Painting a room can feel exciting until you realize there’s wallpaper under everything. If you’ve been wondering how to paint over wallpaper, especially in an older home around Arvada, CO, you’re not alone. Plenty of homeowners run into this and want a clean look without tearing up their drywall.
The good news is that painting over wallpaper can turn out great when the surface is prepped the right way. The process takes patience, the right products, and a clear understanding of what helps paint bond to the surface. Many walls in Arvada homes still have older paper, vinyl coatings, or textured layers, and each needs its own approach.
Before we walk through each step, keep in mind that poor prep almost always leads to issues like peeling, bubbling, or stains coming through the coat. Getting it right upfront makes a huge difference.
Key Takeaways
- Prepping wallpaper correctly helps prevent peeling, bubbling, or uneven adhesion.
- Oil based primer is needed because it blocks moisture and keeps the wallpaper stable.
- Fixing seams and surface flaws early creates a smoother final coat and fewer touch-ups.
- Two coats of interior paint give better coverage and longer-lasting color.
Understanding When You Can Paint Over Wallpaper
Not every wall is a good candidate. Some wallpaper responds well to primer and paint, while others fight it at every step.
Paper or paper-backed vinyl in fairly good shape usually works. If the seams are smooth, adhesion is still strong, and the wall has no moisture damage, paint can stick well. A quick inspection with a flashlight can help you spot loose edges or raised bubbles.
On the other hand, textured wallpaper, thick vinyl coatings, and peel-and-stick wallpaper tend to resist adhesion. The surface can be too slick or too flexible. These types often trap water and may cause bubbling below the coat. Homes built in the late 1980s and early 1990s often have heavy vinyl patterns, so checking your wall type is important.
If the wallpaper has mold, heavy grime, or is peeling in multiple areas, painting isn’t the best approach. Even the best products may not hold on a damaged base. You’ll run into the same issues no matter what satin, eggshell, or gloss finish you use.
How to Paint Over Wallpaper
Tools And Materials You’ll Want Ready
A smooth result comes from using the right surface prep tools. Here are the basics:
- Drywall sanding screen
- Pole sander
- Flashlight
- Utility knife
- Painter’s tape
- Oil-based or shellac-based primer
- Quality interior paint
- Joint compound
- Fiberglass tape
- Lint-free cloths
Some homeowners in Arvada also ask how this process compares to textured surfaces. If your wall has a light texture or raised pattern under the wallpaper, applying primer and compound becomes even more important. You can learn more about how uneven surfaces react to different paint products from our piece on how to paint textured walls.
1. Start By Removing Any Loose Wallpaper
Before applying anything to the surface, look for peeling edges. Even a small lifted corner can turn into a bubble once moisture touches it. Use a utility knife to trim any loose pieces carefully. Aim for a clean edge without cutting into the drywall.
Walk around the room with your flashlight held close to the wall. This helps highlight raised areas you may not see in normal lighting. Pay special attention to spots near baseboards, trim, windows, and corners, since humidity often weakens spots there.
2. Prime The Wallpaper So It Can Hold Paint
Priming is one of the most important steps in how to paint over wallpaper. Wallpaper glue softens when exposed to water, which is why water-based primer isn’t a good match. An oil-based or shellac-based primer seals the paper so it doesn’t bubble or loosen.
Start by cutting in around edges and corners with a brush. Roll the rest of the wall in a smooth, even coat. Make sure the coat dries completely. This creates the base that your paint will stick to and helps block any stains in the paper. If you’ve ever wondered how sheen affects durability in different rooms, you can check out sheen finish for each room for more detail on where eggshell, satin, and gloss usually work best.
3. Seal Seams And Repair Imperfections
Wallpaper seams tend to show through paint unless they are sealed. Apply fiberglass joint tape over each seam from top to bottom. Cut the tape neatly at trim and ceiling lines.
Next, skim a light layer of joint compound over the tape with a drywall knife. Keep the thickness thin so sanding is easier later. You will also want to fill any sections where wallpaper was trimmed away. Smooth walls help the paint look even no matter what color scheme you choose.
Once everything dries, sand the compound using a pole sander. Move vertically and use light pressure. Heavy sanding can damage the paper underneath, especially on older walls found in many Arvada homes. Wipe the dust off with a lint-free cloth so it doesn’t get trapped in your coat.
4. Apply A Second Coat Of Primer
A second layer helps strengthen the seal and prevents joint compound from absorbing too much paint. This extra coat creates a uniform surface and gives better adhesion when you add your color coat.
This step also prevents uneven sheen, which can happen when joint compound absorbs paint differently than wallpaper. If you’re curious about coverage thickness or how many coats are typical for different surfaces, our content on how many coats of paint for wall breaks that down clearly.
5. Add Your Top Coats Of Paint
Once both primer layers are dry, you are ready for interior wall paint. Apply your first coat evenly with a smooth roller. Let it dry completely before adding the second coat. Dry time can vary based on humidity, the thickness of the coat, and the type of acrylic paint you choose.
If you’re torn between paint types, remember that interior and exterior products behave differently. You can learn more about whether you can use exterior paint inside, especially if you’ve been comparing acrylic paint to latex for interior projects. Both have different adhesion properties when applied over sealed wallpaper.
With two coats, the wall usually looks solid and uniform. Lighter colors may need additional coats depending on the previous wallpaper pattern, water damage stains, or how strong the old colors were.
Final Thoughts On How To Paint Over Wallpaper In Arvada, CO
Learning how to paint over wallpaper helps you understand why the prep phase matters so much. Wallpaper can look brand new with the right steps, and sealing the surface properly prevents future peeling. Your choice of primer, color, coat thickness, and paint type all play a part in making the finished wall look smooth and fresh. Whether you’re working with textured surfaces, older vinyl coatings, or standard paper, taking your time with each step gives the best outcome.
If you want the job handled by professionals who do this every week, our team can help. Here’s a quick look at how we work:
- Careful inspection of wallpaper condition
- Surface cleaning and removal of loose sections
- Repairing seams with fiberglass tape and compound
- Full priming with oil or shellac formulas
- Two finishing coats of high-quality interior paint
For expert support in Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch and the surrounding areas, call 970-427-2866 for a FREE estimate. Our team at Foothills Painting will make sure your project is smooth from start to finish.
