Do you want to give your home a whole new look and beautify the walls with a colorful, fresh coat of paint? If there is wallpaper on the walls in your apartment, then you are probably wondering whether it is safe to paint over it. Painting over wallpaper is easy and the wallpaper walls quickly appear with a new shine. Below we will give you useful information and tips about painting over wallpaper.
Painting over wallpaper – which types are suitable for this?
Before you start with thePainting over your wallsTo get started, you should first check whether the nature of the wallpaper installed allows it to be painted over. Woodchip wallpaper, for example, is the perfect base for a wall color and for this reason is preferred by many people right from the start. Almost all commercially available wall paints are suitable for this.
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A non-woven wallpaper is also compatiblea new coat of paintgood. If the surface is relief-like, you will need to use thick latex paint or liquid woodchip paint so that the structure disappears evenly. A normal emulsion paint is also suitable for smooth surfaces. If the non-woven wallpaper on the wall is covered with a layer of plastic, you must remove it before painting, otherwise the paint will not stick.
You canTextured wallpaperspaint over?
You can also paint over textured wallpaper with a normal emulsion paint if you want to retain the texture. If you are not satisfied with the result after painting and the pattern is not visible as desired, you should reapply a thicker latex paint.
Pattern wallpaperspaint over
If the walls in the room are covered with patterned wallpaper with a strong pattern, you are welcome to use a high-quality, solid wall paint. If you have decided on a light shade, you will have to expect two coats. Otherwise, the pattern may show through after the paint has dried.
Vinyl wallpaper only with special paintedit
If you have put vinyl wallpaper on the walls at home and youfor painting overOnce you have decided, you must be prepared for the fact that vinyl wallpapers are moisture-repellent and not easy to paint over. It is advisable that you use a special paint for this, such as latex paint. You are also welcome to peel off the top layer of plastic and essentially paint over the paper layer underneath. The next method you can use would be to first roughen the wallpaper so that normal wall paint can also adhere.
Textile wallpapers are only used to a limited extentPaint oversuitable
Textile wallpapers are generally difficult to paint over. The fabric can absorb a lot of paint and therefore there is a risk that the wallpaper will become too heavy and detach from the wall. You also have to expect higher ink consumption.
If you want to take the risk, it's best to use a solvent-based paint. With water-based paints, on the other hand, the wallpaper can contract and have a wrinkled surface.
Metal wallpaper – Are smoothThe wallpapercan be painted over
If you have metal wallpaper on the wall in the living room, it is not advisable to paint over it as the paint will not adhere to the smooth surface. In this case, you will need to remove the old wallpaper and apply a fresh coat of paint.
elephant skin –specialTreatment necessary
If the wallpaper has been treated with water-repellent elephant skin, you first have to test it in an invisible area to see whether the paint will stick at all. If the paint doesn't stick, you can try removing the elephant skin with a mixture of water, vinegar and dish soap. You are also welcome to apply an adhesive primer to the wallpaper.
High qualityWall colorobtain
If you have already decided to paint over the wallpaper, then when choosing a color you must always prefer a high-quality one. If you use a cheaper wall paint, you may end up paying twice to paint over it. Good wall paint has greater opacity and no additional coats are necessary. It is best to seek advice from a specialist before purchasing.
How many coats are optimal?Resultnecessary
How many coats you need to apply depends on what color the wallpaper is. If the wallpaper is white, a single, well-covering coat is usually enough. If the wallpaper is in a dark color or has a striking pattern, you will have to be prepared for another coat of paint.
How often can youThe wallpaperpaint over
Have you already had experience, but would you use a different color for the color design this time? Depending on what type of wall you have, you can decide whether it is still possible to paint it again or whether new wallpaper would make more sense.
The textureobserve
A woodchip wallpaper, for example, can withstand up to six coats. With structured pattern wallpapers, a second coat depends on the thickness of the wallpaper.
onDefectscheck
In order to decide whether painting over wallpaper still makes sense or whether removing it and repainting it is the better option, you have to take a closer look at it so that you save yourself from having to do double work. If the seams of the individual panels are not exactly aligned but are glued overlapping, a good result is not in sight.
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The overlapping seams will be visible after painting. It's no use if there are holes in the wallpaper or the previous paint is already cracked and even peeling off. In this case, the holes will be visible later in a structure-like manner. If the wallpaper paste no longer holds in some places, you should use glue for the first time.
Tipsand tricks
If the requirements are met, you can get started. To ensure that nothing stands in the way of the perfect result, you must of course prepare the painting well. Cover all furniture and tape door frames, sockets and the floor.
The right onePreparation
Before you actually start painting, you need to clean the walls of dust with a broom or, if it is a smaller area, with a dry sponge. Then pre-paint all corners, edges and borders with a round or flat brush. Apply a strip approximately 10 cm wide and until the paint has not yet dried, paint a large area with a paint roller.
Yourself fromWandwork towards the wall
When painting over wallpaper, this working method is called “wet on wet” painting. Start from the window and work your way from wall to wall. It is very important for the very first coat that you paint from top to bottom. If you work across the direction of movement, the seams can become damaged and come off. As you continue painting, you can also paint from left to right so that everything is covered evenly with paint.
