Related: Primer Paint and Paint Sealer Smooth the Way for a Top Paint Job When Not to Paint Over Wallpaper There are some situations when you absolutely do not want to paint over wallpaper.

Painting over wallpaper requires an oil-based primer and a topcoat. "Your first coat must be oil-based," says Koubele. "If you use something that’s latex or water-based, you’ll re-activate the ...