It's a common question for homeowners in older Spokane homes, many of which have layers of wallpaper from past decades. Here's the honest answer.
Technically Possible, Rarely Advisable
You can paint directly over wallpaper if it's perfectly adhered with no seams lifting, no texture showing through, and no risk of moisture exposure. In practice, this is rare — most wallpaper, especially older paper in homes throughout South Hill and Browne's Addition, has seams, texture, or adhesion issues that will show through paint and can worsen over time.
Why Removal Is Usually the Better Path
Painted-over wallpaper seams tend to become more visible over months as the paper continues to react to humidity and temperature changes. Bubbling or peeling that develops later is far more disruptive to fix than addressing it during the initial project. Removing wallpaper properly — steaming or using a wallpaper removal solution, then skim-coating any texture or residue — gives a true, lasting paint finish.
When Painting Over Might Be Reasonable
A smooth, well-adhered liner paper or a skim-coated wall where wallpaper has already been removed and the surface properly finished is a different situation — that's simply a primed wall ready for paint, not painting over active wallpaper.
What to Discuss With Your Painter
If your home has wallpaper you're hoping to paint over rather than remove, bring this up during your free estimate. Your painter can assess the specific wallpaper, adhesion, and wall condition and give you an honest recommendation — including the cost difference between removal and painting over, and the likely long-term outcome of each approach.
Ready for a Free Estimate?
Riverflow Brush Painting serves Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Greenacres, and Otis Orchards. Every estimate is free, in-person, and obligation-free.
📞 Call (509) 852-8545