Knowing how to paint over wallpaper can save a lot of stress when you want to refresh a room without tearing apart the walls. Many homes around Spokane, WA still have older wallpaper underneath layers of paint, and people often get nervous about what to do with it. If the walls are in good shape, painting over that wallpaper can give you a clean, modern look without damaging your drywall.

Before picking up a paintbrush, it helps to understand how this process works, what signs to watch for, and the right preparation steps so your finish looks smooth and lasts.

Below is a clear, expanded, and easy-to-follow walkthrough that explains how to paint over wallpaper the right way, what materials matter, and why certain steps make such a difference.

Key Takeaways:

  • Painting over wallpaper works when the surface is clean, stable, and free of major peeling or moisture issues.
  • Primer choice matters because it locks down the wallpaper and helps the finish coat bond properly.
  • Seam repair with joint compound creates a smoother look so lines in the wallpaper do not show through the paint.
  • Spokane homes often have older drywall, so careful prep protects the wall and gives a more durable finish.
  • Choosing the right paint sheen helps hide texture variations and gives a cleaner final appearance.

 

how to paint over wallpaper

Why Some Homes Still Have Wallpaper

If you live in Spokane, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, or the surrounding neighborhoods, you probably know a handful of homes built in the 70s, 80s, or 90s that still have hidden wallpaper inside. It was the standard back then, and most builders used paper-backed vinyl or textured designs that were tough to remove without causing damage.

This is why knowing how to paint over wallpaper is still so relevant today. Many homeowners want a clean look but worry about pulling wallpaper off the drywall and ending up with gouges. Painted drywall repairs can take time, especially if you are resurfacing it.

Painting over the wallpaper correctly can give you a long-lasting finish, but there are some signs to check first before committing to that direction.

Signs Wallpaper Can Be Painted Over

Not every wall is a good candidate. The wallpaper must be stable enough for the new primer and paint to hold. Here is what to look for:

  • The Wallpaper Is In Good Condition: If there are only a few tight seams, minor bubbling, or very small loose corners, the surface can usually be repaired. Proper adhesion really matters, especially with older homes. If you want to understand how surface bonding truly works, you can read more about how paint adhesion works.
  • The Surface Is Clean: Walls with heavy grease, crayon marks, or nicotine residue need deeper cleaning before anything happens.
  • No Mold: Small stains can be treated, but visible mold or large water spots should be addressed before interior painting. Trapping moisture under primer can cause peeling later.
  • It’s Not Fabric-Backed Vinyl: These wallpapers resist adhesion entirely. They stay slick, no matter what primer you use.

If the wallpaper checks these boxes, the wall is usually safe to paint over.

Preparing The Wall For Strong Adhesion

Preparation makes or breaks the success of how to paint over wallpaper. Spokane homes deal with dry summers, colder winters, and shifting humidity, so proper adhesion is especially important.

  • Remove Loose Edges: Walk the room and gently lift any loose sections. Use a utility knife to trim them away instead of ripping. This keeps the edges clean and helps the new primer seal everything flat.
  • Clean The Surface: A mix of warm water and mild detergent is enough for standard wallpaper. The goal is to remove dust, dirt, and oils that weaken the primer bond.
  • Sand lightly: Use fine-grit sandpaper or a drywall sanding screen. A light pass is enough to dull the surface so primer grips better. Avoid sanding too hard because wallpaper can tear.
  • Seal Everything With Primer: Oil-based primer is preferred because it does not cause the wallpaper paste to soften. You want to lock everything in tightly before you add color. This also helps prevent stains from bleeding through your finish coat.

If you are choosing final colors afterward, this is also a good time to explore tools such as paint color visualizers because they help you understand how different shades will look on your walls without guessing.

Fixing Seams And Imperfections

Once your first coat of primer dries, the seams become easier to see. Here is how professionals deal with them:

  • Apply Joint Compound To The Seams: This creates a smoother finish so seams do not show through your final coats.
  • Treat Any Cutout Areas: If you trimmed loose wallpaper earlier, fill those spots with a thin layer of compound. Let it dry completely before sanding.
  • Sand Vertically: Vertical sanding helps prevent scuffing the surrounding wallpaper, keeping the surface smooth and flat.
  • Wipe Down The Dust: A clean microfiber cloth removes residue so it does not interfere with primer or paint.

Once everything is smooth, apply a second coat of primer. This locks in the joint compound and prepares the wall for your finish coat.

Choosing The Right Paint For Wallpapered Walls

After the second primer coat dries, you can start thinking about the finishing color. For Spokane homes, people often lean toward warmer neutrals because they pair well with the Northwest style of wood, brick, and natural textures.

Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Wall Texture: Primer will hide some imperfections but not heavy wallpaper texture. Flat and eggshell sheens are better choices for hiding irregularities.
  • Lighting Conditions: Paint can shift depending on natural light and bulb types. Understanding how finishes behave is helpful, especially when you think about does paint dry darker or lighter.
  • Type of Room: Kitchen walls often require washable finishes. Bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms usually look best in softer tones.

How Professionals Paint Over Wallpaper

A lot of homeowners want the fresh look but not the prep work. Wallpaper projects can be detailed, and Spokane homes often have older drywall that requires a gentler approach.

Here is how professional painters handle how to paint over wallpaper:

Step 1: Inspect the wallpaper for peeling or moisture issues.

Step 2: Test adhesion by lightly pulling at a few seams.

Step 3: Trim and secure any loose sections.

Step 4: Clean walls thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and residue.

Step 5: Apply oil-based primer for a strong base.

Step 6: Skim coat seams and smooth with sanding.

Step 7: Add a second primer coat.

Step 8: Apply two coats of high-quality interior paint.

These steps give a smooth finish and long-term durability. When expert painters in Spokane, WA do this process, the walls look new without damaging the drywall underneath.

Final Thoughts On How To Paint Over Wallpaper

Learning how to paint over wallpaper gives Spokane homeowners the option to refresh a room without unnecessary demolition. The key is making sure the wallpaper is stable, sealed, and prepped correctly so the final finish looks clean and stays that way. With the right primer, skim coating, and careful painting, the walls can look brand new.

When our team at Heinemann Painting handles this process, here is what you can expect:

  • Careful inspection of existing wallpaper and drywall
  • Surface cleaning and minor repairs for better adhesion
  • Professional priming with products made for sealing wallpaper
  • Seam smoothing and joint compound application
  • Smooth, even finish coats based on your color choices

If you need help with how to paint over wallpaper in Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Greenacres and the surrounding areas, call us at 509-287-4324 to schedule your FREE estimate.