Painting over wallpaper might seem like a quick fix, but it's one of those jobs where cutting corners can cost you more in the long run. Whether you're refreshing a rental, updating an older home, or just want to avoid the mess of stripping, it pays to understand what you're getting into before you crack open a tin of paint.
When Painting Over Wallpaper Can Work
There are situations where painting over existing wallpaper is a reasonable choice:
- The wallpaper is firmly bonded to the wall with no peeling edges, bubbles, or lifting seams
- There is only one layer of wallpaper (multiple layers add too much thickness and instability)
- The wall behind is solid plaster or plasterboard in good condition
- You're not planning to sell the home soon (buyers and building inspectors often flag painted-over wallpaper)
- Removing the wallpaper would risk damaging the underlying wall — common in older NZ homes where wallpaper was applied directly to unpainted plasterboard
In NZ's older villas and bungalows, wallpaper was sometimes used as a base layer over rough plaster. In these cases, stripping can do more harm than good, and painting over may genuinely be the better option.
When You Should Strip the Wallpaper First
In most cases, professional painters will recommend stripping before painting. You should definitely strip if:
- There are multiple layers of wallpaper
- Seams are lifting, edges are peeling, or there are bubbles
- The wallpaper is vinyl-coated (paint won't bond well to it)
- You want a truly smooth, high-quality finish
- You're painting a wet area — moisture behind wallpaper in bathrooms or kitchens can cause mould, which is a concern under the Healthy Homes Standards for rental properties
Stripping is messy but gives you a clean slate. Hire a wallpaper steamer from Mitre 10 or Bunnings, score the paper lightly, and work in sections.
How to Paint Over Wallpaper: Step-by-Step
If you've assessed the situation and decided painting over is the right call, follow these steps carefully.
1. Prepare the Surface
- Re-glue any lifting seams or edges using seam repair adhesive and press flat. Allow to dry fully.
- Fill any tears or holes with a flexible filler and sand smooth once dry.
- Wipe down the surface to remove dust and grease.
2. Apply an Oil-Based or Shellac Primer
This is the most critical step. Do not use a water-based primer first — the moisture will cause the wallpaper to bubble and seams to lift. Use an oil-based primer or a shellac-based sealer to lock everything down before any water-based products touch the surface.
Resene and Dulux both stock suitable primers — ask in-store for a product recommended for painting over wallpaper. Apply one full coat and allow to dry completely.
3. Check and Repair Again
Once the primer dries, seams and imperfections often become more visible. Fill and sand any problem areas, then spot-prime those patches.
4. Apply Your Topcoats
Once the primer is fully cured, you can switch to a quality water-based paint. Two coats are generally recommended for even coverage. A low-sheen or satin finish is a good choice — it's more forgiving on textured surfaces than a high-gloss, which will highlight every imperfection.
Choosing the Right Paint
| Finish | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matt | Ceilings, low-traffic rooms | Hides texture well, harder to clean |
| Low-sheen | Living areas, bedrooms | Good balance of coverage and washability |
| Satin | Hallways, kitchens (non-wet areas) | Slightly more durable |
| Semi-gloss/Gloss | Trim and doors | Not ideal over wallpaper texture |
For NZ conditions — particularly in humid regions like Auckland or the West Coast — choose a paint with mould-resistant properties. Wattyl and Resene both offer interior paints with mould inhibitors suited to our climate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the oil-based primer — this is the number one cause of bubbling and failure
- Painting over vinyl wallpaper without proper adhesion testing
- Ignoring lifting seams — they will show through and worsen over time
- Using too much paint in one coat, which adds weight and moisture to the paper
- Not allowing adequate drying time between coats
What About Plasterboard Walls?
If your wallpaper is on GIB plasterboard (as is common in NZ homes built from the 1970s onwards), be especially careful when stripping. The paper face of plasterboard can tear away with the wallpaper, leaving a damaged surface that's difficult and expensive to repair. In this situation, painting over — with the correct primer — is often the more practical choice.
When to Call a Professional
If you're dealing with large areas, multiple layers, damaged walls, or you simply want a high-quality result, it's worth getting a qualified painter involved. A professional will assess whether painting over is viable, prep the surface correctly, and use the right products for a lasting finish. Poor prep is the main reason painted-over wallpaper fails — and fixing a bad job costs more than doing it right the first time.
You can find qualified local painters on tradedirectory.co.nz — look for members of a recognised trade body and check their reviews before booking.
Note: Painting is not restricted work under NZ law, so homeowners can legally do this themselves. However, if your walls have any signs of mould, address the moisture source first — this may involve a plumber or builder depending on the cause.