Engel Coatings Inc. helps Las Cruces homeowners solve common painting challenges, including answering questions like, “Can you paint over wallpaper?” Many property owners face outdated wallpaper and wonder whether painting offers a quick solution without the hassle of removal. The team shares a few tips to guide homeowners on this decision.
When Painting Over Wallpaper Works in Las Cruces Homes
Las Cruces homeowners can paint over wallpaper when the material remains smooth, firmly attached, and free from damage. The wallpaper adhesive must hold strongly across the entire wall surface; no loose spots, no lifting seams, and no flapping edges.
Surface preparation becomes critical for a successful paint application. Professionals are often happy to repaint over:
Smooth or lightly textured wallpaper without deep patterns
Firmly bonded wallpaper adhesive with no loose or peeling sections
Single wallpaper layers (without multiple applications underneath)
Clean surfaces free from dirt, grease, and moisture damage
Flat seams that create minimal ridges between strips
Heavily patterned or textured surfaces may show through paint layers, creating an uneven appearance.
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper To Avoid Removing It?
Industry professionals like This Old House recommend removing flawed wallpaper before painting. This is also good advice for the Las Cruces climate. Painting over damaged or unsuitable wallpaper can create ugly textures, bubbles, and peeling. Paint will emphasize flaws, not conceal them.
Moisture proves especially problematic for wallpaper in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. High humidity separates wallpaper from the walls, even after painting. That’s why surface preparation is so crucial to the paintwork’s final aesthetic and durability.
Expert Surface Preparation Steps for Sealing Wallpaper
When conditions allow for painting over wallpaper, trusted painters in Las Cruces, like Engel Coatings Inc., will follow specific preparation protocols. For example, it’s important to clean surfaces carefully with mild detergent, but only using just enough moisture to remove dirt without saturating the paper.
Professionals also glue down loose edges and lightly sand raised seams before applying a thorough primer coat. The wall texture appears more uniform after proper priming. Finishing with topcoats in satin or eggshell sheens resists wear while minimizing minor imperfections.
Challenges With Painting Over Wallpaper in Las Cruces
So, can you paint over wallpaper? Yes, but even with excellent surface preparation, certain limitations remain.
Seam visibility is a common concern where wallpaper strips meet. These ridges create faint lines that show through the finish, particularly under bright lighting conditions. Once homeowners seal wallpaper with paint, its removal also becomes more difficult and time-consuming.
Before making the call, experienced painting contractors will always assess multiple factors, including
Testing wallpaper adhesive strength
Evaluating wall texture concerns
Considering moisture exposure
Selecting appropriate paint primers
If wallpaper proves unsuitable for painting, skilled contractors will also remove it safely without damaging the underlying drywall.
About Engel Coatings Inc.
Can you paint over wallpaper in all situations? Local homeowners are welcome to contact Engel Coatings Inc. at (575) 642-5481 for professional painting services and advice on things like timing between paint coats. The professionals deliver durable, attractive finishes that last for years, which is why residential and commercial clients throughout southern New Mexico rely on them.
