Transform Your Brentwood Home: Master the Art of Painting Over Wallpaper Without the Removal Hassle
When it comes to updating your Brentwood home’s interior, removing outdated wallpaper can feel like an overwhelming task. When you’re ready for a fresh, new look, removing your wallpaper to replace it may seem daunting. So why not just paint over it? For Long Island homeowners looking to refresh their living spaces without the mess and expense of wallpaper removal, painting over existing wallpaper can be a practical and cost-effective solution when done correctly.
When Painting Over Wallpaper Makes Sense
You can paint over wallpaper if it’s smooth and in good condition. Inspect your wallpaper for rips, tears, peels, and scratches before committing to painting it. This approach is particularly beneficial in several scenarios. If someone installed wallpaper over unfinished drywall or plaster, you could damage the wall if you tried to remove it. Another reason you may not want to remove wallpaper is if there are multiple layers of paper, which makes the removal process much more difficult.
There are several good reasons to paint over wallpaper instead of stripping it off. Less mess: Stripping wallpaper leaves a trail of dust, old paper bits, and sticky residue everywhere. Painting over it keeps the space clean. Faster process: You can complete the entire project in a day or two, as opposed to the time-consuming task of removing wallpaper, preparing the wall, and then painting. For busy Brentwood families, this time-saving approach can be invaluable.
Professional Preparation Techniques
Success with painting over wallpaper depends heavily on proper preparation. It’s all about the prep work, according to Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘Good preparation will make a huge difference to the quality of your finished project,’ she says.
The first thing you’ll need to do is give the wallpaper a wipe with a damp cloth. ‘If there’s dirt or dust in the wallpaper the paint won’t stick properly and will peel off later,’ says interior designer and professional painter Tony Adams of DIY Geeks. He recommends using a diluted solution of TSP, particularly if the walls are greasy, but a mild detergent solution works well, too.
Professional painters also recommend securing any loose seams. Identify any loose pieces of wallpaper and stick them down using adhesive. Then, use filler to fix any holes or cracks on the surface. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish.
The Critical Role of Primer
One of the most important steps in the process is applying the right primer. Use an oil-based primer-sealer, not a water-based product; after all, water and wallpaper don’t mix. This is particularly important because water-based paints and primer may reactivate the wallpaper glue resulting in unwanted peeling. To avoid, prime wallpaper with an oil-based primer to seal the surface.
Using a high-quality primer like Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up is essential. This product not only seals the wallpaper but also blocks patterns, stains, and colours, giving you a blank canvas to work with. For patterned wallpaper, if the pattern on the wallpaper is very bold or dark, you may need to apply two coats of primer to fully cover the design.
Professional Application Techniques
When it comes to the actual painting process, professional techniques make all the difference. Starting in a 3′ x 3′ section at the top corner of the project area, roll the paint onto the wallpaper in a “W” formation. For an even application, begin 3″ – 4″ away from the cut in section. Work the roller back and forth across the section until the “W” is completely filled in. Be sure to roll over the cut in area as well.
We recommend you use two coats of paint or more to fully cover your wallpaper, and make sure you leave plenty of time for it to dry before moving back into the room. This patience in the drying process is essential for achieving a durable, professional-looking finish.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
While painting over wallpaper can be effective, it’s important to understand the potential challenges. Wallpaper seams may show through the paint no matter how many coats you apply. Sometimes the wallpaper proves to be harder to hide under paint than you thought. Patterns and dark colors may peek through.
Painting over dark wallpaper runs the risk of the underlying color or pattern gradually reemerging over time. Furthermore, painting over textured wallpaper can be especially tricky. It is nearly impossible to paint over textured wallpaper without the underlying pattern emerging through the coat. However, many homeowners don’t mind the texture. Some even prefer the textured style over a smooth surface.
When to Call a Professional
While painting over wallpaper can be a DIY project, there are times when hiring a professional painter Brentwood makes sense. We highly recommend against painting over wallpaper if you’re looking for results that stand the test of time. Professional painters have the experience to assess whether your wallpaper is a good candidate for painting and can ensure proper preparation and application techniques.
Professional painting contractors in the Brentwood area understand the unique challenges of Long Island homes and can provide expert guidance on whether painting over wallpaper is the right choice for your specific situation. They also have access to high-quality primers and paints that may not be readily available to homeowners.
Cost Considerations
It’s cheaper to paint directly over wallpaper than spending the money on the adhesive removers and other tools to remove it. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing for Brentwood homeowners working with renovation budgets. However, it’s important to weigh the short-term savings against the potential long-term consequences.
Making the Right Decision for Your Brentwood Home
The decision to paint over wallpaper ultimately depends on your specific circumstances, timeline, and expectations. If you ask a painting expert or paint manufacturer, they will likely tell you that the best approach is to remove the wallpaper first and eliminate any residual adhesive before painting. But there are times when removing the wallpaper can actually harm the wall beneath.
For Brentwood homeowners looking for a quick refresh or working with older homes where wallpaper removal might cause damage, painting over wallpaper can be a viable solution. The key is proper preparation, using the right materials, and setting realistic expectations about the final result.
Whether you choose to tackle this project yourself or hire a professional, understanding these techniques will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your home renovation project. With careful preparation and the right approach, you can transform your wallpapered walls into a fresh, updated look that enhances your Brentwood home’s interior design.