Wallpaper and Painting

[jayn]

Does wallpaper have to be removed before painting the walls?

[incitatus]

If the wallpaper is well attached to the wall you can paint over it, but you will still be able to see any patterns and the dges of the rolls as raised pieces.

[MistyLady]

Depends if you are staying put for a long time!!! From bitter experience I know that if you ever wanted to removed the wallpaper (after a couple of coats have been applied)you may require the services of a plasterer! This is what numerous victims of woodchip have discovered, my parents for example had to hire an industrial steamer and then a plasterer, as the paper came off so did the plaster attached to it!! Be Warned.

[dog]

do a proper job !!! it is so annoying having people paint over - or even paper over old wallpaper. Remove the wall paper - sand down and fill holes, then use a plaster sealer or weak PVA solution painted on prior to painting. Trust me - ot will look dreadful and obviously like you've painted on wallpaper