Painted Walls and Wallpaper Installation
Painted walls can leave you puzzled. The wallpaper works best with eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paints. You should not apply wallpaper to latex paint because it will likely tear when you remove the wallpaper.
You should also avoid applying wallpaper directly to drywall. In the case of paste-the-wall wallpaper, the drywall can absorb the paste, leaving little for the paper. Before using the paste, it is best to seal the wall with a primer. It also prevents moisture from absorbing into the wall, preventing mould and fungus growth.
The type of paint used to paint the wall is also necessary. Removable wallpaper has difficulty adhering to stain blocking, scrubbable, and low-VOC paints.
Wallpaper adheres better to non-shiny surfaces because matte and flat finish paints are rough. They also tend to lift off the wall after installation That's why we don't recommend using them.
Painted Walls To Avoid
The nature and quality of the paint beneath can significantly affect the removal process.
Recently Painted Walls
Wet paint is not your friend. If you have recently painted a wall, wait 30 days before applying wallpaper. Even if the wall's surface feels dry to the touch, the layers beneath may still contain moisture, or the paint colour may be outgassing. It can result in bubble formation after your wallpaper is installed. In the worst case scenario, your wallpaper may even come off ultimately.
Satin Blocking Walls
Anything trying to bond with the walls is blocked while using stain blocking paints. You can only know if a wall previously painted by a former owner or tenant is stain blocking. As a general guide, oil based paints are more prone to stain blocking. This doesn't mean they all are, but if you suspect your paint is oil based, testing with a sample will be great. Getting a sample and trying it on the wall is the only way to test if you have stain blocking paint.
Low Or Zero VOC Walls
Low or zero-VOC paints are an excellent eco friendly alternative to wall painting and ecological home sustainability because they reduce the number of volatile compounds released into the environment.
Walls with low or zero VOC paints pose a challenge for wallpaper installation. They cause the wallpaper to lift from the wall due to improper bonding. A simple solution is to clean the wall with a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water, let it dry completely, and then install the wallpaper.
Cracked Paints
Covering wallpaper over any cracks or splits where drywall sections are separating will almost result in popped wallpaper seams and visible irregularities in the wall.
Remove all cracked paint from the damaged areas using paint sanders, scrapers, or heat guns. Precoat and seal the surfaces with the appropriate primer. Sand the area, smoothly, precoat, and fill the surfaces with the proper primer. Also, consider painting it with a single coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How To Prepare Walls Before Wallpaper Installation?
Ans: To remove or break through the old paint, sand the wall with coarse sandpaper. A good quality primer needs to be used.
Q: Can you install peel and stick wallpaper on painted walls?
Ans: Yes! You can put peel and stick wallpaper over the painted walls. Wait for at least 30 days, for the walls to completely dry before wallpaper installation.
Q: What should I use to prime my walls before wallpapering?
Ans: Depending on the surface type, priming your walls with acrylic, alkyd, or PVA primer will ensure that your wallpaper adheres properly to the surface without damaging the wall. Primer acts as a barrier between the wall and the paper, preventing adhesive from over bonding with the wall material.