To successfully paint over wallpaper, you need to first confirm that the wallpaper is smooth and well attached to the wall.
- Begin by filling any holes or dents in the surface with a drywall joint compound.
- First, use the drywall knife to scrape off any tags of paper around the hole.
- Then use the handle to indent the area around the hole before skimming over the holes, depressions, or gaps between wallpaper seams.
- When the joint compound is dry, apply a coat of oil-based primer over the wallpaper’s surface. This will help hide the wallpaper pattern, and it will create a better surface for the finished paint to stick to.
- After the primer is dry, it may be necessary to apply a little more joint compound to difficult areas.
- Finally, apply the topcoat – and begin enjoying the space.
Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.
Learn More
