Thinking about giving your walls a fresh new look without repainting? Wallpaper might be the perfect solution—but what if your walls are already painted? Can you put wallpaper over paint without issues? Yes, you can put wallpaper over paint—but certain conditions must be met for the best results. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying wallpaper over different types of paint, from latex to lacquer.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Paint?
Yes, you can put wallpaper over painted walls—but it depends on the type of paint and the condition of the surface. For wallpaper to adhere properly, the paint must leave behind a slightly porous (absorbent) surface once it’s fully dry. The surface should also be smooth and even to ensure the wallpaper lays flat and looks clean. Let’s take a closer look at which painted surfaces work best for wallpaper and what you should know before getting started.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Latex Paint?
Latex paint is one of the most common types of interior wall paint, and in most cases, you can apply wallpaper over it. When latex paint dries, it often leaves an absorbent surface, which helps wallpaper glue bond well.
However, some latex paints—especially semi-gloss or glossy finishes—can leave behind a slick surface. In those cases, it’s best to apply a wallpaper primer (also known as wallpaper sizing) before installation. This helps the wallpaper stick more securely and reduces the chances of peeling or curling along the edges over time.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Silk Paint?
Silk paint describes the light-reflective quality or gloss level of the painted surface. It usually has a soft sheen that’s smoother than matte but not as shiny as full gloss. While silk paint can be either water-based, latex, or acrylic, its slight glossiness can make wallpaper adhesion more difficult.
If your walls are painted with silk paint, it’s highly recommended to lightly sand the surface to remove some of the sheen. Then, apply a wallpaper primer to create an ideal base for wallpaper. This will significantly improve adhesion and long-term durability.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Acrylic Paint?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper over acrylic paint—especially if it’s water-based. Acrylic paints typically dry to a breathable, slightly porous surface that allows wallpaper paste to grip well.
Still, if you’re working with acrylic paint, there are two key points to keep in mind before applying wallpaper:
- Make sure there’s no clear varnish or sealer on top of the acrylic paint. If there is, sand it down to remove the glossy layer.
- The wall surface should be clean and smooth.
If you’re unsure about the surface quality or don’t have access to a dedicated wallpaper primer, you can use a universal bonding primer (also known as a transition primer) as an alternative.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Oil-Based Paint?
Generally, oil-based paints are not the best base for wallpaper. Once dry, they create a smooth, glossy, and non-absorbent surface that makes it challenging for wallpaper adhesive to hold effectively. If you apply wallpaper directly over oil-based paint, it’s likely to peel off over time—especially around edges and seams.
That said, if you’re set on applying wallpaper over an oil-painted surface, your best option is peel-and-stick wallpaper, which doesn’t rely on paste to stick. “Related article: Can you paint latex over oil?”
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Lacquer Paint?
Lacquer paints create one of the slickest, glossiest finishes and are not suitable for traditional wallpaper. Like oil-based paint, lacquer is non-absorbent and leaves a very smooth surface that doesn’t bond well with wallpaper adhesive.
If your wall is painted with lacquer, standard wallpaper likely won’t stay in place. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is again your best bet, as it adheres to smooth, non-porous surfaces without the need for glue.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Peel and Stick Wallpaper?
Technically, yes—you can apply wallpaper over peel-and-stick wallpaper if the existing wallpaper is smooth, clean, and firmly attached to the wall. However, it’s not always ideal. If the original peel-and-stick wallpaper has any texture, damage, or peeling edges, it’s better to remove it first.
If you do go ahead, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly and test a small patch before doing a full-wall installation. Smooth and dust-free surfaces give the best results, especially when working with lightweight or peel-and-stick wallpaper layers.
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper can be applied over many types of paint, but surface preparation is the key to success. Matte and satin latex or acrylic paints usually allow for a straightforward application, while glossy, oil-based, or lacquer finishes require extra steps like sanding and priming.
If your wall is too slick or non-absorbent, consider using peel-and-stick wallpaper as a simple, effective solution. Always test a small area before committing to a full application to make sure your wallpaper adheres properly. “You may also be interested in this article: Preparing walls for painting after wallpaper removal.”
