If you’ve got old wallpaper on the walls and you’re thinking about freshening things up, you’re probably wondering – can we just paint over it? Or does it have to come off?
The short answer is: it depends on the condition of the wallpaper. Sometimes we can paint over it, but not always. Here’s how we work it out.
When painting over wallpaper works
If the wallpaper was hung properly and is still tightly stuck to the wall – no peeling seams, bubbles, or lifting edges – then yes, it’s often fine to paint over. We’ll use a specific primer that helps the top coat bond properly and prevents any stains or patterns showing through.
This can be a good option if you want a fresh look without the hassle and mess of stripping the walls.
When the wallpaper has to go
In other cases, the paint and moisture can actually loosen the wallpaper, making it bubble or peel. That usually means it wasn’t adhered properly to start with, or the glue has deteriorated over time.
When that happens, we’ll need to strip the wallpaper and neutralise the glue before we can even think about painting. It’s more work – but it’s the only way to get a decent, lasting finish.
What’s under the wallpaper? That’s the wild card.
The other challenge with removing wallpaper is that you don’t always know what’s underneath. It might be nice smooth GIB… or it might be crumbling lathe and plaster that needs significant prep work.
In these cases, we sometimes need to do a test strip first, especially before quoting. It helps us see what we’re working with – and lets you make an informed decision before going ahead.
What should you do?
If you’re not sure whether to strip or paint over your wallpaper, the best thing is to ask us to take a look. We’ll assess the condition, talk you through the options, and help you weigh up the cost, effort, and outcome.
Head over to our Free Estimate page to book a time for us to check it out. We’re a small, woman-run painting team in Christchurch, and we’re all about giving honest advice – even if it means more work for us.
No shortcuts. Just a finish you’ll be happy with.