AllExperts > Painting & Wallpapering 
Search      
Painting & Wallpapering
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Painting & Wallpapering Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Painting & Wallpapering Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Painting & Wallpapering
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Laura Mesich
Expertise
I own my own painting and remodeling company for the last 13 years. So, I can answer any questions regarding Painting, remodeling and decorating. I can also help out with advice regarding hiring a contractor, if you are getting a fair price or any Do it yourself questions. I would even like questions that I dont know the answer to so that I can resarch and find out whats best!

Experience
I have had the painting and remodeling company for almost 14 years and have worked at all aspects of it. From actually painting, running the office, sales, ordering, all aspects of the company. I am also a Realtor and am working on my Interior Design degree. So the training that I have had on the design side has tremendously helped me be able to serve my clients

Organizations
Plainfield IL Chamber of Commerce Shorewood IL Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
Associate degree: Business management Bachelors Degree: Communication leadership Real Estate Broker

Awards and Honors
Graduate Magna Cum ladae Bachelors degree

Past/Present Clients
Two many to list in the Will and DuPage counties of IL

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Painting & Wallpapering > Foil wallpaper removal or paint over

Painting & Wallpapering - Foil wallpaper removal or paint over


Expert: Laura Mesich - 4/13/2009

Question
The foil wallpaper I have is very tight and in good shape. I would prefer to paint over it if that is an option.  It sounds like a major problem to remove foil.

Answer
Wow, it is really hard to paint over wall paper.You can do it but here is no gaurantee. The other thing is that it is equaly hard to remove. So, if it was me, I would try to paint it first and hopefully you will be luck and it will stick. If not than you still have to take it off anyway, so might has well try to paint it. follow below to paint it.


Start by wiping down your walls thoroughly with a damp sponge - wallpaper paste dries clear and, like most glues, can cause problems for paint to stick to it. Besides removing old glue, you want to make sure the wallpaper is free of other dust and grime. BUT: Make sure the wallpaper is dry before taking the next steps!



Go over the walls with your bare hands to feel for any surface imperfections that will become apparent once the wall is painted. Repair any dents or scratches with a surfacing compound such as Spackle. Let the spackle dry and lightly sand (using 220 grit paper) any areas that don't feel smooth. Remove any residual dust with a damp cloth before continuing.


Stir the primer and as long as you've already done your test patch (see "test patch" above), apply it to the walls. This will help the paint "stick" to the wallpaper.

When you buy your primer have it tinted to half the amount of the same pigment you are having them put in your paint. It's free and it will allow for faster coverage with the paint and fewer coats of it. Meaning, you'll save $$$!!!


Before applying the paint, you'll want to be 100% certain that the primer is dry, so we find it best to wait 24 hours. Mainly because the wallpaper will absorb the primer and take longer to dry than if you were just painting directly onto the wall.
Repair any minor blisters or bubbles that may have formed overnight by slitting them with a utility knife and then glue them to the wall with wallpaper paste. Allow it to dry and wipe off any excess with a damp sponge.
Once all of your spot treatment areas are dry, if the coverage looks good, you're ready to paint!

Make sure to stir the can of paint prior to applying it to the wall.

Good luck!

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.