How to Handle Painted-Over Wallpaper (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Finding painted-over wallpaper in your home can feel a bit like stumbling across a time capsule from decades past—interesting, but also a bit daunting. You might wonder, Who on earth painted over this in the first place? And more importantly, What do I do now?

Many older Kiwi homes come with wallpaper hiding under layers of paint, which can cause headaches for homeowners wanting a fresh, modern look. If that’s you, fear not! Let’s talk through your options, weigh the pros and cons, and highlight a few pitfalls to steer clear of.

Option 1: Leave It and Paint Over It (Again)

If you’re not keen on a big project, your first instinct might be: Eh, I’ll just paint it again and call it a day. And honestly, it can work—sort of.

Why It Works:

• It’s quick, easy on the wallet, and won’t eat up your weekends.
• It’s a decent short-term fix if you just need things looking tidy.

Why It Doesn’t:

• The wallpaper might already be on its last legs. If it bubbles or peels, more layers of paint won’t fix that.
• Seams and imperfections will still show, especially if you use anything glossier than a matte finish.

Best Approach:

• Lightly sand the existing paint to dull any sheen.
• Roll on an oil-based primer to seal everything (wallpaper glue sometimes bleeds through water-based paint).
• Stick to a low-sheen or matte finish to hide minor flaws.

Option 2: Skim Coat and Prime

A happy middle ground between do-nothing and full reno is to skim coat. This means applying a thin layer of joint compound over seams and textured spots to create a more even surface.

Why It Works:

• You won’t have to scrape off every bit of old wallpaper.
• It can look pretty pro if done right.

Why It’s a Hassle:

• Skim coating can be time-consuming: you’ll be mixing compound, applying layers, and sanding—a lot.
• If you’re new to this, you might end up spending even more time fixing mistakes.

Best Approach:

• Spread a light, even layer of compound over seams and flaws.
• Let it dry fully, then sand it nice and smooth.
• Lock it in with an oil-based primer.
• Finish with your paint of choice.

Option 3: Remove the Wallpaper Entirely

For the perfectionists, nothing beats tearing it all out and starting fresh. It’s the “clean slate” approach.

Why It Works:

• Zero seams, zero peeling, zero hidden surprises (once you’re done).
• It’s easily the most thorough, long-term solution.

Why It’s Daunting:

• Removing wallpaper can turn into a marathon. If it’s been on the wall for decades (or if multiple layers are glued together), it could take steamers, solvents, patience, and a fair bit of elbow grease.
• There’s always the risk of uncovering damaged plaster or walls that need repair.

Best Approach:

• Score the wallpaper surface (so the solution soaks in).
• Apply a wallpaper stripping solution or use a steamer.
• Gently scrape and peel away sections.
• Repair any damaged areas before priming and painting.

Option 4: Cover with New Drywall or Lining Paper

When the wallpaper just won’t budge—or you simply can’t face another day of scraping—sometimes you’re better off covering it up. Installing new drywall or using lining paper can give you that pristine finish without the headache of total removal.

Why It Works:

• Great for especially stubborn wallpaper that’s super hard to remove.
• Lining paper is an affordable “middle-of-the-road” fix, while new drywall is the gold standard for a flawless result.

Why It’s Overkill (Sometimes):

• Putting up new drywall can be pricey and will slightly reduce the size of your room.
• Lining paper still requires careful application to avoid visible seams or bubbles.

Best Approach:

• If the wallpaper is firmly attached and not peeling, lining paper does a solid job.
• For more significant issues or a perfect final look, consider installing a thin sheet of drywall.

What Not To Do

• Skip the Primer – You really don’t want to risk the wallpaper glue bleeding through.
• Use Water-Based Paint Directly Over Wallpaper – The moisture can loosen the wallpaper, causing bubbles or peeling.
• Ignore the Seams – If they’re visible before you paint, they’ll practically scream at you once you’re done.

Final Thoughts

Tackling painted-over wallpaper is often a balance of time, budget, and how perfect you want the end result. Painting over it might be tempting for a quick fix, but investing a bit more effort—whether skim coating, removing the wallpaper, or covering it up—usually pays off in the long run.

Whichever route you take, remember to keep calm, stay patient, and do it right the first time. Future you (and your future paint job) will thank you!