PREPARE WALLPAPERED SURFACES

If at all possible, remove wallpaper and adhesives before painting! If you must paint over wallpaper, you may have problems with curling, staining and uneven textures.

How To Remove Wallpaper:
Remove old wallpaper by peeling, soaking and scraping, or steaming and scraping. Scrub off any glue or sizing and rinse thoroughly. Gouges and scratches should be patched with plaster or spackling compound, then sanded and dusted with a damp rag. Before painting, apply interior oil-based or latex stain-blocking primer.

If You Must Paint Over Wallpaper:
First check for loose areas of paper and open seams. Re-glue these problem areas. Next, follow these steps on a small out-of-the-way area of the room to see if the paint will look okay. Make sure to include a seam in the test area.

• Apply an oil-based, stain-blocking primer. Make sure
  there is ample ventilation and use a respirator.
• Allow the primer to dry overnight.
• If there is discoloration when dry, apply a second
  coat of primer.
• Apply a finish coat to the test area and allow it to
  dry. (A flat finish paint will minimize the texture of
  the underlying paper.)
• If necessary, apply a second coat and allow it
  to dry.
• Evaluate the test area to see if you will proceed
  with the entire room.