Can You Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper?
It depends, so inspect your walls carefully to avoid a sticky situation
Highlights
Wallpaper requires a porous surface for proper adhesion, so you won’t be able to cover vinyl-coated wallpapers.
You should consider other factors like texture, condition, and color.
Avoid covering multiple wall covering layers with new wallpaper.
Wallpaper is back in style, but many outdated designs still need a refresh. To cover the old wallpaper in your home with a new pattern, you need to know about alternatives to the time-consuming, messy removal process. In some cases, wallpaper removal isn’t necessary. But whether or not you can put wallpaper over wallpaper depends on your specific situation. This guide will walk you through instances where you can or cannot take the easier route.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper
Whether or not it's a good idea to put wallpaper over wallpaper depends on several factors. Consider the following before you make a decision.
Coating
Wallpaper comes in multiple types, the main two being non-coated and vinyl-coated. In most cases, you can wallpaper over non-coated products, but the vinyl coating creates a non-porous surface that new wallpaper adhesive won't stick to. Instead, the adhesive may bubble up and ruin your installation.
Condition
Cracked or peeling wallpaper shouldn't be covered, as these are signs of underlying moisture issues, mold, mildew, or other damage. You'll want to remove the existing paper completely to inspect the full surface and remedy problems before a new wall covering is applied.
Texture
If your existing wallpaper is embossed, embellished, or has any sort of raised texture, said texture will create visible bumps when you apply new wallpaper on top. Remove it before installing new paper to avoid a messy finish.
Color
Even if your existing wallpaper is non-coated and in good shape, a particularly dark color or bold pattern may show through the new wallpaper. You can test this by purchasing and applying a small sample of your desired new wallpaper.
Number of Layers
The more layers are beneath your wallpaper, the less effective its adhesion will be. We don't recommend wallpapering over more than one existing layer. You may have to remove or cut into a small section of your existing wallpaper to see how many layers are underneath.
Should You Hire a Pro to Put Wallpaper Over Wallpaper?
Wallpaper installation is fairly straightforward, but layering wallpaper over wallpaper can have some complications. Improper prep can result in wallpaper that doesn't adhere properly, leaving you with a costly, bubbling, peeling mess in some instances.
To guarantee a problem-free project, contact a local wallpaper installation professional. A trained pro will use the correct adhesive and primers for the project and can remove existing wall coverings safely and efficiently if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long peel-and-stick wallpaper lasts depends on its quality and whether or not it was installed properly. Budget products may only last about 3 years before you notice them peeling, while higher-quality products can stay up for 7 years or more. If you use peel-and-stick wallpaper on flooring, expect it to last just 1 to 3 years unless it’s sealed.
To layer wallpaper over wallpaper, inspect your existing wallpaper for problem areas. Damaged wallpaper should not be covered. If it’s okay to proceed, prep by turning off the electricity and removing any outlet and switch covers. Dust your walls and lightly rinse them to prevent the existing paper from peeling. Apply primer, then apply your new wallpaper.
You can put wallpaper over wallpaper once, but you shouldn’t apply multiple layers beyond that. While wallpapering over wallpaper is a great way to save time and effort on removal, too many layers can prevent the new wallpaper from adhering properly. This will lead to faster peeling, warping, and bubbling that will cause you to have to start your project over and spend more.