 | Mike Goebel
has been involved in the construction and home improvement industry for more than 40 years and is currently the Senior Vice President of the Home Center Division at Star Lumber & Supply Co. Inc. You may contact Mike by e-mail at mgoebel@starlumber.com or by phone at (316) 942-2221. |
Home Improvement
2002-12-01 09:12:00
Painting over wall paper
ANSWER: You can change the look of a room with outdated wallpaper by simply painting over it. Two coats of high-bonding- stain-killing paint, followed by a top coat in your desired color, will allow you to skip the messy job of stripping the old wallpaper. Note that painting over is suitable only for wallpaper that's in good condition and securely in place. Here are the materials you will need:-High-Bonding-Stain-killing primer-Interior wall paint in desired color -Paint roller-Fine emery board-Strong glue to repair loose seamsFirst, prepare the wallpaper for painting by securely gluing down loose edges. Wallpaper with holes and peeling patches can't be painted over, but if the wallpaper's secure except for a few loose edges at the seams, seal each seam with a very strong glue and press down securely. Note that if you are covering a flocked paper, the flock will show through with varying results. Second, apply two coats of high-bonding-stain-killing primer to completely cover the wallpaper pattern. Let dry between coats. The reason I recommend high bonding primer is that most wallpaper is vinyl which requires a little help in keeping the paint on the wall.Third, if the wallpaper seam is visible after two coats of paint, lightly file the seam smooth with a very fine emery board.Finally, apply the top coat of paint. Done properly, you will see no hint of the wallpaper pattern beneath it.
