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Decorating & Interiors

How to Paint Over Wallpaper: Expert Guide for Kent Homeowners

1 March 20268 min read


Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? The Honest Answer


It's one of the most common questions we get as professional decorators in Kent: "Can I just paint over the wallpaper instead of stripping it?" The honest answer is: sometimes yes, but often it's better to strip. Here's how to decide.


When Painting Over Wallpaper Works


Painting over wallpaper can produce good results if ALL of these conditions are met:


  • **The wallpaper is in good condition** — firmly adhered, no bubbles, no peeling edges
  • **It's a single layer** — not wallpaper on top of wallpaper
  • **The surface is smooth** — no heavy texture, embossing, or raised patterns
  • **The seams are flat** — not curling, lifting, or overlapping
  • **It's not vinyl wallpaper** — vinyl doesn't absorb paint well

    • If any of these conditions aren't met, stripping is the better option for a professional finish.



    When You Should Strip the Wallpaper


    We always recommend stripping when:


  • **Multiple layers exist** — paint adds weight, and multi-layer paper is more likely to fail
  • **Edges are lifting** — paint will make lifting edges more visible, not less
  • **The paper is textured or embossed** — the texture shows through paint
  • **You're selling the property** — buyers and surveyors can tell painted-over wallpaper
  • **There's damp damage** — paint traps moisture and worsens the problem
  • **It's vinyl wallpaper** — standard paint won't adhere reliably

    • How to Paint Over Wallpaper: Step-by-Step


    If you've decided painting over is appropriate, here's how to get the best result:


    Step 1: Repair Any Damage


  • **Re-glue lifting edges and seams** using overlap adhesive or PVA
  • **Press seams flat** with a seam roller and allow to dry completely
  • **Fill any holes or dents** with fine surface filler, sand smooth when dry

    • Step 2: Clean the Surface


  • **Wash with sugar soap** to remove grease, dirt, and nicotine
  • **Rinse with clean water** and allow to dry thoroughly
  • **Remove any loose debris** from seams and edges

    • Step 3: Apply a Primer


    This is the most critical step that DIYers often skip:


  • **Use a shellac-based primer** (like Zinsser BIN) for the best adhesion and stain blocking
  • **Alternatively, use Zinsser Gardz** — specifically designed for sealing wallpaper before painting
  • **Apply one full coat** and allow to dry according to manufacturer instructions
  • The primer seals the wallpaper, prevents bubbling, and creates a uniform surface for paint

    • Step 4: Address the Seams


    Even with primer, wallpaper seams can show through paint:


  • **Apply a thin layer of fine filler** over visible seams using a flexible filling knife
  • **Sand smooth** when dry with 120-grit sandpaper
  • **Spot-prime** the filled areas

    • Step 5: Paint


  • **Use a quality emulsion** — we recommend Dulux Trade Diamond Matt or Johnstone's Covaplus
  • **Apply two full coats** using a short-pile roller for smooth finish
  • **Cut in carefully** at edges with a quality angled brush
  • **Allow proper drying time** between coats (4–6 hours minimum)

    • The Professional Alternative: Strip and Start Fresh


    For the best possible finish, our decorating team recommends stripping wallpaper before painting. Our process:


    1. Score the wallpaper with a scoring tool to allow steam penetration

    2. Steam strip using professional steamer equipment

    3. Scrape clean — removing all paste residue

    4. Wash walls with sugar soap

    5. Fill and sand any imperfections

    6. Apply mist coat (diluted emulsion) to seal the plaster

    7. Apply two full coats of quality emulsion


    The result is a perfectly smooth, professional finish that will last for years.


    Cost Comparison


    For a typical room in Kent:


  • **Painting over wallpaper (DIY):** £50–£100 (materials only)
  • **Painting over wallpaper (professional):** £200–£400
  • **Strip and repaint (professional):** £350–£600

    • The price difference between painting over and stripping is often smaller than people expect, and the quality difference is significant.


    Get Professional Advice


    Not sure whether to paint over or strip? Our painting and decorating team can assess your wallpaper and recommend the best approach for a perfect finish.


    We serve Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and across Kent.


    Call 07850 357962 or request a free quote.


    Want a professional to handle it?

    Request your free, no-obligation quote through our enquiry form — it takes under two minutes and goes straight to Elliot.

    Request my free quote

    You'll be taken to our secure TradeHQ enquiry form. We reply within 48 hours. Prefer to talk? Call 07850 357962.

    07850 357962

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