E
Elite Edition

Can you put wallpaper over vinyl wallpaper?

Author

Andrew Henderson

Published Apr 03, 2026

Can you put wallpaper over vinyl wallpaper?

Factors to Consider However, vinyl-coated paper cannot be wallpapered over. Vinyl is nonporous, so new wallpaper will not stick to it, and adding a layer on top of it will create mold. You must remove it before putting new wallpaper up.

How do you cover up vinyl wallpaper?

Fabric or paper wallpaper provides another option for covering a vinyl wall. You must remove the battens, clean the walls and fill the seams with drywall compound before papering. Select a simple pattern or a solid color to make it easier to match up the patterns as you paper.

What can you put over vinyl wallpaper?

The short answer is yes, so long as the wallpaper is well attached to the wall and it’s in good condition. If you are painting over vinyl wallpaper, you will definitely need to use a primer before you start painting. Once you have primed the wall properly, you can use any kind of paint on top.

Can vinyl wallpaper be removed?

Thick vinyl wallcoverings are tear-resistant so you can usually pull them off in sheets. But because the backing and paste stay on the wall, you’ll have to get rid of them with hot water or a stripper. Professionally installed wallpaper frequently is tougher to remove than homeowner-hung paper.

Is my wallpaper vinyl?

If you aren’t sure whether your wallpaper is vinyl-coated or not, you can perform a simple test with a damp sponge. Wet a small area of your wall, and if the water is absorbed and darkens across the surface then your wallpaper is not vinyl-coated.

How can you tell if your wallpaper is vinyl?

To determine if you’re dealing with vinyl, try peeling it off the wall using a joint knife to lift the edge. If the surface coating comes away from the wall in a sheet, it’s vinyl. Thick vinyl will come off in full sheets and paste will usually be all that’s left on the wall.

Does stick on wallpaper work?

You can count on high-quality peel and stick wallpaper to adhere to most surfaces and brighten up most rooms. But there are a few exceptions. We recommend applying our wallpapers on smooth, well-primed walls, though a little bit of texture should be ok. Our wallpaper is able to be applied to any smooth painted surface.

How do I know if old wallpaper is vinyl?

Can you put wallpaper on top of vinyl paper?

In most cases, non-coated paper can be wallpapered over. However, vinyl-coated paper cannot be wallpapered over. Vinyl is nonporous, so new wallpaper will not stick to it, and adding a layer on top of it will create mold.

What kind of paint to use on old vinyl wallpaper?

Businesses and landlords can save considerable time and money by painting over old vinyl wallpaper, blocking dark colours and bold patterns, stained surfaces and odours with Zinsser’s high adhesion products.

Can you hang old wallpaper over new wallpaper?

If it has a vinyl coating, you really need to remove it before hanging your new wallpaper. Even if the wallpaper is in great shape and does not have a vinyl coat, you may not be able to leave it hanging.

Can you remove vinyl wallpaper with a scraper?

The top vinyl layer usually peels away in sheets or large strips. If the vinyl rips off in strips, loosen another corner with your scraper and continue pulling until you have removed the entire top layer of wallpaper. Some parts of the paper may be more difficult to remove.

Can I hang wallpaper over existing wallpaper?

Generally, it is best to hang wallpaper over non-coated wallpapers. It is also important to avoid covering old wallpaper that has embossing or embellishments as these can create unsightly bumps in your new wallpaper. If your existing wallpaper has a dark colour or pattern, it might not be a suitable option to hang new wallpaper over it.

Can you apply new wall paper over old wallpaper?

It is, however, possible to place new wallpaper over old wallpaper. Although hanging wallpaper is not a very difficult project, removing it from the wall can be an entirely different matter. Most experts recommend removing the old wallpaper, particularly if there is more than one layer of wallpaper already on the wall.

Can You plaster over old wallpaper?

If your wallpaper is solidly adhered, you may be able to paint and plaster right over it. Your results will depend on how well you prepare the surface. Take the time to do it right, as the coatings of plaster and paint will make the wallpaper even more difficult to remove if you do the job improperly.

Should you paint over wallpaper?

Painting over wallpaper can look really bad. No, like, really, really bad. If you have long edges of wallpaper unrolling or air bubbles beneath the surface, you will be better off removing it completely.