emulsion wallpaper

[caramba22242]

To save time is it possible to emulsion straight onto a floral wallpaper and cover the pattern. If it is possible , how many coats are we talking about???

[patriciather]

ive done it,, it covered with two coats   and the pattern of the wallpaper i emulsioned was a bold pattern ,good luck!

[willowherb]

you can buy one coat paint that covers all..if you want some money off paint vouchers ..type in dulux and do a search and they have all their paint and colours on their web site..they will send you swatches out within 4 days and money off coupons..

[BenDToy]

Just a word of warning. If the wallcovering is "vinyl" ie plastic coated paper, then you won't have much success putting emulsion paint on it. It will just wipe off - that's why vinyl was invented in the first place. If you do have wallpaper then it should be ok. How do you tell the difference? One is plastic, the other is paper. May not be quite that easy - try rubbing a wet finger on the surface. If the coating comes off, it is paper.

[cassimer]

It is possible but are you sure you want to?
You can always see the lines of the wallpaper, even on really tidy papering which looks rubbish.
I know its time consuming but the best answer is to strip it and start over...

[Uriah Heep]

The problem might be the pattern on the paper.  Some have a plastic like finish on some of the flower petals which makes for different absorbtion rates.  I have to agree with cassimer most of the time the paper shows through.  In fact it exagerates any flaws or poor workmanship, especially if you use a silk emulsion.  Always best to strip off the old paper and much better than having to do it after wasting time and money painting.

[The Tiggster]

It is possible providing it isn't vinyl as lots of decorators use 1000 grade lining paper & emulsion over to give the apperance of a painted wall.

However the trick is to fill in the gaps between the edges with polyfilla or similar & sanding down when dry. Apply sparingly just like you would fill a hole in a wall, with a putty knife or similar. I've done it with great sucess.

Also watch that the paper is well stuck on the wall, especially the edges as the wet can make it rise up.

[dmsjps]

Yes, you can do it and depending on the quality of the paint (i.e. cheap or decent quality), it will probably take 2 coats. I've always found that if I want to cover a slightly 'glossy' surface, as with raised 'plastic-type' wallpaper, it's best to paint the whole lot with a coloured vinyl matt emulsion first (preferably slightly paler than the colour you want to finish with, but if your final colour will be quite pale, white will probably do anyway) and then paint over with the colour of your choice. Deep, rich colours that have a 'clear' base will probably need an extra coat, whereas pale, pastel colours that have a 'white' base will only need two coats (or maybe one if you're lucky).

 

I've found that painting over paper is a good, cheap, 'quick-fix' make-over idea, and it will give your room a new lease of life for 6 months or so, but it's always better to completely strip the old stuff and start over. It's a horrible job, but it's worth it in the end.