Why Painting Over Old Wallpaper is a Terrible Idea

You can’t help but feel that your current wallpaper looks dreadful. Perhaps it is peeling in some places, or the design itself is tacky and outdated. Whatever the case, you are sure that it definitely cannot stay. But do you really have to go through the effort of removing it?

It is understandable that you want to avoid the trouble. An amateur with little experience in removing wallpaper might even end up damaging the drywall, or simply do a poor job. Because of this, many homeowners would much rather just paint over the paper and call it a day.

This is almost always a terrible idea, however. You might not notice the effects at first, but there are some serious disadvantages to this method.

1. Marks and damage — Any blemishes on your wallpaper will ruin your paint job. Cracks, peeling, bubbles, and other noticeable imperfections will stick out like a sore thumb once you have applied a new coat of paint. The same applies for wallpapers with faint textures. Basically, if it is anything other than a perfectly even surface, it just won’t do.
2. Colour bleeding — Does your wallpaper have bold colours and patterns? If so, there is a strong chance that the colours and images will bleed through the paint, creating a very unattractive finish. This will usually end up looking even worse than just your old wallpaper itself.
3. Future problems — Unless the wallpaper is extremely durable and high quality, it will eventually start deteriorating. It might only start peeling a year after the paint job, but when it starts, you will have a complete nightmare on your hands. A little effort now can save you headaches in the future.

Remember, there is never a need to settle for a substandard paint job. If your home’s walls need a complete makeover, you can always count on us to help you out. Give us a call, and we will be more than happy to assist you.