So you’re stuck with the task of choosing whether to strip the wallpaper or leave it and paint over it.
As most people, you are probably unsure of which is better. Removing the wallpaper usually results in wall damage this is particularly true if it has been there for many years. In this article, you will find tips and tricks to help you in your painting adventure.
There are many steps that need to be done before you can start painting over wallpaper. We spend so much time and effort trying to take if off then we think, why not paint over it? Painting over wallpaper is a great alternative to removing wallpaper. Although it is not as easy as it looks.
First, you need to clean the surface with a TSP. This stands for trisodium phosphate. This is mainly used for environmental reasons but can be used here as well. After applied, rinse the surface with a clean cloth and water so the cleaner is removed. Allow the wall enough time to dry after rinsing.
Check your wall for bubbles, loose seams and torn or peeling edges.Mark the spots with chalk. Don’t use markers since the ink could bleed through when the wallpaper is painted.Using a sharp knife, cut verticals and horizontal lines in the center. Open and glue down.The other spots that tend to peel off, simply apply glue.
If there is damage to the wall, for example, dents or gouges, you may need to apply a spackle or joint compound. This very well may need to be applied in many layers. You can use a sander to sand away the excess compound. You will also need to sand the exposed wall. When doing this be sure the surfaces are even with the rest of the wall. Brush off the dust when done. If you leave the dust, it will alter the look of the wall when painting.
You need to apply a sealer to the wallpaper. Although this is an optional step you may want to do this just to be safe. The point of a sealer is just in case the wallpaper loosens. Be sure to use a shellac sealer or an oil based. Make sure it is not a water based sealer. A water based sealer will make the wallpaper loosen from the wall which results in peeling of the wallpaper and time wasted.
Tape the areas, baseboards, windows and trim that you do not want to paint.You should make sure that there are not any spaces as the paint could run and possibly get under the tape or cover the edges and corners you didn’t want to be painted.
Apply an oil-based primer to all of the wallpapered areas. This should be a shellac primer or an oil based primer. After you have applied your primer, lightly sand the wallpaper, especially where there was compound or spackle applied. Double check the wall for any missed areas. Let sit overnight. Using the second coat is recommended. A tinted primer will provide a greater result for this type of painting. Make sure the primer you choose is one to two shades lighter than the paint color you chose.
In situations like this where you are choosing to paint over your wallpaper, you may opt for an oil-based paint. A latex based paint can loosen the wallpaper underneath. Applying two coats of paint is optimal. You should always wait 24 hours before painting on the second coat. For best results very lightly sand the first coat before you apply the second.
If you have attentively done all of the steps mentioned you are ready painting over wallpaper.
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