Can You Paint Over Wallpaper? Plus Tile, Paneling, and More
When you’re ready to update a room, nothing can stop you in your tracks quite like a wall of outdated wallpaper. Maybe it’s floral from the 80s, maybe it’s a bold pattern from another era, but either way, you’re asking yourself: “Do I really have to take this all down before I paint?”
We hear things like this all the time: “Can you paint over wallpaper?” “What about wood paneling?” “How about old paint? Can you just paint right over it without prepping first?”
Painting projects always come with questions, and sometimes conflicting advice. The good news is that most surfaces can be painted; the difference lies in the type of preparation each one requires. Let’s go over some common “can I paint over this?” questions.
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
Let’s start with the big one. Can you paint over wallpaper? The short answer: yes, sometimes.
If the wallpaper is in decent shape, meaning it’s not peeling at the edges, bubbling, or stacked in multiple layers, you can paint over it.
If the wallpaper is visibly damaged, layered, or showing its age, painting over it can create bigger issues down the road. In those cases, it’s better to remove it first and start fresh.
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
Fix the seams: Glue down anything loose so you don’t paint over gaps.
Clean it well: Dust and residue will keep the paint from sticking properly
Prime first: A good bonding primer keeps patterns and glue from bleeding through.
Choose your finish: Satin or semi-gloss finishes tend to look best and are easier to clean later. Check out our full guide on paint finishes here!
Can You Paint Over Tile?
Yes, but it’s not as simple as painting a wall. The tile’s glossy surface and grout lines make it a little more challenging.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Clean thoroughly: Tile surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms collect layers of grime, ranging from soap scum to grease to residue from cleaning products. Use a heavy-duty cleaner or degreaser and make sure the surface is completely dry before moving on.
Sand the Surface: Tiles are naturally slick and shiny, making them resistant to paint. Lightly sand each tile with fine-grit sandpaper to dull the glaze. Just like the laminate, you don’t have to remove the finish entirely- just enough to allow the primer to adhere.
Prime: A regular primer won’t hold onto glossy tile, but a bonding primer is specifically designed for tough, non-porous surfaces like tile. Apply it evenly and let it dry fully before you start painting.
Choose the Right Paint: Standard wall paint isn’t designed for tile; you’ll want to use epoxy paint or specialty tile paint that can stand up to moisture, heat, and cleaning. Your finish will be more durable and help prevent peeling.
Grout Lines: Paint won’t hide grout lines or texture. If your grout is uneven or strained, consider cleaning it or regrouting before painting for the best final result.
One option we often recommend is Zinsser Smart Prime. It’s a water-based primer that performs like an oil-based formula, which means it bonds tightly to slick surfaces like tile while also blocking stains. Additionally, it has a low odor and works well in moisture-prone areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Using a primer like this one provides your paint with a reliable foundation, helping your finished project look good for much longer.
Can You Paint Over Wood Paneling?
Absolutely.
In fact, painting over paneling is one of the easiest ways to give a dated room a fresh and modern look.
The steps are pretty simple:
Start with a deep clean: Paneling can hide years of dust and polish, so take the time to wash it. A clean surface gives you the best foundation.
Lightly sand: A light sanding doesn’t take much effort, but it makes a huge difference in helping the paint adhere.
Use a primer: Choosing a good bonding primer is important; it seals the wood and creates a smooth surface for your paint.
Add your finish: Satin or semi-gloss paints are both great choices for paneling, giving you a durable, washable surface.
When it’s done, you’d be surprised how much brighter and more open your space feels.
Can You Paint Over Brick?
Yes, but this one’s a little trickier.
Painting brick requires special products and prep, so we’ve put together a separate blog all about it. If you’re curious about how to paint over brick, you’ll want to check out that post!
Can You Paint Directly Over Old Paint?
Sometimes, yes.
If the old paint is in good condition, meaning there’s no peeling, cracking, or bubbling, then painting directly over it is fine. You’ll just need to clean the surface and lightly sand it if it has a glossy finish.
If the old paint is flaking or chalky, putting a fresh coat over it is like putting a Band-Aid on the problem. It’s not going to last, and you’ll be right back where you started in no time. In this case, you’ll need to scrape and sand first, then apply primer in the areas where it’s needed.
Can You Paint Over Laminate Countertops?
Yes, but it takes some extensive prep work to get results that last!
Here’s what to do if you go that route:
Clean thoroughly: Use a degreaser or strong cleaner to make sure every bit of buildup is gone.
Sand lightly: Laminate has a glossy, slick surface that resists paint, so you’ll need fine-grit sandpaper and scuff the surface. You don’t need to sand it down to bare material; you just need to dull the shine enough to give your primer the texture it needs to grip correctly.
Prime the Surface: You’ll need a bonding primer specifically designed for slick, non-porous surfaces, such as laminate. This step helps to prevent peeling and chipping.
Pick the Right Paint: Standard wall paint won’t hold up on countertops - you’ll want to choose enamel paint or specialty countertop paint that can handle moisture, heat, and daily wear.
Seal: A protective top coat is the final layer that will make your work last. Without it, your paint will quickly scratch and wear down.
Keep in mind: painted laminate won’t last forever. It’s a great way to buy time or refresh a dated look while you save up for a bigger budget project, but it will eventually show wear.
Do You Need to Sand Before Painting?
This one depends on what you’re painting.
Bare wood: Yes, sand it smooth.
Glossy surfaces: Yes, scuff-sanding ensures the paint will stick.
Drywall that’s already smooth: No heavy sanding needed, just patch and spot sand where it’s rough.
Previously painted walls in decent shape: You can usually skip sanding, unless you see imperfections.
The bottom line: sanding isn’t always required, but skipping it when it is needed can lead to peeling and frustration later.
Can I Paint Without Using Primer?
We’ve all been there: the project’s taking longer than you planned, you just want to be done, and primer feels like one more hurdle in the way. But skipping it usually means trading short-term speed for long-term frustration. Sure, the paint will go on, but instead of enjoying your hard work for years, you may find yourself noticing issues much sooner than you’d like. A little extra time now can mean the difference between redoing the job next year and enjoying your space for the next decade.
Primer helps with three things:
Adhesion: The primer helps the paint stick to the surface, preventing it from peeling off.
Coverage: Primer makes sure the old color doesn’t bleed through your new one and ruin your project.
Durability: The primer not only ensures your color continues to look nice but also helps it last, saving you a significant amount of time in the long run.
If you’re painting over a wall that’s already in great condition and you’re sticking with a similar color, you might be able to skip primer. But if you’re painting wallpaper, paneling, bare wood, or anything stained or patched, primer isn’t optional.
Let’s summarize:
Can you paint over wallpaper? Yes, with proper preparation.
Can you paint over wood paneling? Definitely.
Can you paint over older paint? Sometimes.
Can you paint over brick? Yes- but check out our full blog for more information.
Do I always have to sand and prime my surfaces? Both are more important than you think!
At the end of the day, most of these questions come down to one thing: prep. Extra work up front means a smoother project, better coverage, and results that actually last.
If you’re in the Eugene/Springfield area and ready to get started on your next project, stop by Forrest Paint. We’ll help you find the right products and colors with the advice you need to bring your dream project to life.