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Paint over wallpaper?
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Bofinger
Posts: 1 Newbie
Dear All - I've got a bathroom (relatively small) with Laura Ashley wallpaper (non-textured i.e. smooth) on the walls. It's seen better days and as I'm hopeless at wallpapering I was wondering whether it would be possible to simply paint over the paper? I suspect also that the walls under the paper are not good i.e. old plaster which will disintegrate if I were to strip the wallpaper.
Thanks
Thanks
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Comments
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Hi,
If you paint over the wall paper you run the risk of it lifting in places as it dries.
I'd strip the walls, sand them down/fix any bits that need fixing and paint!0 -
Only useful as a temporary measure to put off the evil day. As looktothefuture says, you risk the paper lifting. Also, in th elong run, if the paper ahs seen better days, you risk the ink lifting from the paper and allowing the paint to flake away.Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0
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if you do try to paint it, make sure its not vinyl paper.Get some gorm.0
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We painted over the paper in our living room. It's an embossed paper and has come up really well. No lifting and that was 18 months ago.Lost my soulmate so life is empty.
I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander0 -
Blimey I've painted over loads of wallpaper - all kinds and never had it lift, ink show through or paint flake away. Plus I don't really like the echoey effect of bare/painted walls in a room.
Only downside is the day I decide to strip/repaper...0 -
If you see any lifting as you are painting, all you have to do is get a needle and pin the paper down onto the wall and carry on painting. When it's dry, lift out the needle and the paper will be stuck down again, like magic! :cool:
we painted over ours in the back room about 2 years ago and no lifting, but bathrooms get damp so you might get a few bits that lift...do it on a really dry, warm day and don't bath or shower till it's dry.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Old style MoneySaving boards.
If you need any help on these boards, please let me know.
Please report any posts you spot that are in breach of the Forum Rules by using the Report button, or by e-mailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not of MoneySavingExpert.com0 -
I have also got away with painting over wallpaper-on numerous occasions. My first house was a terrace with really rough walls, and I don't really see the difference between an absorbent wallpaper and lining paper, quite frankly. It has bubbled when wet, but it has always settled when dry. So far!
If it is vinyl, if you pick at the edges you'll find that you can peel off the top layer and leave yourself with the absorbent backing-just like lining paper. It's a bit fiddly, but easier than sorting out troublesome walls...import this0 -
Its very common to paint over wallpaper,
As long as its well adhered it should be fine.
If it does start coming off in the future then all you have lost is the cost of some paint and a few hours work!0 -
Never had any problems with paper lifting due to being painted over - it's only like using lining paper, only with more colour and pattern to cover up.0
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