I remember staring at my old, peeling floral wallpaper in the guest bathroom, contemplating a drastic change. New wallpaper? Too much work. Paint? Boring. Then the bright, shiny promise of removable wallpaper caught my eye. But a nagging question lingered: can you put removable wallpaper over wallpaper? I’d spent enough cash on DIY fails to be skeptical. This isn’t about fancy jargon; it’s about whether this shortcut actually works without turning into a sticky, wrinkled mess.
Years of wrestling with adhesives, tearing down ancient paper, and applying new layers have taught me a few things. I’ve seen good products deliver and others fall spectacularly flat. So, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re eyeing that new peel-and-stick design to cover up something… less than stellar, here’s the real scoop on whether you can put removable wallpaper over existing wallpaper.
The Big Question: Can You Put Removable Wallpaper Over Wallpaper? Yes, But…
Okay, let’s get this out of the way: the short answer is yes, you absolutely can put removable wallpaper over existing wallpaper. I’ve done it, and so have many others. It seems like the ultimate hack, right? Slap a fresh, modern design over that dated, possibly hideous paper, and voilà – instant upgrade. And sometimes, it really is that simple. For a quick refresh, a temporary fix for a rental, or just a small accent wall that you want to change up seasonally, it can be a lifesaver. Think of it as giving your old wallpaper a chic, modern facelift without the back-breaking labor of stripping it first.
However, and this is a HUGE ‘however,’ it’s not always a guaranteed win. My first attempt was on a textured, slightly glossy vinyl wallpaper that had been up for probably twenty years. I slapped on some nice, matte removable paper, feeling like a DIY genius. Within a week, edges started curling.
Within a month, I could see the bumpy texture of the old wallpaper showing through, like a persistent zit on an otherwise clear face. It looked… not good.
The adhesive on the new paper just couldn’t get a good grip on the slick, uneven surface beneath. So, while the ‘can you’ is a ‘yes,’ the ‘should you’ and ‘how well will it work’ depend heavily on what’s already on your walls.
The key is understanding the type of wallpaper you’re covering and the type of removable wallpaper you’re using. If your existing wallpaper is smooth, well-adhered, and not peeling or bubbling, you’re off to a much better start. If it’s textured, shiny, or in rough shape, you’re asking for trouble. It’s like trying to put a band-aid on a hairy, sweaty arm – it’s not going to stick well. I’ve learned to be brutally honest with myself about the condition of the underlying surface. And speaking of surfaces, the quality of the removable wallpaper itself matters immensely. Some brands have stronger, more forgiving adhesives than others, and some are just plain flimsy.
People often ask if the old pattern will show through. Generally, with thicker, opaque removable wallpapers, especially darker colors or those with a matte finish, the underlying pattern is less of an issue.
But if you’re using a thin, light-colored paper, that old floral nightmare might just peek through, giving your new design a weird, ghostly undertone. It’s a gamble, and frankly, one I’m not always willing to take if I’m investing a significant amount of time and money. Always, always, always order a sample and test it in an inconspicuous spot.
Let it sit for a few days, even a week, to see how it holds up. This little step saved me from a potentially disastrous repeat of my textured wallpaper blunder.
What Kind of Wallpaper Can You Cover? The Nitty-Gritty
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and go over existing wallpaper. Great! Now, what kind of wallpaper is actually going to play nice with your new removable addition? This is where things get real, and honestly, where most people mess up. You can’t just slap a peel-and-stick onto anything and expect miracles. The best candidate for being covered is a smooth, vinyl, or washable wallpaper that’s in good condition. Think of it as a clean, flat canvas. If your current wallpaper is the kind that feels a bit plasticky and you can wipe it down with a damp cloth, you’re likely in luck.
Conversely, anything textured, embossed, or made of natural fibers is a big no-no. I’m talking about those old flock wallpapers that feel like velvet, or grasscloth that has a rough, woven texture. Removable wallpaper needs a smooth, non-porous surface to adhere properly. If there are bumps, ridges, or inconsistencies, the adhesive on the new paper won’t make full contact, leading to peeling, lifting, and general disappointment. I once tried to cover a heavily textured wallpaper in my laundry room, thinking it would hide the imperfections. Big mistake. The new wallpaper just clung to the peaks, leaving the valleys exposed and looking like a badly Photoshopped image. It was awful, and I had to redo the whole wall, stripping both layers.
People often wonder about old, peeling wallpaper. If your existing wallpaper is already lifting at the seams, bubbling, or has damaged areas, you absolutely must fix those first. Removable wallpaper is designed to stick to a solid surface, not to hold together a crumbling one. Trying to cover peeling wallpaper is like trying to build a house on sand – it’s going to collapse. You’ll end up with a messy, unstable situation that looks far worse than the original problem. Spend a bit of time repairing those loose edges with a good wallpaper paste or even a specialized wallpaper adhesive. It might seem like extra work, but it’s the foundation for a successful installation. (See Also: Does Peel And Stick Wallpaper Damage Walls When Removed )
The glossiness of the underlying wallpaper also plays a role. High-gloss finishes can be problematic because they create a very slick surface that some removable adhesives struggle to grip. While some manufacturers claim their products will stick to anything, I’ve found that smoother, matte finishes offer better adhesion.
If you’re unsure, again, the sample test is your best friend. Get a piece of your existing wallpaper (if you can peel a small section off without damage, or if you have a leftover scrap) and stick a sample of the removable wallpaper to it. Leave it for a week and see what happens. This pre-emptive strike is important for avoiding headaches down the line.
It’s better to know now than to find out after you’ve spent hours applying the new paper.
The Unspoken Truth: When It’s a Bad Idea
Look, I’m all for shortcuts and making life easier, but sometimes, a shortcut leads you straight into a ditch. Putting removable wallpaper over old wallpaper is one of those situations where you need to be brutally honest with yourself about the risks. If your existing wallpaper is anything other than perfectly smooth, flat, and well-adhered, you’re probably setting yourself up for a frustrating experience. I’ve seen friends try to cover up popcorn ceilings with removable wallpaper, thinking it would look modern. It didn’t. It just looked like popcorn ceiling with a poorly applied decal on it. The texture underneath always wins.
My biggest pet peeve? People who try to cover heavily textured or embossed wallpapers. These papers have a three-dimensional quality that removable wallpaper simply cannot conform to perfectly. The adhesive will only stick to the raised parts, leaving the recessed areas loose and prone to peeling. It ends up looking cheap and unfinished, and frankly, it’s a waste of money and effort. I learned this the hard way in a client’s dining room where they had this beautiful, but incredibly textured, damask wallpaper. They insisted on covering it. I warned them. They didn’t listen. A month later, they were calling me in a panic because it was peeling like a sunburnt tourist. It was a mess.
Another red flag is when the existing wallpaper is old and brittle. Over time, wallpaper can become dry and prone to cracking or tearing. If you try to apply new wallpaper over it, you risk tearing the old paper, which will then show through the new design. This is especially true if you need to reposition the removable wallpaper during application – the friction and pulling can cause the old paper to split. It’s like trying to patch a hole in a delicate old silk scarf with a heavy-duty canvas patch; it just doesn’t work. You need a stable, uniform base.
And let’s talk about the ‘removable’ aspect. Some removable wallpapers have very aggressive adhesives, while others are quite gentle. If you’re layering over an old, potentially delicate wallpaper, you risk damaging the original paper when you eventually try to remove the top layer.
You might end up with a wallpapered wall that is impossible to fully strip without damaging the drywall beneath. This is a huge concern for renters or anyone who might want to change their decor again down the line.
My rule of thumb: if you’re unsure about the integrity of the underlying wallpaper, or if you anticipate needing to remove it in the future without causing damage, then covering it up is a risky proposition. Don’t sacrifice future ease for present convenience. It’s a trade-off that rarely pays off in the long run.
The Best Case Scenarios: Where It Actually Works
Alright, so we’ve established that putting removable wallpaper over existing wallpaper isn’t always a slam dunk. But where does it actually shine? The absolute best-case scenario is covering a smooth, flat, relatively modern vinyl wallpaper that’s in excellent condition. Think of those clean, matte-finish wallpapers that you might find in a builder-grade home or a rental property. If it’s not peeling, bubbling, or textured in any way, it can provide a perfectly stable surface for your new removable design. I’ve seen this done successfully in home staging situations where a quick, appealing update was needed without the cost and time of full removal. It made a dated room feel instantly fresh and contemporary.
Another strong contender for success is covering a very light-colored or subtle pattern with a thicker, opaque, darker, or heavily patterned removable wallpaper. The new design acts like a visual shield, masking the underlying print. If your old wallpaper is a pale, barely-there floral or a muted stripe, and you’re covering it with a bold, dark geometric or a richly textured removable paper, the chances of the old pattern showing through are significantly reduced. It’s like wearing a dark, opaque shirt over a slightly sheer one – the underlying color is concealed. However, even then, extremely glossy or raised elements on the old paper might still present a challenge for adhesion.
Consider temporary applications, like a feature wall in a child’s room that you know will be changed in a few years, or a small accent in a powder room. In these situations, the stakes are lower. (See Also: Can You Remove Wallpaper To Repaint )
If it doesn’t hold up for years on end, it’s not the end of the world. The goal is a temporary aesthetic boost. I once helped a friend cover a wall in her daughter’s nursery with removable woodland creatures. The existing wallpaper was a neutral cream, smooth and in good shape.
The removable wallpaper was thick and colorful. It looked fantastic, and it was up for about three years without a single issue before they decided to redecorate. It was a perfect use case for this method.
Also, if you’re using a high-quality, reputable brand of removable wallpaper known for its strong adhesive and durability, you increase your chances of success. Brands that specifically mention their ability to adhere to multiple surfaces, or those with thicker materials, tend to perform better. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some will explicitly state whether their product is suitable for application over existing wallpaper, and under what conditions. Ignoring these instructions is a surefire way to end up disappointed. Trust the people who made the stuff; they usually know best. It’s not always a DIY free-for-all; sometimes following the rules actually helps.
Practical Tips and Tricks for Success
So, you’re going for it. You’ve assessed your walls, you’ve got your sample, and you’re ready to roll. Here’s how to give yourself the best possible shot at a smooth, beautiful finish when you put removable wallpaper over existing wallpaper. First off, the cleaning step is a must, even over old wallpaper. Wipe down the existing surface with a mild degreaser or a solution of water and a little dish soap. This removes any dust, grease, or grime that could interfere with the new adhesive. Let it dry completely. Seriously, let it dry. Patience here saves a lot of grief later.
Before you even think about peeling the backing, prepare your edges. Use a sharp craft knife or a precision knife and a metal ruler to score and trim any loose or curling edges of the existing wallpaper. You want a clean, straight line for your new wallpaper to adhere to.
If there are any small bubbles or lifted areas, try to smooth them down with a wallpaper smoothing tool or a credit card. If they won’t lie flat, you might need to apply a tiny dab of wallpaper paste to secure them.
This groundwork is key. I learned this when trying to quickly cover a patch of bubbling wallpaper – the new paper just followed the contours of the bubble, creating an even worse visual issue.
When applying the removable wallpaper, work in small sections. Peel back only a few inches of the backing paper at a time. Align the top edge carefully, and then use your smoothing tool (a plastic smoother, a squeegee, or even a clean microfiber cloth) to press the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards. This pushes out any air bubbles and makes sure maximum contact between the adhesive and the surface. Go slowly. Rushing is the enemy of good wallpapering, especially when you have a less-than-perfect surface underneath.
If you encounter a stubborn air bubble, try gently lifting the wallpaper back to that point and re-smoothing. If that doesn’t work, some people have success with a tiny pinprick to let the air escape, but do this with caution as it can create a small, visible hole if not done carefully. For corners and edges, take your time. You might need to use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently warm the wallpaper, making it more pliable and easier to mold around curves or into tight corners.
This is particularly helpful if the existing wallpaper has any bumps or texture that the new paper needs to flex around. And always have a spare blade for your craft knife; a dull blade will tear the paper, not cut it cleanly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Let’s be clear: the biggest mistake people make when they’re trying to put removable wallpaper over existing wallpaper is not doing their homework. They see a tutorial online, get excited, buy the paper, and dive in. That’s a recipe for disaster. The most common error is assuming all existing wallpaper is created equal. As I’ve hammered home, textured, glossy, or peeling wallpaper is a no-go. If your current wall covering has any kind of texture – think raised patterns, fabric-like finishes, or even just a subtle sheen – the removable wallpaper won’t adhere properly. It’s like trying to stick a sticker onto a bumpy Lego brick; it’s just not going to hold.
Another huge mistake is skipping the test patch. Every wall, every existing wallpaper, and every removable wallpaper brand is different. (See Also: Can You Use Removable Wallpaper On Desk )
What works in one scenario might fail miserably in another. I made this mistake myself when I decided to cover a wall in my office that had a slightly older, matte-finish wallpaper.
I figured it was smooth enough. I bought the removable paper, applied it, and it looked great for about two weeks. Then, the edges started to curl.
Turns out, that particular matte finish had a very slight waxy coating that the adhesive couldn’t bond to long-term. If I’d tested a small piece for a week or two, I would have seen this coming and saved myself the hassle of redoing it. Always, always, always test in an inconspicuous spot.
Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. Let it sit for at least a week, ideally longer, to see how it truly performs.
People also underestimate the importance of surface preparation. Even though you’re not stripping the old wallpaper, the surface still needs to be clean and smooth. Any dust, grease, or dirt on the existing wallpaper will prevent the new adhesive from forming a strong bond. And if there are any loose edges or bubbles in the old wallpaper, you MUST address them before applying the new. Trying to cover up existing imperfections will only make them more noticeable and cause the new wallpaper to fail. I’ve seen people try to smooth over peeling corners with the new paper, only to have the old paper peel away and take the new paper with it. It’s a nightmare scenario.
Finally, don’t be afraid to use the right tools. Trying to smooth out air bubbles with your hands, or cutting edges with dull scissors, will lead to frustration and a less-than-perfect finish. Invest in a good wallpaper smoothing tool, a sharp craft knife with extra blades, and a metal ruler for straight cuts. These tools make a world of difference in achieving a professional-looking result. And remember, even with the best intentions and techniques, layering wallpaper can sometimes mean that the ‘removable’ aspect becomes a bit less straightforward when it’s time to take it all down. Be prepared for that possibility. Sometimes, the shortcut has hidden costs down the line.
Faq: Your Burning Questions Answered
Can Removable Wallpaper Stick to Textured Wallpaper?
Generally, no. Removable wallpaper requires a smooth, flat surface for its adhesive to create a strong bond. Textured wallpapers have uneven surfaces that prevent full contact, leading to peeling and lifting. While some very mild textures might work with specific, high-tack removable wallpapers, it’s a risky endeavor and not recommended for best results.
Will the Old Wallpaper Pattern Show Through Removable Wallpaper?
It depends on the opacity and thickness of the removable wallpaper and the boldness of the underlying pattern. Thicker, darker, or more opaque removable wallpapers are less likely to show the old pattern. However, lighter colors or thinner materials might reveal the underlying design, especially if the old pattern is strong or raised.
How Do I Prepare Existing Wallpaper for Removable Wallpaper?
Clean the existing wallpaper surface thoroughly with a mild degreaser or soap and water to remove dust and grime. Make sure the surface is completely dry. Repair any loose or peeling edges of the existing wallpaper with wallpaper paste or adhesive to create a stable, flat base for the new application.
Is It Safe to Put Removable Wallpaper Over Old, Peeling Wallpaper?
No, it is not safe or advisable. Old, peeling wallpaper is not a stable surface. The removable wallpaper will adhere to the peeling sections, and as the old paper continues to degrade or detach, the new wallpaper will also fail. Always repair loose sections before applying new wallpaper.
Can I Put Removable Wallpaper Over Vinyl Wallpaper?
Yes, applying removable wallpaper over smooth, well-adhered vinyl wallpaper is often successful. Vinyl wallpaper provides a relatively smooth and non-porous surface that is ideal for the adhesive on removable wallpaper to grip. Make sure the vinyl wallpaper is clean and free from damage before application.
Verdict
So, to circle back, can you put removable wallpaper over wallpaper? The answer is a qualified yes. It’s a trick that can work, but only if you’re armed with the right knowledge and a healthy dose of realism about your existing walls. Don’t expect miracles if you’re trying to cover up a textured mess; you’ll likely end up with a different, arguably worse, mess. Stick to smooth, well-adhered surfaces for the best results, and always, always, always test a sample first.
I’ve learned that sometimes the most straightforward approach, even if it involves more initial work like stripping the old paper, is the one that truly pays off in the long run. But for a temporary fix, a rental situation, or a small accent wall where you’re willing to take a calculated risk, covering existing wallpaper with a quality removable product can absolutely be done successfully. Just go into it with your eyes wide open.
Your next step? If you’re considering this, grab a small sample of your chosen removable wallpaper and a scrap piece of your existing wall covering. Stick them together, let them sit for a week in the area where you plan to install, and check for any signs of lifting or adhesion issues before committing to the whole wall. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you’ll find for a successful project.
