Wallpaper can hide a lot: old plaster, cracks, past repairs and sometimes another layer of wallpaper underneath. Painting straight over it might seem like a shortcut, but it usually leads to bubbling, peeling seams and a finish that looks worse than before.
Here’s what’s involved in removing wallpaper before painting, and when painting over it can work.
Why painting over wallpaper usually fails
- Paint adds moisture, which can loosen the wallpaper adhesive and cause it to lift.
- Seams and edges show through the paint and often peel first.
- Textured or vinyl wallpaper keeps its pattern under the paint.
- If you decide to remove it later, it becomes far harder once it’s painted.
When painting over wallpaper can work
Occasionally, removal isn’t practical. If the wallpaper is firmly stuck everywhere, has no lifting seams, isn’t vinyl or heavily textured, and the wall underneath is fragile older plaster that could be damaged by stripping, painting over it may be the better option. In that case the wallpaper needs sealing with a suitable primer first, and seams need filling and sanding.
How wallpaper removal works
- Protect the room. Floors and skirting boards are covered, and power points are masked off, because water and electricity don’t mix.
- Test a corner. Some wallpaper peels away in sheets, while other types need soaking or scoring.
- Score the surface. For vinyl or painted wallpaper, the top layer is scored so moisture can reach the adhesive.
- Soak or steam. Warm water with a wallpaper stripping solution, or a steamer, softens the glue.
- Scrape carefully. Paper is removed with a broad scraper, working gently to avoid gouging the plaster.
- Wash off the glue. Leftover adhesive must be washed off completely, or paint won’t stick.
- Repair the wall. Gouges, cracks and torn plaster paper are filled and sanded smooth.
- Prime. A sealer or primer goes on before the top coats.
What you might find underneath
Older Melbourne homes often hide surprises behind wallpaper:
- Multiple layers of older wallpaper
- Damaged or crumbling plaster
- Patched repairs and past water damage
- Hessian or scrim backing in very old homes
- Cracks that were papered over rather than fixed
None of these are disasters, but they do affect how long the job takes. A good painter will tell you what they’ve found and what it means before pushing on.
Plaster repairs after removal
It’s common for walls to need patching once wallpaper comes off, especially around corners, switches and skirting boards. In some cases, badly damaged walls are better skim-coated to give a smooth, even surface. Doing this properly is what separates a wall that looks brand new from one where every old repair shows through the paint.
How long does it take?
Removal varies hugely. Modern, strippable wallpaper in one room might come off in a few hours. Several layers of old paper on fragile plaster can take days, plus repair and drying time before painting starts. That’s why quotes for wallpaper removal are often given as a range until the first section comes off.
One team for stripping, repairs and painting
Wallpaper removal usually needs plastering work afterwards, so it helps to have one team handle both. Expert Painting and Renovation is a family-run, Aussie-local company based in Richmond, with more than 9 years of experience as Melbourne painters. We also offer plastering repairs and interior painting, so your walls are repaired and finished properly.
FAQ
Can I paint over wallpaper?
Sometimes, but it’s rarely the best result. Seams and texture usually show through, and paint can loosen the adhesive.
How do I know if my wallpaper is vinyl?
Vinyl feels slightly plastic and doesn’t absorb water easily. It generally needs scoring before soaking.
Will removing wallpaper damage my walls?
Some damage is common, especially in older homes. Filling and sanding, or a skim coat, restores a smooth surface.
Do I need to prime after removing wallpaper?
Yes. Priming seals the surface and any residual adhesive, so the paint bonds properly.
Ready to say goodbye to old wallpaper? Contact Expert Painting and Renovation for a quote.
About Expert Painting & Renovation
Expert Painting and Renovation is an Aussie-local, family-run company based in Richmond, Melbourne, with more than 9 years of experience in residential and commercial painting and renovation. Our specialists deliver premium workmanship, timely service and durable finishes designed for Melbourne homes.
- Ceiling crack repairs
- Sagging ceiling restoration
- Water‑damaged ceiling repairs
- Cornice replacement
- Full plastering services
- Interior & exterior painting
- Weatherboard restoration
- Deck & timber maintenance
- Roof painting
- Rendering & texture coating
- Commercial Painting
- Plastering Services
- House Painting
Whether you need maintenance advice, a single-room refresh or a full home makeover, our team is just a call away.
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