Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
Some wallpaper materials can accept paint, while others should never be painted. Before painting over wallpaper, it is important to understand the type of wallcovering you have and whether it was manufactured to receive paint.
Wallpapers That Can Sometimes Be Painted
The following wallpaper types are specifically manufactured to receive paint:
- Paintable wallpaper
- Anaglypta wallpaper
- Lincrusta wallcoverings
Wallpapers That Should Not Be Painted
Painting is generally not recommended for:
- Non-Woven Wallpaper with Hot Embossed Vinyl
- Vinyl wallpaper
- Peel and Stick wallpaper
- Grasscloth wallpaper
- Silk wallpaper
- Cork wallpaper
- Fabric wallcoverings
- Metallic wallpaper
- Foil wallpaper
- Natural wallcoverings
These materials are designed to showcase their texture, finish, and color. Applying paint permanently changes their appearance and may reduce their performance.
Why Painting Over Wallpaper Is Usually Not Recommended
Although painting may appear to be a faster solution, it often creates more problems in the future.
Loss of Texture
Many premium wallpapers feature embossed linen, decorative plaster, fabric, or handcrafted textures that add depth to the wall.
Paint fills these fine details, reducing the luxurious appearance that makes wallpaper unique.
Visible Seams
Wallpaper seams remain underneath the paint and may become even more noticeable over time.
Difficult Future Removal
Once wallpaper has been painted, removing it becomes significantly more difficult.
Paint locks the wallpaper layers together, making stripping more labor-intensive and increasing the risk of drywall damage.
Potential Adhesion Problems
If the original wallpaper begins to loosen, the added weight of the paint can accelerate peeling, bubbling, or seam failure.
Our Recommendation
For premium wallcoverings, especially Non-Woven Wallpaper with Hot Embossed Vinyl, we do not recommend painting over the wallpaper.
These wallpapers are carefully designed to provide rich texture, subtle dimension, and sophisticated finishes inspired by linen, decorative plaster, stone, and natural materials. Painting over them eliminates many of the qualities that make them unique.
If you're ready for a different look, the preferred solution is to remove the existing wallpaper, prepare the walls properly, and install a new wallpaper that better suits your updated style.
This approach delivers the highest-quality result while preserving the integrity of your walls.
Professional Tip
If you're unsure whether your existing wallpaper can be painted or should be removed, send us a few photos of your walls.
We'll help identify the wallpaper material and recommend the best solution for your project.
