How to Repaint Textured Wallpaper

Quck answer

To paint over textured wallpaper, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the wall: Clean the wallpaper with a mild detergent and water solution. Remove any loose or peeling wallpaper.

2. Repair any damage: Fill in any holes or cracks with spackling compound. Sand the area smooth once it is dry.

3. Prime the wall: Apply a primer to the wallpaper. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a smooth surface.

4. Paint the wall: Use a roller or brush to apply the paint. Start in the corners and edges, then move to the larger areas. Apply multiple coats if needed.

5. Allow the paint to dry: Follow the drying time indicated on the paint can. Remove any painter’s tape or protective covers.

6. Enjoy your newly painted wall: Step back and admire your refreshed space!

By following these steps, you can successfully paint over textured wallpaper and give your room a fresh new look.


Repainting textured wallpaper, also known as anaglypta, may be seen as a design mistake by some home improvement experts. It can be challenging – wallpaper, especially old wallpaper, often has bubbles, tears, and frayed edges, and it collects dust, which creates an uneven painting surface. However, it is possible to paint over wallpaper, and it is a great way to personalize a space.

To achieve textured walls without the need for putty or other materials under the paint, you can paint over textured wallpaper.

Items You Will Need

  • Drop cloths

  • Plastic sheets

  • Painter’s tape

  • Latex primer

  • Paint

  • Paint roller

  • Paintbrush

  • Polyurethane varnish (optional)

How to Repaint Textured Wallpaper

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Protect your surroundings from paint splatters by using drop cloths, covering windows and doors with plastic sheets, applying painter’s tape to trim edges, and removing outlet and switch-plate covers.

Step 2: Apply a Layer of Primer

Use a paint roller to apply a coat of primer to the wall (i.e., the textured wallpaper). Use a paintbrush to touch up areas that are difficult to reach, ensuring that the primer covers every crevice and corner. The primer helps the paint adhere to the wall, resulting in a smooth finish.

Latex primers are recommended for painting over wallpaper because they do not raise the texture. The type of paint finish is not as important, so feel free to use any topcoat or finish you prefer.

Step 3: Paint Over the Wallpaper

Carefully and slowly paint the entire wall with a clean paint roller. Slower strokes allow the paint to seep into the cracks of the textured wallpaper, so the slower you move, the better the result.

Step 4: Cover Missed Areas

Use a paintbrush to apply paint to any areas that were missed. Pay close attention to corners and other hard-to-reach spots that may not have received an even coat of paint. If you encounter deep cracks that have not been painted, press the bristles of the brush into the cracks and use short, gentle strokes to apply the paint. Textured wallpaper is prone to scuffing, so be gentle.

Step 5: Allow It to Dry

Let the paint dry for a few hours, preferably overnight. Refer to the drying times specified on the paint can label for your specific paint.

Step 6: Apply a Second Coat of Paint

Even if it appears that the entire wall has been evenly painted, apply a second coat of paint. The first coat will continue to absorb into the wallpaper until it is completely dry, which can result in the paint color appearing lighter and any missed areas becoming more noticeable.

Step 7: Allow It to Dry (Again)

Take a break and allow the paint to dry for a few hours. Touch up any areas as needed using a paintbrush.

Step 8: Add Sheen if Desired

Painting over textured wallpaper with a dark-colored paint can create an elegant and moody look. If you have chosen a dark color, there is an additional step to enhance your paint job: adding sheen.

When applying a dark color over textured wallpaper, the patterns may become less visible because the shadows are not as pronounced as they are with lighter paint colors. Enhance the raised print on textured wallpaper by adding a sheen using a polyurethane varnish. Alternatively, you can make your flat paint glossy by mixing it with gloss paint before applying it over the textured wallpaper.

If you are using a light-colored paint or one that already has a glossy finish, you can skip this step.

Step 9: Tidying Up

Remove the painter’s tape, plastic wrap, and drop cloths that you placed at the start of the project and admire your handiwork. You will be left with a beautifully textured wall that instantly adds dimension and style to your space.

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