Mark Roemer Oakland Examines If You Should Paint Over Wallpaper

Introduction

According to Mark Roemer Oakland, old wallpaper that features an outdated design can completely ruin the interior decor of the room. In some cases, the easiest solution is to simply paint over the wallpaper without removing it since it saves time and effort. However, this can cause problems under certain circumstances and do more damage to the overall look of the room.

The Details

Here are a few points that will help you decide whether you should paint over wallpaper:

1. When should you paint over the wallpaper? –

The biggest advantage of painting over wallpaper is that it allows you to save time, money, and effort. In fact, removing wallpaper that is directly attached to the drywall or plaster can cause damage to the walls beyond repair.

In such cases, you might have to replace the drywall too, which would not only cost you a lot of money but also require more effort and time. And, unless you are a DIY expert, you would require the help of professionals to remove very old wallpaper without risking damage to the walls. Also, if the existing wallpaper has a smooth finish and texture, painting over it can be very easy.

2. When should you remove the wallpaper? –

Most experts suggest you remove old wallpaper before painting to achieve a smoother finish and long-lasting result. If you want to paint over existing wallpaper, you have to prepare the walls to ensure you don’t mess up the paint job. This means you have to smooth out air bubbles, deal with rips and tears, fix frayed edges, and remove as much dust as possible.

However, if your wallpaper has a metallic or glittery texture and patterns, the end result would not look good since they would show through the paint and result in an uneven finish. So, if you are not sure whether you could achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish, it is better to remove the wallpaper altogether before painting the wall.

3. What type of paint is suitable for painting over wallpaper- 

Generally, the type of paint best suitable for painting over the wallpaper will depend on the type of wallpaper and its existing pattern and finish. Generally, you should always use an oil-based or latex primer to prepare it before applying the topcoat. You should avoid using water-based primer since it can cause the wallpaper to become loose.

Also, if your wallpaper has a vinyl finish, has a heavy pattern, or features heavily contrasting colors, it is necessary to clean the area and prepare it thoroughly before applying several coats of paint. Otherwise, you won’t get a good finish. You might also have to use a special undercoat or primer to adequately cover up the patterns.

Conclusion

Mark Roemer Oakland suggests you consider hiring a professional painter to ask for their advice on this matter if you cannot decide on your own. An experienced professional can make the correct decision and will have your back if the results don’t turn out as expected.