Follow these steps to learn how to paint over wallpaper in your home.
How to Paint Over Wallpaper
Do you want to change the look and feel of your room with paint, but are faced with the challenge of wallpaper? You don’t always need to remove wallpaper first. Read this guide to learn when and how to paint over wallpaper.
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So, you want to change the look and feel of your room, starting with a fresh coat of paint.
Standing in your way, though, is a layer or more of wallpaper that was surely the delight of whoever chose it, perhaps many years ago. And that might even be you. But wallpaper trends come and go.
Should you paint over the wallpaper? Can it even be done? Let’s start with the wisdom of doing it or not doing it, and then (spoiler alert) launch into the how-to.
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
If you ask a painting expert or paint manufacturer, you will likely be told that the best approach is to remove the wallpaper first and remove any residual adhesive before painting. But there are times when removing the wallpaper can actually harm the wall beneath.
That can happen if the wallpaper was installed over unfinished drywall or plaster. Or you might be facing the removal of multiple layers of wallpaper, which would make the task exponentially more difficult.
When Not to Paint Over Wallpaper
Some wallpaper should not be painted over. That would include wallpaper that is peeling in multiple places, and certain types of wallpaper such as fabric-backed vinyl.
But the good news is that these types of wallpaper are fairly easy to remove. In fact, fortunately, the rule of thumb is that the bad candidates for painting over are easy to remove, and the wallpaper that would be difficult to remove is a good candidate for painting over.
So, before deciding to leave the wallpaper in place, try to remove it. Let your success or failure to be your guide. And also consider that while removing wallpaper can be a major hassle, removing wallpaper that has been painted over is an even more major hassle.
The bottom line is: Yes, you can paint over wallpaper with some exceptions and considerations. The secret’s in the preparation. Here’s how it’s done.
PREMIUM PAINT & WALLCOVERINGS
All the colors you need in a curated palette. Our premium paints are Green Wise certified with low-VOCs, ultra-low odor, and pigment made to last. Guess work free. Hassle free.
Try the Samples
The new way to sample paint without the waste or the mess. Our premium 12×12″ adhesive swatches stick and re-stick.
Make It Yours
Everything you need to paint, delivered. Our high-quality supplies make painting as easy as possible. You’re one click away from your new backdrop.
Find Your Color
All the colors you need in a curated palette. Our premium paints are Green Wise certified with low-VOCs, ultra-low odor, and pigment made to last. Guess work free. Hassle free.
Try the Samples
The new way to sample paint without the waste or the mess. Our premium 12×12″ adhesive swatches stick and re-stick.
Make It Yours
Everything you need to paint, delivered. Our high-quality supplies make painting as easy as possible. You’re one click away from your new backdrop.
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Backdrop Standard Finish Interior Paint
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Editor’s Note (September 2023): This product review was originally written and published in 2021. To make sure we are still recommending the best products for your needs, we recently reviewed this story to make sure it is still accurate and that we stand by what we wrote. Despite newer models and options being available, we still feel confident that this product is one of the best choices, and therefore have included it in The Best Paints for Interior Walls.
It does not matter if it is a small job; painting anything in my home typically requires four trips to the hardware store and results in many wrong sample color choices. Paint you can pick and purchase online with the help of experts like Backdrop seemed like a dream come true. To see if it was an easier alternative to my local paint store, I put Backdrop to the test on an accent wall project for my son’s bedroom; I’d been putting it off for months.
The first step in any paint project, including my test of Backdrop, is deciding on a color. Since my plan was for an accent wall in a child’s room, my mind was set on something bold and fun that would tie in some of the other decor items in his space. Browsing the Backdrop interior color choices and using their photo gallery, I decided to test three colors: Surf Camp, After Hours, and Saturday On Sunday.
It seems counterintuitive, but I really love how Backdrop only has 50 color choices. For one, all the colors were on-trend and similar to the shades I’d been looking at for inspiration on various home decorating sites. I also liked that since they don’t have so many options, the colors I wanted to test were often featured online and in their photo galleries. Using their photos for reference made it easy for me to visualize how the colors would look in my home before committing to the samples, which cost $3 each plus shipping.
When my paint samples arrived (approximately a week later), I immediately put them up to view in the space. Unlike the small sample cans I would typically get from the hardware store, I was pleasantly surprised that the Backdrop Paint color samples were 12 x 12 adhesive sample swatches. They were big enough to see what the color would look like and easy to re-position to test the colors under different lighting spots or on different walls. It’s honestly hard to imagine going back to the old way, which is messy, more expensive, and in some ways, less accurate. When I finally decided on a color, I placed my order on Backdrop and received my paint, a paint mixing stick, and a small cloth within a week. It was wonderfully convenient.
While waiting for my paint to arrive, I used Backdrop’s “manual” page on their site to get tips on how to prep my space. Their instructions and summaries were easy to follow, and unlike my typical process, it felt great knowing I had expert advice and a customer service team at my disposal to get the job done right. The painting process was a breeze. The Backdrop Paint can is uniquely designed; you can twist to open and close the can as you work, hold it with the built-in handle, and pour it easily onto a tray through the wide opening. The can is stainless steel so that it won’t rust, and once the can is empty, the can is recyclable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to buy a primer?
No need for a primer! The paint had great coverage. It was thick, spread well, and dried fast. I did two coats over an existing dark grey, and it was perfect. I have textured walls but didn’t feel like that required more or less paint than normal. So far, the paint has been durable, and I can wipe it clean with soap and water.
What finishes are available?
Since my project called for interior paint, I had two choices: Standard Finish and Semi-Gloss. I opted for Standard Finish since the Backdrop site called it “ideal for pretty much any interior wall surface.” It is semi-matte with a 6 percent sheen level. The other walls in the room were painted in eggshell, and I found the Standard Finish to be more matte than those walls. It looks fine, but ideally, I would like a little more sheen, especially for the dark color I chose. Honestly, for the high price of this paint per can, I’d love the option to customize the project with more finish options.
Is the paint low-odor?
According to Backdrop, their paints are low-VOC, meet the industry’s strictest standards, and are certified by GREENWISE. I didn’t notice an overwhelming odor, but the new paint smell lingered for longer than other paints I’ve used. Standards-wise, this paint is totally safe for a child’s room, but you will notice the fresh paint smell for a few days. Keep that in mind if you’re expecting guests.
Is this paint worth the price?
Yes and no. For the convenience of the curated color choices, self-adhesive sample, and the option to shop for paint supplies on the site, I loved the Backdrop experience. However, I paid about $20 per can more than I normally would and didn’t notice a huge difference in paint quality. I’d use Backdrop again in a heartbeat if color was a priority like it was for this project.
Backdrop Paint vs. The Spruce Best Home Paints
Similar to Backdrop, The Spruce Best Home Paint Line is a curated collection of 32 interior paints that were produced by KILZ. Curation makes the experience of selecting a hue beautifully simple and enjoyable. The price is more affordable at $36 a can. Unlike Backdrop, The Spruce Best Home Paint Line offers three finishes: eggshell, matte, and semi-gloss. The dry paint film is stain and mildew-resistant, so it’s a smart option for a kid’s room where messes are sure to occur.
Final Verdict
Can’t pick a color? You’ll love this.
If you have a large project that requires multiple gallons of paint, you could save money and get similar quality paint in-store. For smaller projects where a stylish color is a priority or if going to the store is inconvenient, you can’t beat Backdrop Paint.
We purchased the Backdrop Paint so our writer could put it to the test.
