Can i emulsion over wallpaper

Sand the drywall compound with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it and make it level with the wallpaper surface. Wash the wallpaper with a degreasing cleaner and damp cloth. Follow the degreaser package directions. Bob Vila suggests using trisodium phosphate TSP. Apply a thin coat of primer or shellac to the wallpaper's surface using a paintbrush or roller.

Work in a small area at a time. Blend overlapping strokes for an even finish. Evaluate the primer or shellac coverage after the first coat dries. Apply a second coat if the wallpaper pattern shows through the first coat. Paint the wallpaper using a roller or paintbrush. Work in small sections of wall. Blend overlapping strokes for even coverage.

Allow the paint for wallpaper to dry. Evaluate the paint coverage to determine whether you need a third coat. The best way to cover textured wallpaper may be with a third coat. Start in one corner and work across the wall in sections. Work the roller in a W motion and fill in the spaces as you go, as demonstrated in the video below. Search Searching Wishlist Sign In. PaintTalk Mon - Fri: - But what if I'm a short-term renter? What if I don't have time or interest in the sometimes painstaking process of removing wallpaper or don't want to risk harming the wall behind it?

It is possible, says Pleasants. She points out that in most cases, this would happen in a commercial setting—where developers don't have the patience to remove yards upon yards of wallpaper—but the method can be applied residentially. First of all, she strongly urges you to work with a professional painter, as this project isn't your standard room recolor. Next, a few warnings:. One, if you want to take the paper down eventually , it's best to just bite the bullet and do that now; painting over it is no short-term solution.

In fact, paint on top of wallpaper will make it much harder to remove the wallpaper down the line. You'll also want to take a good look at the texture of your wallpapered wall.

Next, you'll want to prep the wall the same way you would for any paint job : Make sure the wall is clean and dust-free, then invest in a good primer to go on ahead of your chosen paint color. Far from being an optional precursor, Pleasants says, this step is key.