Painters and decorators
Can you paint over wallpaper?
Yes, you can paint sound, firmly attached wallpaper after suitable preparation. First check what paper is on the wall and whether its maker allows painting. If it is loose, ripped or affected by mould, remove it rather than coating over the problem.
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22); [2] Zinsser UK (accessed 2026-09-22); [4] Graham & Brown (accessed 2026-09-22).
Paint, repair or remove?
| What you find | Next move |
|---|---|
| Paper is sound, clean, dry and well adhered | Painting is an option if the paper and chosen coating are compatible. |
| An isolated lifted edge; the rest remains sound | Re-adhere the loose piece, then reassess before painting. |
| Paper is loose across the wall, ripped or mould affected | Remove it. Investigate the cause of mould before deciding the next finish. |
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22); [2] Zinsser UK (accessed 2026-09-22).
Dulux Decorator Centre generally recommends removal before painting the wall. Keeping the paper is a condition-based choice, especially when its texture is meant to remain visible.
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22).
Identify the paper before choosing paint
Existing decorative paper needs a condition and compatibility check. For vinyl, Dulux limits its painting advice to paintable types used with an oil-based primer. That is not an assurance about an unknown vinyl paper.
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22).
Paper sold specifically for painting may have different instructions. Erfurt MAV says its Professional Lining Paper can be finished with emulsion once thoroughly dry. Graham & Brown says its own paintable wallpaper needs no primer and recommends waiting at least 36 hours after hanging before painting. Follow the instructions for the paper actually on the wall; if its identity is unknown, do not assume a primer or coating will suit it.
Sources: [3] Erfurt MAV (accessed 2026-09-22); [4] Graham & Brown (accessed 2026-09-22).
Prepare only the paper you have decided to keep
Re-adhere isolated loose pieces and fill holes or cracks where needed. Clean without soaking the paper, then let it dry. Excess moisture can damage wallpaper; the coating example below also requires a clean, dry, well-adhered surface.
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22); [2] Zinsser UK (accessed 2026-09-22).
Check the selected coating's instructions
Zinsser Wallpaper Cover-Up is one product-specific example. Zinsser's guide requires a clean, dry surface and wallpaper that is firmly attached. Under normal drying conditions, leave at least four hours before overpainting. That interval belongs to this product; check the current instructions for whichever coating you select.
Sources: [2] Zinsser UK (accessed 2026-09-22).
Agree what the finished wall should look like
Paint changes colour, but a raised wallpaper texture can remain visible. A strong printed pattern may also show through without enough covering. Treat texture and print coverage as separate finish checks.
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22); [5] Wickes (accessed 2026-09-22).
Think about the next redecoration too. Painted wallpaper can be harder to strip later. If a smooth wall or easy future removal matters more than keeping the present paper, include removal in the decision now.
Sources: [1] Dulux Decorator Centre (accessed 2026-09-22).