Benjamin Moore says don’t: it does not recommend painting over wallpaper. Sherwin-Williams gives two answers on two FAQ pages, yes on one and “typically do not recommend” on the other. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams’ Paint FAQ favor taking it off; if the paper can’t come off, Zinsser makes primers for it, and warns that water-based coats will re-activate old paste.
What the paint makers say
| Source | Stance | If you go ahead |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | “Benjamin Moore does not recommend it”, especially over high sheen or heavily textured paper; paint “may cause the paper to release from the wall” | Remove the paper, then an oil-based primer such as INSL-X Prime Lock Plus |
| Sherwin-Williams Wallpaper FAQ | “Yes, you can paint over wallpaper”, but avoid paper that is textured or peeling in multiple places | Prime the walls first |
| Sherwin-Williams Paint FAQ | “We typically do not recommend painting over wallpaper” | Only nonporous paper may be primed: clean it, lightly sand the seams, and test a quick-drying alkyd primer |
Sherwin-Williams’ Paint FAQ gives its reasons: seams may not lie down, moisture from the paint could cause blistering or peeling, and over a heavy vinyl the paint’s adhesion may be minimal. Benjamin Moore says even the best primer and paint will not hide wallpaper seams.
If the paper can’t come off
- Zinsser ShieldZ Universal: “Remove whenever possible. Use ShieldZ Universal to prime over non-removable wallcovering.” It says old porous or metallic wallpaper should be removed, or sealed with B-I-N first.
- Zinsser Gardz: its data sheet says it suits “uncoated wallpaper” and that some wallpapers may need an extra coat of an opaque primer such as ShieldZ. It is ready for a finish coat after 3 hours.
- Zinsser’s 2017 chart rates B-I-N, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and Cover Stain “E” (excellent) on non-porous wallcovering.
- Benjamin Moore Fresh Start 046 lists wall coverings among its surfaces.
Zinsser’s Gardz data sheet warns: “Water-based coatings or texture finishes will re-activate old wallpaper adhesive which results in cracking and peeling.” Krud Kutter Gloss-Off’s data sheet says not to use it on porous or non-washable wallpaper.
After you strip it
Sherwin-Williams’ how-to for painting after removing wallpaper says to avoid painting over wallpaper glue, and uses its Multi-Purpose Latex Primer. Benjamin Moore recommends an oil-based primer such as INSL-X Prime Lock Plus. Zinsser says Gardz will also seal in old wallpaper paste and adhesive residue.
EPA says that if your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to have lead-based paint. If you sand or scrape old paint yourself, EPA says to use its lead-safe work practices, and not to attempt to remove lead-based paint yourself. See epa.gov/lead.
Going the other way: wallpaper over paint
York Wallcoverings says no primer is needed for its Sure Strip or Peel and Stick paper if the wall has 2 coats of cured paint, and that newly painted walls should cure at least 4 weeks before its peel and stick paper goes on. When hanging a light paper over a dark or high-contrast one, York suggests a pigmented wallpaper primer so the old pattern doesn’t show through. See peel-and-stick wallpaper on textured walls.