Wallpaper Painting

When it comes to transforming a room, most people think of removing old wallpaper before applying a fresh coat of paint. But in recent years, wallpaper painting has emerged as a creative, cost-effective alternative that blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. Instead of stripping and re-plastering, homeowners and designers are embracing the idea of painting directly over wallpaper — a technique that saves time, reduces mess, and can produce stunning results.

In this article, we’ll explore why wallpaper painting is trending, how to do it properly, and the design possibilities it offers.

Why Wallpaper Painting Is Gaining Popularity

Time and Cost Savings

Removing wallpaper is often a labor-intensive process, especially if it’s been on the wall for years or applied with strong adhesive. By painting over it, you skip hours (or even days) of stripping, sanding, and repairing. This makes it a great option for quick renovations or budget-friendly makeovers.

Creative Control

Painting over wallpaper doesn’t just hide imperfections — it opens a world of design opportunities. You can completely change the color scheme, create textured effects, or even highlight the wallpaper’s patterns for a unique, layered look.

Minimal Mess

Traditional wallpaper removal can involve a lot of water, glue residue, and debris. Painting over wallpaper is a cleaner process, meaning less dust and fewer clean-up headaches.

Preserving Character

Some vintage wallpapers have beautiful raised textures or patterns that are worth preserving. Painting over them can refresh their look while keeping their charm intact.

When to Paint Over Wallpaper (and When Not To)

While wallpaper painting is a smart solution in many cases, it’s not always the best choice. Here’s how to decide:

• Go for it if: The wallpaper is firmly attached, with no peeling edges or air bubbles. The seams are smooth, and the surface is clean and dry.
• Think twice if: The wallpaper is damaged, peeling, or made from fabric/cloth that may not hold paint well. In these cases, removal and wall repair might be a better long-term solution.

How to Paint Over Wallpaper the Right Way

To achieve a professional result, preparation is everything. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Inspect and Repair

• Check for loose seams or peeling edges and glue them back using wallpaper adhesive.
• Fill small holes or gaps with joint compound, then sand smooth.

2. Clean the Surface

• Remove dust, dirt, and grease using a mild detergent solution.
• Avoid soaking the wallpaper, as excess moisture can cause it to bubble.

3. Seal with Primer

• Apply a high-quality, oil-based or shellac primer to seal the wallpaper and prevent moisture from loosening the adhesive.
• Water-based primers are generally not recommended, as they can cause lifting.

4. Choose the Right Paint

• For a smooth finish: Use standard interior wall paint.
• For texture effects: Opt for matte or chalk-style paints that add depth.
• Apply at least two coats for even coverage.

5. Finishing Touches

• Consider adding decorative elements such as stencils, metallic accents, or a glaze finish for extra style.

Design Ideas for Painted Wallpaper

One of the most exciting aspects of wallpaper painting is the design flexibility it offers. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Monochrome Elegance – Choose a single bold color to cover both the wallpaper and trims for a sleek, modern look.
• Textured Chic – Let the wallpaper’s texture subtly show through the paint for added dimension.
• Pattern Highlighting – Use a contrasting color to brush lightly over raised patterns, creating a vintage-meets-modern effect.
• Half-Painted Walls – Paint only the upper or lower section of a wallpapered wall for a two-tone design.

Pros and Cons of Wallpaper Painting

Pros:

• Quick transformation without heavy labor
• Budget-friendly
• Retains interesting textures
• Cleaner process compared to stripping wallpaper

Cons:

• May highlight, rather than hide, uneven surfaces
• Can be difficult to remove later if you change your mind
• Requires careful preparation for a flawless finish

Maintaining Painted Wallpaper

• To ensure your painted wallpaper stays looking fresh for years:
• Use gentle cleaning methods — a soft, damp cloth is usually enough.
• Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the paint or underlying wallpaper.
• Touch up chips or scratches promptly to prevent peeling.

Final Thoughts

Wallpaper painting is more than a quick fix — it’s a design technique that blends practicality with creativity. Whether you want a bold color change, a textured effect, or a quick room refresh without the mess of wallpaper removal, this approach offers flexibility and charm.

The key is in the preparation: fix imperfections, use the right primer, and select a quality paint. If you’re unsure which shades will best complement your décor, a paint colour consultant can guide you in choosing tones that elevate your space while reflecting your personal style. Done well, painted wallpaper can become a statement feature in your home, proving that sometimes the best design solutions don’t require starting from scratch.

If you’re considering this approach, think about your style goals, the wallpaper’s condition, and how much time you want to invest. With the right plan, wallpaper painting can be the shortcut to a stunning, personalized space.