How to paint over wallpaper (in good condition) – preparation

Note: Refer to the PDF flowchart for a visual of the steps below:

1. Carefully check and glue down any loose edges with Maxbond PVA Glue

2. Fill all dents, defects and holes using PAL Contract Filler and lightly sand using 220 grit sandpaper then wipe off all sanding dust

3. Seal water stains, crayon and pen marks with Resene StainLock (D408) or Resene Waterborne Sureseal (D42a)

4. Apply Resene Waterborne Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer

5. For recommended topcoat systems, choose what room you are painting (room flowcharts)

Notes:

1. Wallpaper in good condition is easy to paint, but once painted, the wallpaper will be more difficult to remove.

2. Some vinyl wallpapers will allow plasticisers to migrate into the paint film and this will result in the paint remaining slightly sticky or tacky. Typically if a testpot is used during the colour selection process and it doesn’t get tacky then our other coatings will also be fine. However, it can take upwards of three weeks or longer for this tackiness to become apparent.

3. Use Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer over solid and paper backed vinyl wallpapers.

4. Very occasionally you may have an otherwise sound paper with a metallic printed pattern. Seal with Resene Sureseal (D42) (solventborne) or Resene Enamel Undercoat (D44) prior to painting.

5. Some edges may need sticking down. Apply Maxbond PVA Glue to both faces, leave for at least 20 minutes and firmly press or roll flat.

6. Cross cut small bubbles, often only apparent after the first coat of paint, with a sharp blade and glue the edges down.

7. When stopping holes in wallpaper, press in the surrounds with the handle of a putty knife before stopping the hole, to avoid a lump on the surface.

8. The junction of the skirting and wall may be difficult to cut in because the wallpapers slightly overlay the junction and a relatively ragged edge results. Often it is best to paint the skirting board and the wall the same colour for the most even finish.

Key accessories essential to complete the job

• 220 grit sandpaper
• Resene Waterborne Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer
• PAL No.7 Sleeve for applying Resene Waterborne Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer
• Roller handle and tray
• Good quality extension pole, we recommend the MacGyver Boss extension pole
• 38-50mm PAL Legend, Basil Hybrid or MacGyver brush and/or a cutting in brush
• PAL Contract Filler
• Yellow washi (multipurpose) masking tape (for light switches and painted skirting boards)

Add-ons – to make the job easier or quicker

• Drop cloth
• Resene Enamel Undercoat if required
• Solventborne Resene Sureseal if required
• Turps if using either of the above paints

Products to use

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Painting guide for interior rooms   How to paint your home