Painting over wallpaper can be tricky, but when done right, it can give your room a fresh and updated look. However, you must know what paint and primer are best for the job before beginning.
A high-quality latex paint is recommended for painting over wallpaper. The latex paint will provide a finish that is durable and easy to clean. Using oil-based primer will also provide excellent adhesion and seal the surface, preventing moisture from penetrating. It will also block the patterns and colors from showing.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 3 factors to consider when choosing paint for wallpaper
- What finish is best
- What type of paint to use
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for wallpaper
The 3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Wallpaper
1. Wallpaper Material
The first factor to consider is the type of wallpaper you have. Some types of wallpaper, such as vinyl, have a smooth and non-porous surface that does not allow the paint to adhere well.
On the other hand, other types of wallpaper, such as those made of paper, have a more porous surface that allows the paint to adhere easily.
2. Condition of the Wallpaper
Before painting over wallpaper, it’s important to check for any signs of damage, such as peeling or bubbling.
If the wallpaper is damaged, painting over it may make the damage more pronounced, resulting in an unsightly finish. In such cases, it’s best to repair the wallpaper before painting.
3. Primer
An oil-based primer is the best choice for painting over wallpaper. It provides excellent adhesion and helps seal the wallpaper’s surface, preventing moisture from penetrating.
It will also prevent any bleed-through of the wallpaper’s pattern or color. A water-based primer will only be absorbed by the wallpaper and not provide any sealing effect.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Latex Paint
Latex paint is a popular type of water-based paint that is used for a variety of applications. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many advantages over other types of paint. Below are some of the pros and cons of using latex paint.
Pros
- Latex paint is easy to apply and dries quickly, so you can finish your painting project faster.
- It has a low odor, which makes it an ideal option for indoor use. This means you won’t have to worry about breathing in harmful fumes.
- It is easy to clean up with just soap and water.
- Latex paint is resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling, which makes it a durable and long-lasting option.
- It is available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Cons
- It isn’t as resistant to stains or chemicals as oil-based paints.
- It isn’t as thick as other types of paint, which may require additional coats to achieve the desired coverage.
- It may not be suitable for extreme temperatures or high-humidity environments.
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint is a type of paint that is created using oil as its base. This type of paint is commonly used on walls, furniture, and other surfaces that require a durable and long-lasting finish.
Pros
- Oil-based paint creates a hard, durable surface that can withstand wear and tear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
- Known for its ability to create a smooth, even finish that looks professional and polished.
- Oil-based paint is highly resistant to moisture and can withstand humidity, making it suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
Cons
- It takes longer to dry than other types of paint, which can be inconvenient for people who need to use the space soon after painting.
- This type of paint has a strong odor that can be overwhelming and is not ideal for people with respiratory issues.
- It requires solvents for cleanup, meaning it can be messy and potentially harmful to the environment.
- Over time, oil-based paint can develop a yellowish tint, especially when exposed to sunlight.
What Paint Finish Is Best?
The best paint finish largely depends on the texture and condition of the wallpaper. A matte paint finish is perfect for hiding imperfections in the wallpaper since it has a low sheen and absorbs light. However, it is prone to stains and is difficult to clean.
Therefore, it is not recommended for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Satin paint finish is ideal for painting over wallpaper in busy areas since it has a low shine but is more durable than matte paint. Satin paint finish is resistant to mildew and can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth.
Finally, the semi-gloss finish is perfect for walls that must be scrubbed often. It is very durable and resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Although the glossier finish shows more noticeable imperfections, it requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean.
The Best Paint and Primer for Wallpaper
Best Paint
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Designer Edition Interior Latex Paint is an excellent choice for painting walls and the best paint for painting over wallpaper. A smooth and uniform finish allows you to achieve stunning results with its exceptional coverage and best hide yet.
One of the key features of this paint is its advanced washability in all finishes, making it perfect for painting over wallpaper where the surface may not be even.
The paint can easily glide over any texture, offering a virtually flawless appearance with no streaking, spotting, or watermarks.
Furthermore, this paint contains anti-microbial agents that inhibit mold and mildew growth on the paint surface.
This is essential when painting over wallpaper, as the wallpaper may be more prone to developing mold and mildew due to the moisture trapped underneath. With this paint, you can be confident that your painted walls will remain clean and fresh-looking for much longer.
Another impressive attribute of this paint is that it meets the most stringent VOC regulations at less than 50g/L VOC, making it environmentally friendly and safe to use.
This means that you can paint your walls without worrying about any harmful fumes or impact on the air quality of your home.
Additionally, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Designer Edition Interior Latex Paint features 200 brand-new hues curated into five designer color collections, which makes it easy to find the perfect shade for any interior design project. You can choose the finish that best suits your needs, from flat to satin and gloss sheens.
Best Primer
When painting over wallpaper, the last thing you want is for the wallpaper design to show through. This is where Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer comes in.
Its superior sealing properties ensure that even the most intricate wallpaper designs will be completely covered, leaving you with a clean slate. But it’s not just wallpaper designs that this primer can cover up. It’s is also fantastic at sealing pet and smoke odors as well as musty odors.
One of the standout features of Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer is its ability to stick to all surfaces without any sanding required.
This is particularly useful when painting over wallpaper, as you don’t want to damage the surface underneath while trying to sand away remnants of the wallpaper adhesive.
Plus, with its lightning-fast dry time of only 45 minutes, you can recoat quickly and get the job done in no time.