EXPERT ADVICE
Can you paint over wallpaper?
Updated 04/26
By: Content Team
Reviewed: Alex Peters
Are you fed up with your wallpaper and want to give your walls a fresh lick of paint? Find out if and how you can paint over wallpaper.
Things to consider
Painting over different wallpaper materials
Where to turn for help
Frequently asked questions
Painting your home can completely change your living space. It is one of the easiest and best ways to switch up your interior style, especially if you're on a tighter budget.
But what if you've got wallpaper there that you'd like to change up?
You might wonder about painting over wallpaper to save time and energy. Removing wallpaper is often thought to be:
Tricky
Time-consuming
Damaging to your walls
In some cases this is possible, however, certain types of wallpaper make this an impossible task. For this reason, painting over wallpaper generally isn’t recommended.
However, if you're still not sure, you can always contact a local painter/decorator for more information.
How to hire a trustworthy local painter and decorator
Some homeowners love donning their overalls to get stuck into painting and decorating their property. But not all of us feel the same way. In this guide we look at the best ways to find a painter and decorator to hire, so they can splash the paint for you.
Important considerations before painting over wallpaper
Before you decide whether or not painting over wallpaper is the right choice, there are a few things to consider.
Condition of your wallpaper - Old, peeling or torn wallpaper doesn’t make an even base for paint, leading to terrible results
How old your home is - Removing wallpaper can cause plaster and parts of the wall to crack, and the older the wall, the worse it will be
With these in mind, you may choose to paint over any wallpaper in order to prevent these issues in the short term.
If you're unsure about what to do, we recommend contacting a professional painter/decorator to get their advice.
Not confident about removing wallpaper? Our handy step-by-step guide provides more insight to help you get your walls prepared for decorating.
Differences in painting over different types of wallpaper
Painting over wallpaper can work but it depends what you’re dealing with.
Some wallpapers play nicely with paint. Others… not so much.
Vinyl wallpaper tends to resist paint, so you’ll need to sand it down and use a primer first
Paper wallpaper absorbs paint more easily, but it can bubble if you’re not careful
Textured wallpaper might still show through once painted, which can affect the final finish
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the trickiest - it can lift over time, taking your paint with it
The short version? Prep makes all the difference.
A bit of sanding, sealing, and priming now can save you from peeling paint or patchy walls later. And if you’re after a really smooth finish, removing the wallpaper first is often the safer bet.
Painting over vinyl wallpaper
When it comes to painting over vinyl wallpaper, you’ll need to use the right preparation methods to achieve great results.
It is a good idea to clean the wallpaper before beginning and treating any mould at the same time. You’ll also need to use a primer or undercoat to help the paint settle over the wallpaper before painting.
Painting over textured wallpaper
The texture of the wallpaper will usually show through the paint, affecting the appearance of your walls.
You always have the option of covering your old wallpaper with plaster, but this is a difficult job to do well unless you have experience in this area.
Painting over wallpaper glue
Even after removing wallpaper, you may find your walls are still covered with wallpaper glue.
Painting over this is not a good idea either, as your finished walls will appear bumpy and clumpy when the paint mixes with the glue.
Painting and decorating: Cost Breakdown 2026
There's nothing quite like a freshly decorated room - especially when you haven't had to spend days doing it yourself! Read on to discover the average painter and decorator prices in the UK.
What should I do next?
While painting over wallpaper is possible, it’s generally not advised by decorators and the finished results tend to vary from job to job. If you want stunning, flawless walls, your best option is to hire a skilled tradesperson to remove your wallpaper and paint the walls from scratch.
Finding a tradesperson is easy, simply start your search through Checkatrade and have a look at the profiles of the tradespeople near you.
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Painter and decorators can all work slightly differently. So, it's always good to check exactly what you can expect.
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FAQs
Can you paint over lining paper?
Yes, you can paint over lining paper. In fact, lining paper makes an excellent base for wallpapering or painting. It covers small cracks and bumps, making a uniform surface that’s perfect if you plan to paint your walls.
Can you paint over patterned wallpaper?
Patterned wallpaper can create a beautiful effect in any home, however if this isn’t to your taste, it may be tempting to simply paint over the top. It’s possible to paint over patterned wallpaper, although you need to be prepared for the pattern to show through the paint.
How much does professional painting cost?
Utilising the skills of a professional painter is a great way of getting beautifully finished walls, however this will come at a cost. To help you plan your project, all the prices, factors and information you need is covered in our painter/decorator cost guide.
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