Paint on wallpaper – How to, step by step

Before you paint over a wallpaper, good preparatory work is required. Start by removing all loose wallpaper from the wall and cut away any overlapping joints between the wallpaper strips and on the moldings. Use a paper hanging sean planer, then it will be easier. You can also use a knife.

In order for the wallpaper to release more easily on the moldings, you can lightly moisten the wallpaper joint.

Cover the floor

Clean up the dirt and cover surfaces not to be painted with masking paper and tape.

Paint the surface closest to the moldings and ceiling with a brush. Start a bit into the wallpaper to avoid paint collecting in the corners. Paint the big surfaces with a roller. Use barrier paint to prevent moisture from penetrating and reduce the risk of blisters.
Let dry.

Then putty all holes, cracks and joints. Try to spread the putty as evenly as possible, so you don’t have to sand uneven surfaces afterwards. For larger holes and unevenness, you may need to putty twice. Allow to dry and then sand the putty so that it is even.

Do you need help with spackling? Find our guides here: Plastering

Paint a first layer of wall color on the wallpaper. Paint with a brush along the moldings and edges and repaint with a mini roller to get the same texture on the entire wall.

Then paint the large areas of the wallpaper with a roller and then let the wall dry. Remember to use a lot of paint in the roller to avoid a patchy wall.

Tip!

Use a mini roller closest to the painted surfaces closest to the moldings, then you will get the same rolled texture - and avoid smudges on the molding.

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Lightly sand the surface and then paint a second time. Finish with a light stroke from top to bottom for an even texture. Remove the masking tape immediately when you are done with the wall, before the paint has dried.

Done!