Wallpaper Over Wallpaper: Yay Or Nay?

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 38 views

Hey everyone, let's talk about a common home improvement question: can you put new wallpaper over old wallpaper? It's a tempting shortcut, right? Saves time, effort, and maybe even a few bucks. But before you grab that paste bucket and start slapping up the new stuff, let's dive deep into this topic. We'll explore the pros, the cons, the potential pitfalls, and ultimately, whether it's a good idea for your project. Get ready, because we're about to wallpaper-ize this whole situation!

The Allure of a Quick Fix: Why You Might Want To Wallpaper Over Wallpaper

Okay, let's be real. Nobody loves removing old wallpaper. It's often a sticky, messy, and time-consuming process. The thought of skipping that step and just covering it up with fresh wallpaper is incredibly appealing. Plus, if you're a DIY enthusiast like me, saving time on a project is always a win. The allure of a quick transformation is strong, but let's not let the promise of speed cloud our judgment. We need to consider the potential consequences before making a decision. When you're considering the question, can you put new wallpaper over old wallpaper, you are thinking about how much work it is to take the old wallpaper down. It is a big job, but if you don't take the time to do it correctly, it can lead to more issues.

Here are some reasons why you might consider wallpapering over existing wallpaper:

Time Savings: As mentioned, removing old wallpaper can take a significant amount of time. Covering it up can dramatically speed up the process. Think of all the extra hours you'll gain! Imagine, you could start and finish your project in a single weekend. That's a serious time boost.
Effort Reduction: Peeling, scraping, and washing away old wallpaper is hard work. It's often backbreaking and can lead to frustration. Why not avoid all that physical strain?
Cost Savings (Potentially): While the cost of wallpapering materials is not insignificant, you might save money on the cost of removal supplies. However, the potential for future problems could end up costing you more in the long run.

See? There are definitely some enticing arguments for taking the easy route. But, as with many things in life, the shortcut isn't always the best path.

The Potential Problems: Why Wallpapering Over Wallpaper Can Go Wrong

Alright, guys, here's the reality check. While wallpapering over old wallpaper might seem like a brilliant idea on the surface, it often leads to problems down the road. Let's explore the potential issues that can arise when you decide to wallpaper over existing wallpaper. Understanding these problems is crucial for making an informed decision. Remember, a beautiful room starts with a solid foundation. If your base isn't right, the rest of the project is likely to suffer. This question about can you put new wallpaper over old wallpaper, is not as simple as it seems.

Uneven Surface: Old wallpaper can have imperfections, bumps, and tears. Covering it up simply magnifies these issues. The new wallpaper will not adhere smoothly, and you'll end up with an uneven and unattractive finish. Any imperfections in the old wallpaper will show through the new wallpaper. This is where the old wallpaper could have bubbled up. If you don't take the old wallpaper down, this could have an impact on your new wallpaper.
Poor Adhesion: The new wallpaper needs a clean, dry surface to properly adhere. Old wallpaper, especially if it's been up for a while, can be dusty, dirty, or even have residual adhesive that can interfere with the new wallpaper's adhesion. Moisture, in particular, is a major enemy. If there's any moisture trapped between the layers, it can cause the new wallpaper to bubble, peel, or even fall off.
Bubbling and Peeling: This is a common and frustrating problem. Trapped air or moisture between the layers of wallpaper can cause bubbles to form. Over time, these bubbles can worsen, leading to peeling and a generally unsightly appearance. Bubbling is also another issue, just like the uneven surface, the new wallpaper can bubble up in spots. This looks bad, and you are going to have to fix this.
Mold and Mildew: If the old wallpaper has been exposed to moisture (from leaks, high humidity, etc.), there could be mold or mildew growth underneath. Covering it up traps the moisture and provides a perfect breeding ground for these unwelcome guests. This can lead to health problems and damage your walls.
Weight Issues: Adding a layer of wallpaper on top of another can add significant weight. This can put stress on the underlying drywall and potentially cause it to sag or even pull away from the studs. Too much weight can cause issues. You don't want the wall to fall apart from all the weight.
Difficulty Removing Later: If you decide to change the wallpaper again in the future, removing multiple layers can be a nightmare. It will be much harder and more time-consuming. You're essentially doubling the amount of work required for future projects. This is where you might regret not doing things the correct way. This can turn into a huge headache. Your future self will not thank you.

The Exceptions: When Wallpapering Over Wallpaper Might Be Okay

Okay, so we've covered the downsides. But are there any situations where wallpapering over existing wallpaper might be acceptable? Well, yes, but they are rare and come with significant caveats. Let's consider the exceptions to the rule.

The Existing Wallpaper is in Excellent Condition: If the old wallpaper is perfectly smooth, tightly adhered to the wall, and free of any damage, bubbles, or imperfections, you might be able to get away with it. But this is extremely rare. You'd need to be sure there are no loose edges, seams, or areas where the wallpaper is starting to lift. Even small imperfections can become problems later on.
You're Using a Very Thick, High-Quality Wallpaper: A thicker wallpaper can sometimes help to hide minor imperfections in the underlying surface. However, this is not a guaranteed solution. It's more of a temporary fix than a long-term strategy.
You're Willing to Take Extra Precautions: If you decide to proceed, you'll need to do everything possible to prepare the surface. This includes thoroughly cleaning the existing wallpaper, sanding any rough spots, priming the surface, and using a high-quality wallpaper adhesive. Be prepared to go the extra mile. If you want to put new wallpaper over old wallpaper, make sure the old wallpaper is completely clean. This means taking the time to wash it down. Also, if there are bubbles, you need to take care of them.
It's a Short-Term Solution: If you're renting and only planning to live in the space for a short time, you might be tempted to wallpaper over existing wallpaper. However, be aware that you could be creating problems for the next tenant (and yourself, if you ever decide to sell).

Important Note: Even in these exceptional circumstances, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Consider the potential risks and whether the time and effort saved are worth the potential problems. Taking down the old wallpaper might be a hassle, but it's often the best approach for a long-lasting, beautiful result.

The Proper Way: Removing Old Wallpaper for a Flawless Finish

Alright, let's talk about the right way to prepare your walls for new wallpaper. While it might seem like a lot of work, removing the old wallpaper is the most effective way to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. Here's a step-by-step guide to removing old wallpaper and preparing your walls, the right way.

Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a wallpaper scorer or perforator, a spray bottle filled with warm water (or a wallpaper removal solution), a sponge, a scraper (plastic or metal), a putty knife, a drop cloth, and safety glasses. Having the right tools makes the job much easier. If you don't have the right tools, it is hard to do the work, and could even create more problems. Also, remember safety glasses are important, so you do not hurt your eyes.
Protect Your Work Area: Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floors and furniture from water and wallpaper debris. This will save you a lot of cleaning later. You don't want to get water everywhere, so taking the time to protect your work area is important.
Score the Wallpaper: Use a wallpaper scorer or perforator to create small holes in the wallpaper. This allows the water or removal solution to penetrate the adhesive and loosen the paper. Make sure to score the wallpaper, so the solution can get behind the old wallpaper.
Apply Water or Removal Solution: Fill your spray bottle with warm water or a commercial wallpaper removal solution. Generously spray the walls, making sure to saturate the paper. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 10-15 minutes), allowing the water to soak into the adhesive. Be sure to let it sit for the recommended time, because if you don't then you may struggle to remove the wallpaper.
Scrape the Wallpaper: Use a scraper to gently remove the wallpaper. Start at a seam or edge and work your way across the wall. The wallpaper should come off relatively easily. If it's not coming off, reapply water or solution and let it soak longer. Scrape the old wallpaper off with the scraper. Try to take off as much wallpaper as you can in one piece, if possible.
Remove Residual Adhesive: Once the wallpaper is removed, you'll likely have some adhesive residue left on the walls. Mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Use a sponge to gently scrub the walls, removing any remaining adhesive. It's important to remove all adhesive, because if you don't, then you're going to have issues with your new wallpaper.
Wash and Rinse: After removing the adhesive, rinse the walls with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure there is no residue, because this can cause issues with your new wallpaper.
Repair Any Imperfections: Inspect the walls for any imperfections, such as holes or cracks. Fill these with spackle or joint compound, sand smooth, and prime the walls. Take the time to repair any imperfections. This is a very important step. Remember, a good base, means a great finished product.
Prime the Walls: Apply a coat of primer to the walls. This will seal the surface, create a smooth base for the new wallpaper, and help with adhesion. This is an important step. Primer helps with adhesion. It will make things easier.

Following these steps will ensure you have a clean, smooth surface for your new wallpaper, and you'll be much more likely to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. This process is time-consuming, but the result is worth it.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It to Wallpaper Over Wallpaper?

So, guys, the big question: can you put new wallpaper over old wallpaper? The answer, in most cases, is a resounding no. While the temptation to take a shortcut is understandable, the potential problems far outweigh the benefits. You're taking a risk that can lead to an uneven finish, poor adhesion, bubbling, peeling, and even mold or mildew growth. It is not worth all the headache, the problems, and the issues. It's better to do things correctly, the first time.

Removing the old wallpaper might seem like a hassle, but it's the best way to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting result. The extra effort spent on preparation will pay off in the long run. If you want a job done right, you should take the time to do things right. You do not want to regret taking the easy way out.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. But hopefully, this guide has given you a clear understanding of the pros, cons, and potential pitfalls of wallpapering over old wallpaper. Before you start your next wallpapering project, consider all the factors and choose the method that will provide the best possible outcome for your home. Good luck, and happy decorating! Remember, can you put new wallpaper over old wallpaper should be taken with care, and should be considered very well.