well, especially in cooler months when Edmonton homes are sealed tight. Open windows, use fans, and consider a dehumidifier during and after the process to help the paint cure properly.
8. Consider When It’s Time to Remove Instead
If your wallpaper is heavily textured, poorly adhered, or there’s a risk of mold underneath—especially in older Edmonton basements or bathrooms—removal is usually the better long-term option.
Painting over wallpaper is a practical shortcut, but not always the right one.