Many homeowners enjoy the look of wallpaper. It can hide wall imperfections and add unique textures and patterns. Quality vinyl wallpaper can last up to 15 years with little care.
But, some homeowners might not like the durability of wallpaper. Designs from decades ago might not match modern decor. Paint is often preferred for its affordability, ease of use, and quick updates.
Key Takeaways
- Wallpaper can last up to 15 years with proper installation and maintenance, but may not match modern decor.
- Paint is a preferred option for many homeowners due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of application, and ability to be quickly updated.
- Removing wallpaper before painting generally results in a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
- Painting over wallpaper can be a viable option in some cases, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
- Professional painters are recommended for wallpaper removal to ensure a high-quality finish.
The Dilemma: Wallpaper vs. Paint
Choosing between wallpaper and paint for home decor can be tough. Both have their own perks, but the choice depends on the current state of your walls and your future plans.
Wallpaper adds texture and patterns that paint can’t match. It’s great for hiding imperfections and making a bold statement. Yet, it might not last as long as you’d like, as trends change.
Paint, on the other hand, is simpler to apply and cheaper. It’s easy to change up, perfect for those who like to refresh their space often. The paint application ease makes DIY projects a breeze.
Deciding to remove wallpaper or just paint over it depends on several things. These include the wallpaper’s condition, your plans for the space, and your preference for wallpaper benefits or paint advantages. Thinking carefully about these points will help you choose the best option for your updating home decor needs.
The recommendation is to invest in proper wall preparation as the outcome of any painting project is only as good as the surface it is applied to.
When to Remove Wallpaper Before Painting
Removing wallpaper before painting is usually the best choice for lasting results. If the wallpaper has a textured surface or seams, these can show through the paint. Also, paint moisture can loosen the wallpaper adhesive, causing it to detach or bubble over time.
But, deciding to remove wallpaper depends on the walls’ condition and your future plans. Wallpaper removal can be hard and time-consuming, more so with multiple layers or older homes. It can also damage the drywall if not done carefully.
“Once wallpaper is painted over, it becomes significantly harder to remove.”
Choosing to remove wallpaper before painting has its benefits. It avoids visible seams and textures and prevents adhesive issues. But, it’s important to consider the difficulties of wallpaper removal and the risk of drywall damage. Sometimes, preparing the surface with sanding, spackle, or caulk, and applying an oil-based primer can be a good alternative to full removal.
Challenges of Wallpaper Removal
Removing wallpaper can be tough for many homeowners. Over the last 20 years, many challenges have been seen in Northern Virginia. Mold growth under the wallpaper is a big problem, caused by moisture trapped between the wall and the paper. Also, glue left on the wallboard after removal can be hard to get rid of and might need a pro to fix.
Some wallpapers are very hard to remove and need special techniques. This includes using professional solutions and covering the area with plastic. When wallpaper is glued directly to unprimed wallboard, it can lift the top layer of sheetrock. This requires careful skim coating and sanding to smooth it out. Many homeowners choose to hire professionals for wallpaper removal because it’s complex and affects future paint jobs.
“Consideration must be given to the possible damage to sheetrock and the extra work needed if wallpaper removal is not done right.”
Old homes often have wallpaper that’s 40 to 50 years old. Floral print wallpapers were everywhere back then. Newer homes built in the last 10 to 20 years rarely have this problem. Prepping walls for painting over wallpaper is hard, but using an oil-based primer sealer can help. It ensures better paint adhesion and lasts longer.
Painting over wallpaper is easier and doesn’t risk damaging the drywall. But, wallpaper removal is better for wallpapers over 15 years old. This is because of hidden layers, peeling, and less adhesive with paint. Hiring professional painters for wallpaper removal and repainting gives a fresh, lasting look to the walls.
Remove Wallpaper or Just Paint Over It
Choosing to remove wallpaper or paint over it depends on several factors. These include the wallpaper’s condition, the homeowner’s plans for the space, and the risks of each option. Experts usually suggest removing wallpaper for better results and to avoid future problems.
But, painting over wallpaper might work if it’s not too old (less than 15 years) and you plan to change the space soon. This is a good choice if removing the wallpaper could harm the drywall. Homeowners should think carefully about weighing options for wallpaper vs paint. They might want to get professional wallpaper removal services if they’re not sure or don’t have the right skills.
The benefits of wallpaper removal include a lasting fix. Wallpaper that peels off means the adhesive is failing, which could get worse. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, removing the wallpaper is better. This is because painting over it becomes much harder to remove later. Also, painted-over wallpaper might need repairs if there are multiple layers, which could damage the drywall or plaster.
