I've had questions about our Alabama home and I think we might just paint over the existing wallpaper in the kitchen. Have any of you done this? I've had someone say that we should use Kilz paint as a primer and then paint over that.
Anyone have any advice on painting over wallpaper? We are just doing it so we can sell the house...no time to remove the wallpaper...nor patience.

By Missmudd on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 09:58 pm:

I dont know about how to do it but I know that 2 rooms in our house have paint over wallpaper and it looks fine. Actually in our bathroom it had a slight raised effect from the old wallpaper that added a nice texture to the walls. I think the quality of the wallpaper would be the deciding factor. If it is on really well, no bubbles, no peeling I think it should work out ok. Might be a good risk considering your wallpaper horror stories.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 09:59 pm:

I've heard that you should use kilz before painting over the wallpaper as well, although I've never done it. Sorry I'm not more help!

By Mrse on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 10:43 pm:

MY mom painted over her wallpaper, but it had so many wringles in the paper, it looked ok but you just could not look at it too closly. I would inspected the wall paper very carefully. If you were staying in the house I would say definaltely take the paper off, but if you are selling ,it should be ok.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 11:25 pm:

Here are some websites about painting over wallpaper:
http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/faq17.html

http://www.wallpaperinstaller.com/wallpaper_faq.html#11


http://www.pagewise.com/paint-over-wallpaper.htm


I skimmed several other articles. By and large, they say if the paper is tight or you can, with Elmers Glue, glue down any loose seams, cut any bubbles and glue the paper down in that area, etc., and use a good oil based primer, you can paint. But you may have to sand any seams that show after putting on the primer, and especially at the edge of any border, and re-prime before you paint.