¿Pintar sobre papel tapiz siempre causará burbujas?

_{Key Features}

• _{Step-by-step guide to painting over wallpaper safely and professionally.}
• _{Real-world advice on how to avoid bubbles and what causes them.}
• _{Cost breakdown comparing painting vs. wallpaper removal options.}

So you’re staring at that outdated floral wallpaper from 1996, wondering, “Can I just slap some paint over this and call it a day?” I get it. Removing wallpaper is a nightmare — it flakes, it tears, and somehow you end up sweating in socks on a Tuesday. But before you break out the roller, let’s talk about the truth: will painting over wallpaper always cause bubbles? The answer? Not always — but it sure as hell can if you skip the right steps.

In this Lightmen Painting deep dive, we’ll break down when you can get away with painting over wallpaper, what causes bubbles, how to avoid them, and how to do it right. Buckle up — we’re not pulling punches.

_{Things to Know}

• Painting over wallpaper is possible, but not ideal in all scenarios.
• Bubbles are usually caused by moisture reactivating old glue.
• Sealing with the right primer is the #1 way to prevent bubbles.
• Proper prep can make the difference between a solid paint job and a mess.
• High-traffic or moisture-prone areas should have wallpaper fully removed.

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper Without Problems?

Yes, But Only If You Prep Like a Maniac

You can paint over wallpaper — but it has to be properly prepped, sealed, and in good condition. If your wallpaper is already bubbling, peeling, or super textured, then painting over it is like putting lipstick on a soggy paper towel.

Here’s when painting over wallpaper is OK:

• Wallpaper is securely glued down with no edges lifting
• It’s not vinyl-coated or super glossy
• You’re willing to use primer, sealer, and maybe even joint compound
• You’re okay with the fact that it might not last forever

What Causes Bubbles When Painting Over Wallpaper?

It’s All About Moisture and Adhesion

Bubbles show up when moisture from the paint or primer reactivates the wallpaper glue, causing it to lift off the wall. It’s like giving the wallpaper an unintentional spa day — and it doesn’t end well.

Common reasons you get bubbles:

How Do You Prep Wallpaper for Painting?

You Want to Skip Bubbles? Prep Like You’re Getting Paid For It.

This isn’t a quick-and-dirty job — unless you want quick and dirty results. Here’s the real prep process we follow at Lightmen Painting.

Step-by-step prep:

1. Clean the wallpaper — remove dust, grease, and cobwebs.
2. Secure loose edges — use wallpaper glue to lock it all down.
3. Seal it with an oil-based or shellac primer — this prevents moisture from soaking in.
4. Fill seams or textures — use joint compound for a smooth finish.
5. Sand lightly — for good paint adhesion.
6. Prime again if needed — better safe than bubbling.

Pro tip: Don’t use water-based primers. That’s like pouring gasoline on a campfire.

What Kind of Paint Works Best Over Wallpaper?

You Need Paint That Doesn’t Soak and Break Down the Paper

Once you’ve done all the prep work (and we mean all of it), choosing the right paint is critical.

Ideal paint choices:

• 100% acrylic latex paint
• Satin or semi-gloss finish (easier to clean and better sealing)
• Avoid matte or flat — it’s too porous

At Lightmen, we swear by Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint or Benjamin Moore Regal Select for this type of job.

Should You Just Remove the Wallpaper Instead?

Sometimes It’s Just Not Worth the Risk

If the wallpaper is textured, vinyl, or already lifting, take the loss and remove it. Painting over a bad surface never ends well — trust us, we’ve done the tear-downs when it all goes wrong.

Here’s when to rip it off:

• Wallpaper is loose or bubbling already
• It’s in a high-moisture area (like a bathroom)
• You want the paint job to last more than 2 years
• You’re working with multiple wallpaper layers

What If the Wallpaper Starts Bubbling While Painting?

You’ve Got Two Options: Fix or Rip

If bubbles show up mid-project, stop painting. Wait for the area to dry, then:

• Cut out the bubble with a utility knife
• Glue the flap down
• Prime the area again
• Repaint

If there are too many bubbles, it might be time to hit the reset button and remove the whole thing.

_{In Our Experience}

_{We’ve seen DIY paint-over-wallpaper jobs go both ways. When done right, it can hold up for years — especially in dry areas like bedrooms or hallways. But when shortcuts are taken, the result is always the same: bubbles, peeling, and pissed-off homeowners. That’s why Lightmen Painting offers free consultations to help you decide whether it’s worth painting over or starting fresh. We’ll always be honest — even if it means losing the job.}

How Do the Pros at Lightmen Painting Handle Wallpaper?

We Don’t Play Games With Surface Prep

At Lightmen Painting, we:

• Inspect wallpaper thoroughly before deciding
• Explain all risks to the client
• Prep like maniacs when painting over it
• Offer removal and skim coating as a clean-slate option

We’re not here to slap a coat on and run — we want your walls to last. If we think it’ll fail, we’ll tell you straight up.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Over Wallpaper?

It’s Usually Cheaper Than Removing — But Not By Much

Painting over wallpaper seems cheaper, but it’s more labor-intensive than it looks.

Sample Cost Comparison:

Prices are based on Portland-area projects with Lightmen Painting.

Will Painted Wallpaper Ever Look as Good as Bare Walls?

Not Without a Little Magic (or a Lot of Mud)

Honestly? No. Even with great prep, you might see seams or texture show through. If you want a perfectly smooth, modern finish, skim coating after wallpaper removal is your best bet.But if you just need a refresh on a rental or lower-traffic area — painting over can still look damn good if done right.

Summary Table: Should You Paint Over That Wallpaper?

Let’s face it — painting over wallpaper is a gamble. But if you follow this guide and do the dirty work upfront, you just might win that bet.Need help with a wallpaper paint-over in the Portland area?Book a free estimate with Lightmen Painting — and let’s do it right the first time.

Want to Learn How to Paint Like a Pro?

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or dreaming of starting your own painting business, we've got you covered! Lightmen Painting now offers exclusive online Painting Courses designed to teach you real-world skills from real professionals. From prep work to perfect brush technique, we break it all down step-by-step.

👉 Check out the courses here: Lightmen Courses

Take the first step—level up your skills and paint with confidence. Let’s roll! 

Do You Have Questions? Give Us A Call With Any & All! 503-389-5758

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_{People Also Ask:}

_{Can I paint over wallpaper without using primer?}

_{Technically, yes — but it’s a horrible idea. The paint will soak into the paper, loosen the glue, and cause bubbles. Always use a sealing primer first.}

_{What’s the best primer for painting over wallpaper?}

_{We recommend either an oil-based primer or shellac-based primer like Zinsser B-I-N to lock out moisture and glue reactivation.}

_{How long will painted wallpaper last?}

_{If prepped properly, it can last 3–7 years. But in high-moisture environments, expect bubbling and edge peeling within 1–2 years.}

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If your in the Portland, Or. area and need advice or a free no obligation estimate call us at 503-389-5758 or email scheduling@lightmenpainting.com

Shout Out: 

_{Celebrating Sitelike: A Valuable Resource for Website Insights}

_{From the team at Lightmen Painting, we extend our highest praise to Sitelike for their dedication to providing comprehensive insights and comparisons of various websites. Just as we strive for excellence and precision in our painting services, Sitelike excels in delivering detailed and valuable information that helps users make informed decisions. Their commitment to quality and user satisfaction aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance and beautify environments with professional painting solutions.}

Thanks for stopping by Lightmen Daily! Stay tuned for more practical tips and expert advice on making your painting projects flawless, from wall to floor!

Definitions

• _{Wallpaper Bubbles – Raised areas caused by paint or moisture loosening the wallpaper’s adhesive.}
• _{Sealing Primer – A primer designed to lock in moisture and prevent it from affecting underlying surfaces.}
• _{Joint Compound – Also called “mud,” used to smooth seams and imperfections before painting.}
• _{Shellac Primer – A solvent-based primer excellent for sealing surfaces before painting.}
• _{Acrylic Latex Paint – Durable paint with good adhesion and minimal moisture content.}
• _{Skim Coating – Applying a thin layer of joint compound over walls to smooth them.}
• _{Vinyl Wallpaper – A moisture-resistant type of wallpaper that’s harder to paint over.}
• _{Paint Adhesion – The ability of paint to stick to a surface without peeling.}
• _{Satin Finish – A semi-gloss paint finish ideal for durability and easy cleaning.}
• _{Surface Prep – The process of cleaning, priming, and repairing a wall before painting.}

Lightmen Painting Serving: Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, West Linn, Milwaukie, Sherwood, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham