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Can You Paint Over Wallpaper Border?

Painting over wallpaper border can be a quick and easy way to update the look of a room. However, it is important to consider a few things before diving in.

My Personal Experience

I recently moved into a new home and found that some of the rooms had outdated wallpaper borders. I wanted to update the look without going through the hassle of removing the wallpaper. After doing some research, I decided to try painting over the wallpaper border.

I found that the process was relatively simple and the end result was great. The room looked much more modern and fresh without having to remove the wallpaper.

Step by Step Guide

Materials Needed:

Paint
Paint rollers and brushes
Primer
Sanding block or sandpaper
Tape
Drywall mud (if needed)

Steps:

Clean the wallpaper border with soap and water, and let it dry completely.
Use a sanding block or sandpaper to lightly sand the wallpaper border. This will help the primer and paint adhere better.
Apply a coat of primer to the wallpaper border. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent any color bleeding through from the wallpaper.
Once the primer is dry, apply two coats of paint to the wallpaper border, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.
Remove any tape that was used to protect adjacent surfaces.
If there are any gaps or holes in the wallpaper border, fill them with drywall mud and sand smooth before painting.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Choose a paint color that complements the rest of the room.
Use painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces from paint.
Consider using a stencil or masking tape to create a design on the wallpaper border.
If the wallpaper border is textured, use a thicker nap roller to apply the paint.
If the wallpaper border is peeling, use a wallpaper adhesive to reattach it before painting.
Consider using a metallic or glitter paint for a fun and unique look.
If the wallpaper border is heavily patterned, consider painting it a solid color or using a matte finish paint to tone down the pattern.
Use a high-quality paint to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Consider painting the entire wall to create a cohesive look.
If you’re not confident in your painting skills, consider hiring a professional to do the job.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Painting over wallpaper border is a quick and easy way to update the look of a room without having to remove the wallpaper.
It can be a less expensive option than replacing the wallpaper or hiring a professional to remove it.
It allows you to customize the look of the wallpaper border to match your decor.

Cons:

If the wallpaper border is not in good condition, painting over it may not be a viable option.
If the wallpaper border has a heavily textured or patterned surface, it may be difficult to achieve a smooth and even finish with paint.
If you decide to remove the wallpaper in the future, it may be more difficult to do so after it has been painted over.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I was very happy with the results of painting over my wallpaper border. It was a quick and easy way to update the look of the room without having to remove the wallpaper. However, I would suggest that you carefully consider the condition and texture of the wallpaper border before deciding to paint over it. If the wallpaper border is in poor condition or heavily textured, it may be better to remove it and start fresh. Additionally, I would recommend using a high-quality paint and taking your time to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can you paint over vinyl wallpaper border?

A: Yes, you can paint over vinyl wallpaper border. However, it is important to clean and sand the surface before priming and painting to ensure that the paint adheres properly.

Q: Can you paint over wallpaper border with oil-based paint?

A: Yes, you can paint over wallpaper border with oil-based paint. However, it may take longer to dry and require additional ventilation due to the fumes.

Q: Do you need to prime the wallpaper border before painting?

A: Yes, it is recommended to prime the wallpaper border before painting to improve adhesion and prevent any color bleeding through from the wallpaper.