FAQs About Wallpaper

Hanging wallpaper in your home can seem intimidating if it is something you have never done before. Removing it can seem just as daunting if you have no idea what you are doing. However, both of these processes are actually quite simple once you get the hang of them. Here are some FAQs about wallpaper, and answers, of course, to set you on the right track.

Q: What kinds of walls are best for the application of wallpaper?

A: Wallpaper works best on dry wall, but can also work on wood paneling and brick in some cases. Slick surfaces are harder to wallpaper, but not impossible.

Q: Can you paint over existing wallpaper?

A: If you have wallpaper on a wall that you would rather paint, you should strip the wallpaper before painting. Applying paint over top of wallpaper may look okay, but removing the painted wallpaper at a later date can cause serious problems.

Q: Can you cover wallpaper with wallpaper?

A: Yes, this is generally easier than removing the old paper first. There is no reason you cannot apply a new set of paper over older paper. You may, however, have to use a different kind of glue if you do this. Consult the manufacturer of the wallpaper to make sure, since every brand is different.

Q: Does modern wallpaper need soaking?

A: Old wallpaper sometimes required soaking before it was hung. This is not true of most modern papers. Generally, you can dip the paper in the water and hang it within a few minutes. Modern glues soften faster.