Olivia Hunter, decorating expert at Wallpaper It, said: “With the right preparation, painting over wallpaper might just save you a lot of time and energy.
“It is important to make sure your wallpaper is in good condition to ensure a clean and flawless finish.
“Any obvious scratches, tears and chips in your wallpaper are going to show through paint, in which case it is often more beneficial to just strip your wallpaper and paint directly onto the wall underneath where you’ll be able to smooth out any imperfections.”
To make sure DIYers achieve a “professional finish” when painting over wallpaper, the expert has shared a step-by-step guide.
1. Clean your wallpaper
Start by taking a dry cloth or duster to brush away any dust and then soak a clean cloth in a mixture of mild washing up liquid and water.
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Once soaked, squeeze out any excess before gently wiping the surface of the wallpaper to remove any dirt and grime which may have built up.
Make sure to allow the wallpaper to fully dry before moving on to the next step to achieve the best results.
2. Prepare the area
Olivia explained: “To prepare the area before painting, masking tape will be your best friend. Take care to cover the edges where your wallpaper meets your skirting boards, ceiling and adjacent walls.
“This is an important step that mitigates the chances of getting paint on areas you don’t want it and saves you time in the long run.”
3. Prime the area
Next, carefully apply a primer to prepare the surface for a paint application. If DIYers have chosen a water-based primer, this can soak into the wallpaper and cause damage, so always opt for an oil-based one.
The expert recommended using two thin layers of primer for the optimum surface application, allowing the paint to adhere to the wallpaper and create an even and clean finish.
4. Paint
The DIY pro continued: “Now your surface is prepared, select your paint colour and start painting around the edges of the wall with an angled brush, taking care to create clean and straight lines.
“We always recommend painting your border about two to three inches in depth before going in with a roller to fill in the surface of your wall.
“This goes for painting any large surfaces as it allows you to create crisp and precise edges.
“Allow to dry and add another coat. Repeat the process until you achieve a finish which is even to the eye.”
Make sure to access the work in daylight and at night to make sure it is even, before topping up any areas which need it.
It is also advised to carefully remove the painter’s tape when the paint is still slightly damp to ensure it pulls away evenly.
