Yes, you can paint over wallpaper glue, but it requires some preparation work. I learned this the hard way when I tried to paint my bedroom walls after removing the wallpaper. I thought I could just paint over the leftover glue, but the paint didn’t adhere properly, and the result was a mess. After some research and trial and error, I found a way to paint over wallpaper glue successfully.
Why Do You Need to Remove Wallpaper Glue?
When you remove wallpaper, the glue residue can make it difficult for paint to stick to the wall. The glue can also cause the paint to bubble, peel, or flake off, ruining your paint job. Therefore, it’s essential to remove the glue before painting.
Step-by-Step Guide for Painting Over Wallpaper Glue
Here’s how you can paint over wallpaper glue:
- Remove any loose wallpaper and scrape off as much glue residue as possible using a scraper or putty knife.
- Fill any gaps or cracks in the wall with spackle or joint compound and sand it smooth.
- Wash the walls with warm water and a mild soap solution to remove any remaining glue residue. Rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely.
- Apply a coat of oil-based primer to the walls using a paint roller. Oil-based primer is better than latex primer for sealing the glue residue and preventing it from bleeding through the paint.
- Let the primer dry completely, usually overnight.
- Apply two coats of latex paint to the walls using a paint roller. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Painting Over Wallpaper Glue
Here are some tips and ideas to make the process of painting over wallpaper glue easier and more effective:
- Use a wallpaper steamer or a solution of fabric softener and hot water to remove stubborn glue residue.
- Wear gloves and safety goggles when working with spackle or joint compound.
- Use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches on the wall.
- Use a high-quality oil-based primer that is specifically designed for sealing porous surfaces.
- Choose a paint color that is darker than the wallpaper glue residue to help hide any remaining stains.
- Use a paint roller with a thick nap to help cover the textured surface of the wall.
- Apply the paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips and sags.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat.
- Use a paintbrush to cut in around corners and edges.
- Apply a clear coat of sealer to the painted surface to protect it from moisture and stains.
Pros and Cons of Painting Over Wallpaper Glue
Pros:
- You can save time and money by not having to remove the wallpaper glue completely.
- You can achieve a smooth and even paint finish if you prepare the surface properly.
- You can create a unique textured look by painting over the glue residue.
Cons:
- The glue residue can cause the paint to peel or bubble if not sealed properly.
- The texture of the wall may not be as smooth as if you had removed the glue completely.
- The glue residue can make it difficult to achieve a uniform paint color.
My Personal Review on Painting Over Wallpaper Glue
After painting over wallpaper glue in my bedroom, I was pleasantly surprised at the result. The walls looked smooth and even, and the paint adhered well. However, it did take some time and effort to prepare the surface properly, and I had to use several coats of paint to achieve the desired color. Overall, I would recommend painting over wallpaper glue if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to deal with the hassle of removing the glue completely.
FAQs
Q: Can you use a latex primer instead of an oil-based primer for painting over wallpaper glue?
A: While you can use a latex primer, an oil-based primer is better for sealing the porous surface of the glue residue and preventing it from bleeding through the paint.
Q: Do you need to sand the walls before painting over wallpaper glue?
A: Yes, you should sand the walls to smooth out any rough patches and help the primer and paint adhere better.
Q: Can you paint over wallpaper glue if the wallpaper is still intact?
A: No, you should remove the wallpaper first before painting. Painting over wallpaper can cause the wallpaper to bubble or peel, and the paint to not adhere properly.