Painting over textured wallpaper is a quick and effective way to refresh a room, but it needs to be done correctly. The process will vary depending on the type of textured wallpaper you have, and its condition.
Older wall coverings often need some repair work before you can start painting over wallpaper, and before you start repairing it, you also need to identify what type of textured wallpaper you have. Textured wallpapers often have a vinyl covering, while embossed wallpaper (also known as textured wallpaper), often has a paintable surface and doesn't require the same preparation.
Here, we look at the differences and just what you need to do for long-lasting cover and a professional finish.
Identify what type of textured wallpaper you have
Think of embossed or textured wallpaper and the name Anaglypta will likely spring to mind. This is a long-established wallpaper brand well known for its classic embossed, paintable wallpapers. Stuart Murray, Owner of Retrovintage, points out how it compares with other textured wallpaper.
“Textured wallpaper is the broad category, and it includes Anaglypta, plus things like woodchip and blown vinyl. People often say Anaglypta when they mean any textured paper, but it’s actually just one brand within that wider category,” he explains.
Beyond the brand, textured wallpaper can differ and need different treatments, continues Stuart. “Different materials take paint differently, particularly paper-based embossed coverings versus vinyl-faced textures, which may need different cleaning and priming to get reliable adhesion.”
Textured and embossed wallpapers are often a good choice for period homes, and also a smart choice for imperfect walls, says Stuart. “Texture breaks up the light, so it can hide small dents, slight ripples and hairline cracks, especially with a deeper pattern. The mistake is using it to hide bigger problems underneath.
“But if the wall is dry and stable, textured wallpaper can make an imperfect surface look tidy and finished rather than bodged,” he confirms.
Stuart Murray is the owner of Retrovintage and an interiors and design expert. He advises homeowners and designers on styling choices, layout, colour, space planning and how to mix old and new within contemporary interiors.
The tools you’ll need to paint over textured wallpaper
When painting textured wallpaper you’ll need a similar set of tools as you would when painting a ceiling or a wall.
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Roller - such as this Hamilton for The Trade Medium Pile Roller Set from Amazon
- Roller extension pole (optional) - Harris Seriously Good Aluminium Extension Pole from Amazon
- Step ladder (optional) - such as this VonHaus 3 Step Ladder from Amazon
- Paint scuttle - such as this Harris Seriously Good Paint Scuttle from Amazon
- Paint kettle (optional)
- Sugar soap
- Dust sheets
A versatile cleaner and degreaser that can be used to clean walls, wallpaper and paint. This concentrated sugar soap can be diluted to the desired strength to tackle any DIY project
This set of budget-friendly 12ft x 9ft polythene dust sheets is lightweight and flexible, and gives good protection against dust, paint, paste and debris. They can be cut to fit and reused
This lightweight metal paint kettle helps make paint jobs easier. Its 2.5-litre capacity means you can add paint and reseal the original paint container, helping prevent contamination
How to paint over textured wallpaper
Textured wallpaper often has a vinyl covering that helps to protect it. But, this makes it difficult to simply paint straight over with emulsion. These are the steps you need to follow to achieve the best finish.
1. Repair and clean wallpaper
If painting over an old textured wallpaper with a vinyl covering, you will need start by repairing and cleaning the existing paper.
“If the edges of textured wallpaper are lifting, these need to be repaired before you can paint over them," says Mark Irving, building expert from Build & Plumb.
"Use a wallpaper adhesive to secure lifting sections, using a seam roller (we suggest this Axus Decor Hardwood Seam Roller from Amazon) to firmly press the paper down.”
Leave the adhesive to dry as instructed, then prepare a solution of warm water and sugar soap, and wash down the wallpaper with a clean, damp cloth without soaking the paper. Then, wash down again to remove any sugar soap residue. Leave to fully dry.
Another repair job may be required on the wallpaper seams. “If the seams of the wallpaper are noticeable, you can lightly sand these down using a fine sandpaper grade (150 to 180 grit),” says Mark.
“If you want to hide the texture of the paper completely, apply a thin coat of joint compound over the wallpaper," he suggests. "Allow it to dry and then sand it smooth before painting.”
2. Apply a primer
Before you start painting with your chosen paint type and colour, you need to apply a primer. “An oil-based primer (we recommend this Zinsser Coverstain from B&Q) is the best option," recommends Mark Irving, "as a water-based primer can potentially seep through, reactivate the wallpaper paste and make the paper bubble.”
To start, get a two-inch brush and cut in at the ceiling, corners, around fixtures and skirting boards to create a border ready for the next stage. Next, get a 9–inch roller, start in a top corner and work down and across in a V or W motion to get an even finish.
If your textured wallpaper has a deep pattern, use a deep- or medium-pile roller sleeve to get into the grooves. Once you have finished, go back and check the wallpaper for any missed areas. Use a brush to paint over any gaps to finish, and leave to dry.
3. Add top coat
Now it's time to apply your top coat. Follow the same process as the previous step, but using your top coat, generally emulsion. After one coat, leave to dry as instructed. Typically, you will need at least two coats to get a decent, deep finish.
After the second top coat, check the finish when dry. In some cases, such as where a dark colour is being covered, you may need to add a third coat.
Mark has over 20 years of experience in the building sector and has developed a wealth of knowledge about building and renovating, which he enjoys sharing with others looking to complete their own building projects.
FAQs
Should I remove the wallpaper rather than painting over it?
There’s no doubt that painting over wallpaper is much easier than removing wallpaper. It's much quicker and easier. However, it's not always the wisest option. The condition of the wallpaper is the key component in the decision-making process.
“If the wallpaper has any noticeable chips or holes, it should ideally be stripped completely," advises Mark Irving. "If it is loose, ripped or mouldy, it also needs to be removed. Painting over wallpaper in this condition can exacerbate any issues instead of covering them up,” he warns.
However, removing the wallpaper could reveal underlying issues, such as failing plaster. Mark explains how to test the wall to identify any problems. “Try tapping the wall lightly. If the plaster sounds hollow or loose, it may be detaching from the wall.”
"Or, gently press the wallpaper surface," he adds. "If the wall feels soft or spongy, the underlying plaster may need replacing. If the wall is showing up uneven or bumpy through the wallpaper as well, then this also indicates that replastering is necessary,“ he notes.
If this is the case for you, you‘ll need to carefully consider whether to strip the wall paper as this could prove costly. Repairing and painting will be the less expensive option.
If painting over textured wallpaper is not a realistic option, new wallpaper could be the answer instead. Check out our bedroom wallpaper ideas, kitchen wallpaper ideas and wall covering ideas for inspiration to adorn your walls and ceilings.
