Anybody here ever paint over wallpaper?

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

How'd it go?

I just got a new apartment and there is hideous wallpaper in every room - tons of it. The paper is hung well (hey stop that dirty mind!) and there are no bubbles. It's pretty smooth too - no tooth to it. The seams are pretty subtle and the corners are sharp. So - should I paint over it or take the time to do it right?

[SoCalDem]

1. Don't do it.. The paper has "absorbed" stuff that will bleed through

the paint...and the seams will really show.. Remove the paper..and then paint:)

I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but I speak from experience :(

You had better get permission from the landlord too.. wallpaper is expensive, and he/she might hit the roof if you "change" it without permission..

[supernova]

2. Absolutely

get permission and then take it down.

You can get some spray on goop from the hardware store that does a very good job at taking the wallpaper down. I took down some wallpaper in my bathroom that had been up since I was in high school in the mid seventies. It came off in sheets, easy.

[HFishbine]

3. I never used the "goop"

I've used a steamer (that you can rent from a tool-supply place). They work very well too. I would also recommend against painting over wallpaper. (Steamers work very well on wall PAPER, if it's some kind of vinal crap, don't bother. If your unsure, rub a wet sponge on the surface and see if it soaks in or just runs down the wall)

[supernova]

6. That's how I discovered

the wallpaper would come off pretty easily.

Though it wasn't steam. I looked at the walls one day and tried to think of what would lift the paper off. I remembered that stickers and such will come up if you heat them up a little.

So I ironed a part of the wall. I set the Iron on low heat and heated the wallpaper just enough to melt the glue. It peeled like a peach.

But I decided I couldn't stand there and hold the iron up forever, so I got the goop.

[SoCalDem]

7. Most "modern" wallpaper comes off very easily (my cat removed mine)

:grr:


anyway.. If you can pick at it and catch a corner.. steady tension on it will usually just peel it off in big strips..

You must wash the walls thoroughly afterwards to remove the paper adhesive stuck to the walls before you paint..

[Misunderestimator]

4. Don't to it.... You should take the wallpaper down first.

I've tried it, and regretted it immensely. And it will be even more difficult to get the paper down after you paint over it... once you've decided you made a mistake. :)

[NJCher]

5. if the above posters are right

about the ease of taking down wallpaper, take it down. But if it's not so easy, I don't think painting over is such a bad solution.

Of course, speak to the landlord first. If you do something that makes it more difficult to take down the existing wallpaper, he/she can hold onto your security deposit.

I've had apartments where someone painted over the paper and I didn't think it looked that bad. But maybe that's just me.


Cher

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

8. Thanks everybody - upon your remarks I think I'll do it the right way

And take the paper down. I have a month to do i t before my fiancé moves in to our new pad so I'll be patient!

'preciate it folks - as usual you guys rule!

[LynneSin]

9. DON'T DO A THING until you check with the landlord

You don't want the landlord socking you with a massive bill when you move out because you painted over (or removed) the wallpaper.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

10. I asked her if I could paint. She immediately said of course. I didn't

specificaly mention taking down the wallpaper but the couple who moved out did a HORRIBLE 1 coat paint job over the wallpaper in the 2 bedrooms.

I assumed wallpaper removal would be fine based on her response and the condition of the place right now.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

12. She even offered to by the paint n/t

[Misunderestimator]

14. I'm sure that taking the paper down will be fine... and you should

definitely take her up on the buying the paint offer.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

15. Believe me - anything I do will improve the apartment and she didn't seem

to be too concerned.

[Claire Beth]

11. do not paint over wallpaper...

take it down first.

[testing123]

13. If you make a mistake you can peel it off later on

:evilgrin: