I remember standing in my tiny Manchester flat, staring at the tired wallpaper from the early 2000s, and asking myself, can you paper over wallpaper? I didn’t want to strip it all off—it sounded messy and exhausting. But I was desperate for a change. After trying it myself, I found that yes, you absolutely can—if the wall is in good condition and you prepare it the right way. It changed the look of my space and saved me loads of time. So let’s talk honestly about how it works, what I learned, and what you should know before giving it a go. No need to strip: Skipping the stripping saved hours and avoided dust everywhere.
Affordable: I didn’t have to pay anybody. I was ready to go with some tools from Amazon.
Provides a new look quickly: A fresh design quickly spruced up my space.
Beginner level: Despite having zero DIY skills, I was able to complete this over the course of a weekend.
Good for rentals: It didn’t destroy the original wall underneath—perfect for a rental.
What Could Be Better—Can You Paper Over Wallpaper?
Not for every wall: If your wallpaper is textured, peeling, or moldy, it won’t work well. In my first flat, I had to remove a layer that was damp at the corners.
Can show old patterns: Light wallpaper over dark or patterned wallpaper didn’t look great. I had to redo one wall using a thicker type.
Not great for bathrooms: Moisture made the corners lift after a few weeks. Lesson learned—don’t do this in high-humidity rooms.
Extra prep needed: I had to clean and seal the wall before hanging anything. A primer like Zinsser really helped.
My Personal Experience—Can You Paper Over Wallpaper?
Let me walk you through how I used it in real life:
In the living room, I covered over a boring, faded floral pattern with a thick, textured wallpaper. I used Arthouse Diamond Geo Wallpaper from Amazon. It hid everything underneath and gave the room a sharp, modern feel.
In the bedroom, I used Fine Décor Quartz Wallpaper—soft, subtle, and just enough texture. It felt cosy and worked well even though the base wallpaper had minor seams.
In a friend’s guest room: She had painted wallpaper and wanted a new look for visitors. We lightly sanded the glossy surface, primed it, and used peel-and-stick wallpaper. It turned out better than expected!
These experiences taught me that preparation is key. A smooth base and the right materials make all the difference. Even textured wallpaper can be covered—if you pick a heavy, non-transparent type and use the right adhesive.
Recommendation—Can You Paper Over Wallpaper?
If you’re someone who
1. Rents a flat and can’t damage walls
2. Doesn’t want the mess of removing wallpaper
3. Loves a weekend DIY project
Wants to save money on redecorating. then yes, you can paper over wallpaper, and it might just be the perfect option for you.
However, if
The wallpaper is textured, mouldy, or peeling
You reside in a moist area, such as a restroom.
You’re looking for a long-term solution or a totally clean finish
Still unsure? Look into wallpaper-over-wallpaper primers, thick wallpapers for textured walls, or even peel-and-stick options for temporary fixes. Just search Amazon UK for Zinsser B-I-N Primer (seals old wallpaper)
Erfurt MAV Easy Paste (great adhesive)
Grandeco Life Forest Wallpaper (thick, beautiful coverage)
Silverline Hanging Kit (basic but gets the job done), and you’ll find helpful tools like
So, next time you’re standing in your hallway wondering, can I wallpaper over wallpaper that’s been painted? or how can I cover wallpaper without removing it? — now you know. It’s doable, it’s affordable, and it works if you do it right.
Need help deciding? Try a small patch on a less visible wall. That’s what I did, and it gave me the confidence to do the whole room. You’ve got this!
Here are more details about those wallpapers.
🧴 Zinsser B-I-N Primer (Seals old wallpaper)
Quick Take: Can You Paper Over Wallpaper? Yes, This stuff is like the secret weapon for wallpaper prep. I used it on an old, slightly glossy wall, and it gave my new wallpaper a perfect grip.
Pros:
Seals old wallpaper, stains, and glossy finishes really well
Dries fast—like under an hour fast
Stops old patterns or colors from bleeding through
Works great under thick or textured wallpaper
Cons:
Strong smell—make sure your space is well ventilated
Can dry too fast if you’re not quick, especially in warm rooms
🪣 Erfurt MAV Easy Paste (Great adhesive)
Quick Take: Can You Paper Over Wallpaper? Yes, This paste made wallpapering less scary. It mixed easily and went on super smooth—no lumps, no fuss.
Pros:
Easy to mix, even for beginners.
Sticks well to both old wallpaper and fresh walls.
Doesn’t drip much—less mess to clean up.
Affordable and lasts through multiple walls.
Cons:
Needs a clean bucket and whisk or paddle to mix—don’t skip this.
Takes a bit to set, so patience is key.
Not ideal for very heavy wallpapers without double pasting.
🌲 Grandeco Life Forest Wallpaper (Thick, beautiful coverage)
Quick Take: Can You Paper Over Wallpaper? Yes, I used this one to cover an old floral wallpaper—and wow. No patterns showed through, and the print gave the room a fresh, calming vibe.
Pros:
Thick enough to cover textured or dark wallpaper underneath
Matte finish hides wall imperfections
Easy to match patterns thanks to repeat design
Looks more expensive than it is
Cons:
A bit stiff—takes care during installation
Might peel at corners if the surface isn’t sealed properly
Some prints have visible seams if not lined up carefully.
🧰 Silverline Hanging Kit (Basic but gets the job done)
Quick Take: Can You Paper Over Wallpaper? Yes, If you’re just starting out, this kit covers all the tools you need. I used it in my first project, and it saved me a trip to the hardware store.
Pros:
Comes with smoother, knife, brush, and plumb line—super handy
Tools are lightweight and easy to grip
Great for beginner or one-time use
Affordable all-in-one starter solution
Cons:
Not heavy-duty—may not last through big jobs
Knife blade needed a quick sharpening
Smooth isn’t ideal for thick, textured paper.
🛠️ Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Key Strengths | Potential Drawbacks | Price Range |
| Zinsser B-I-N Primer | Sealing old wallpaper | Seals stains, blocks bleed-through, fast-drying | Strong odor, dries fast, slightly expensive | reasonable |
| Erfurt MAV Easy Paste | Adhesive for wallpapering | Easy to mix, strong grip, low mess | Needs mixing tools, slower set for heavy papers | reasonable |
| Grandeco Life Forest Wallpaper | Covering old or textured walls | Thick, hides flaws, stylish design | Can be stiff, seams visible if not aligned well | reasonable |
| Silverline Hanging Kit | Beginners or one-time projects | All-in-one tools, lightweight, easy to use | Basic quality, not for pros; knife may need sharpening | reasonable |
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) about Can You Paper Over Wallpaper?
Q: Can you paper over wallpaper? in a bathroom?
A: It’s not a good idea. Bathrooms have high humidity. Layers can peel. Better to remove the old paper first.
Q: Can you paper over painted wallpaper?
A: Yes, but only if the paint is not glossy or flaking. Sand glossy paint lightly to help the paste stick.
Q: Will the old pattern show through?
A: If you choose a thick wallpaper, the old design won’t show. Light papers might not cover fully.
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