Creative Ways to Cover Existing Wallpaper

When your existing wallpaper has seen better days, or you simply crave a change, covering it presents a practical alternative to removal. This approach can save time and labor, but it requires careful consideration to avoid common pitfalls. Understanding the materials and techniques is key to a successful transformation.

ideas for covering wallpaper: Evaluating Your Existing Wallpaper for Coverage

Before diving into new treatments, assess the condition of the current wallpaper. Significant damage, such as peeling seams, water stains, or deep gouges, can telegraph through new layers, compromising the final appearance.

• Adhesion Test: Gently lift a corner of the existing wallpaper. If it pulls away easily from the wall, it may indicate poor adhesion, which could affect the new covering’s ability to stick.
• Surface Smoothness: Run your hand over the surface. Bubbles, ridges, or textured patterns will likely be visible under thinner new materials.
• Type of Existing Wallpaper: Vinyl wallpapers are generally more forgiving and can often be covered. Older, paper-based wallpapers may absorb moisture differently and require more prep.

Ideas for Covering Wallpaper: Strategic Applications

Choosing the right method depends on your desired aesthetic, budget, and the condition of the underlying surface. Some options offer immediate visual impact, while others provide a more durable, long-term solution.

Beyond Paint: Innovative Ideas for Covering Wallpaper

Many homeowners assume painting is the only option over existing wallpaper. However, a wider range of materials can be applied directly, provided proper preparation.

• Fabric Wall Coverings: Natural or synthetic fabrics can be adhered to walls using specialized wallpaper paste or spray adhesive. This offers a rich, tactile dimension.
• Actionable Step: Select a medium-weight fabric like linen or a tightly woven cotton. Pre-wash natural fabrics to account for shrinkage.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Using very thin or loosely woven fabrics that can sag or show the pattern underneath.
• Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: This modern solution offers a wide array of designs and is relatively easy to apply and remove. It’s ideal for renters or those who frequently redecorate.
• Actionable Step: Ensure the existing wallpaper is clean and dry. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to confirm adhesion.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Applying peel-and-stick wallpaper over highly textured or glossy existing wallpaper, which can lead to poor adhesion.
• Wood Paneling or Shiplap: For a more substantial transformation, consider applying thin wood panels directly over the wallpaper. This creates a classic or modern architectural feature.
• Actionable Step: Use a construction adhesive suitable for paneling, in addition to brad nails for secure attachment.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Not accounting for the added thickness of the paneling, which can affect trim and door clearances.

For a dramatic transformation that completely masks the old wallpaper, consider a faux brick finish. It adds a unique texture and industrial or rustic charm to any room.

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More Ideas for Covering Wallpaper: Layering and Texture

Expanding beyond direct application, consider treatments that build upon the existing surface.

• Textured Paints or Plasters: Applying a skim coat of joint compound or a textured paint can effectively mask minor imperfections and create a new, uniform surface.
• Actionable Step: Apply multiple thin coats of joint compound, sanding lightly between each, to create a smooth, paintable surface.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Applying a single thick coat of joint compound, which can crack and be difficult to sand.
• Mural Application: A large-scale mural, whether painted directly or applied as a large vinyl decal, can become a focal point, drawing attention away from any underlying pattern.

Common Myths About Covering Wallpaper

Several misconceptions can lead to poor results when attempting to cover existing wallpaper. Understanding these myths and their corrections is crucial for a successful project.

• Myth 1: You can always cover wallpaper with another layer of wallpaper without any prep.
• Correction: While some vinyl-on-vinyl applications might seem to work initially, uneven surfaces, poor adhesion of the original paper, or moisture issues can cause the new wallpaper to bubble, peel, or fail prematurely. Always inspect and prepare the surface.
• Myth 2: Painting directly over any wallpaper is a permanent solution.
• Correction: Painting over wallpaper can trap moisture and lead to mold growth if the underlying wall isn’t properly sealed or if the wallpaper itself is damaged. Additionally, if the wallpaper eventually peels, the paint will peel with it, creating a larger repair job.

Expert Tips for Wallpaper Coverage Success

Implementing professional techniques can significantly improve the longevity and appearance of your covered wallpaper.

1. Prime for Adhesion: Always use a high-quality primer specifically designed for wallpaper or glossy surfaces before applying any new covering. This ensures better adhesion and a more uniform finish.

• Actionable Step: Apply one to two coats of a stain-blocking, adhesion-promoting primer.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Skipping primer, especially over vinyl or glossy wallpapers, leading to peeling.

2. Test Adhesion Thoroughly: Before committing to a full wall, test your chosen covering material on a small, inconspicuous area. Leave it for at least 24-48 hours to check for any signs of lifting or bubbling.

• Actionable Step: Apply a sample piece of your chosen material in a closet or behind a piece of furniture.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Assuming the material will adhere perfectly everywhere based on the manufacturer’s claims without testing.

3. Address Seams and Imperfections: If your existing wallpaper has visible seams or minor damage, consider using a wallpaper repair adhesive or a lightweight spackling compound to smooth them out before applying your new treatment.

• Actionable Step: Carefully apply wallpaper seam adhesive to any lifting seams.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Covering over prominent seams, which will likely show through thinner materials.

Failure Modes in Covering Existing Wallpaper

A significant failure mode readers encounter when exploring ideas for covering wallpaper is “ghosting,” where the pattern or texture of the original wallpaper subtly shows through the new layer, even after painting or applying a new covering. This is particularly common with lighter colors or thinner materials.

• Detection: Observe the wall under different lighting conditions, especially at an angle. If you can discern the outline of the original pattern or any raised textures, ghosting is occurring. This can also become more apparent over time as the new material settles.
• Prevention/Mitigation: Thorough surface preparation is paramount. This includes cleaning the existing wallpaper, filling any imperfections, and applying at least two coats of a high-quality, opaque primer. For particularly stubborn patterns, consider a thicker textured paint or a material with a pronounced pattern of its own to mask the underlying design.

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Material Comparison for Covering Wallpaper

Covering Material	Application Method	Durability	Aesthetic Variety	Preparation Required
Paint	Brush, roller	Moderate	High	Cleaning, priming, potential skim coating for texture.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper	Peel backing, apply to wall	Moderate	Very High	Cleaning, ensuring a smooth surface; test adhesion.
Fabric Wall Covering	Wallpaper paste or spray adhesive, smoothed onto wall	Moderate to High	High	Cleaning, priming, fabric pre-treatment (washing if natural fiber).
Wood Paneling/Shiplap	Construction adhesive, nails	High	Moderate	Cleaning, ensuring a level surface for panel alignment; consider primer for wood.
Textured Paint/Plaster	Trowel, roller, brush	High	Moderate	Cleaning, priming, potential skim coating for a smooth base if desired.

When comparing materials, a textured brick wallpaper offers a durable and visually striking way to cover existing walls, providing a significant aesthetic upgrade.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I cover old, textured wallpaper with new wallpaper?

A1: Yes, but it requires careful preparation. Ensure the existing texture is clean and sound. Applying a primer designed for difficult surfaces can improve adhesion. For very heavy textures, consider a solution like applying thin wood paneling over it first.

Q2: How do I prevent seams from showing through when covering wallpaper?

A2: For paint, use a high-quality primer and consider a skim coat of joint compound to create a truly seamless surface. If applying new wallpaper, ensure the old seams are flat and smooth, and consider using a wallpaper designed with a busy pattern that can help camouflage minor imperfections.

Q3: Is it safe to cover wallpaper if there might be mold behind it?

A3: No. If you suspect mold growth behind existing wallpaper, it is crucial to address the mold issue before covering it. Mold can spread and cause health problems. You will need to remove the affected wallpaper, treat the mold, and ensure the wall is completely dry before applying any new covering.