Whether you don’t like your current wallpaper or it’s time for a change, new wallpaper can spruce up any room. You may be asking, can you wallpaper over wallpaper? The answer is yes, but it depends on a few elements. Learn more in our guide below.

In this guide:
Factors to Consider
How to Layer Wallpaper Over Wallpaper

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Wallpaper Over Wallpaper: Factors to Consider

Before you learn how to wallpaper over wallpaper, there are a few things you need to know, including the type or material of the old wallpaper, its condition, its vibrancy, and more. This will help you determine what new wallpaper you should choose and what steps you need to take to prime your walls.

Non-Coated vs. Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper

There are two types of wallpaper: non-coated and vinyl-coated. In most cases, non-coated paper can be wallpapered over. However, vinyl-coated paper cannot be wallpapered over. Vinyl is nonporous, so new wallpaper will not stick to it, and adding a layer on top of it will create mold. You must remove it before putting new wallpaper up. We also recommend not wallpapering over a wallpaper that is embossed or embellished, as it will create bumps.

If you do not know if your old wallpaper is coated in vinyl, dampen a sponge with warm water and rub it on a small corner. If the entire area darkens from the moisture, then it is non-coated and you can wallpaper over it.

The Use of Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Similarly, you can put peel-and-stick wallpaper or pre-pasted wallpaper over existing wallpaper so long as the old wallpaper doesn't have a vinyl coating on top to protect it from moisture. This is because the vinyl coating is designed to be non-porous and won't allow the peel-and-stick backing to adhere properly. Peel-and-stick wallpaper comes with an adhesive backing so you don't have to worry about wallpaper glue or paste! Pre-pasted wallpaper comes with a dry layer of wallpaper paste that becomes adhesive when applied to a wall with water on it.

The Condition of the Wallpaper

If your current wallpaper is cracked or peeling, you will have to remove it completely before putting up new wallpaper. If the wallpaper in your bathroom is very old and wasn’t created for humid environments, we recommend taking it down before putting up new wallpaper as there may be mold and mildew under it.

The Color of the Old Wallpaper

If your existing wallpaper is very dark or has a bold pattern, it may show through your new wallpaper. If you would like to test this, buy a sample of your new wallpaper, and put it over a small section to see if the pattern shows through.

The Amount of Wallpaper Layers

Wallpapering over more than one layer is not recommended. Therefore, if you know there is only one layer of wallpaper on the wall, and it meets the considerations mentioned above, you can wallpaper over it. However, if there is more than one layer of wallpaper on your wall, remove the existing layers. If you are unsure, you may have to cut into the wallpaper to see if there is another layer underneath.

Tip!

Check out our guide to find Easy Tips for Removing Wallpaper Glue and Wallpaper.

How to Layer Wallpaper Over Wallpaper

Review this section for a wallpapering supplies list and step-by-step instructions to wallpaper over existing wallpaper.

What You Will Need:

• Stepladder
• Tarps (to protect the floors)
• Painter's tape (to protect outlets and switches from water exposure)
• Spackle (a paste to fill in cracks or holes in walls)
• Sandpaper (to smooth over dried spackle paste and uneven wall surfaces)
• Wallpaper sealer (to reseal loose seams on old wallpaper)
• Duster (to remove dust prior to applying new wallpaper)
• Liquid dish soap (1 tablespoon combined with water to clean old wallpaper and remove excess dirt)
• Bucket (to hold water/dish soap mixture)
• Sponge (to apply the mixture to the walls for cleaning prior to adding new wallpaper)
• Wallpaper primer (to help seal the wall pre-new wallpaper and prevent moisture buildup)
• Wallpaper glue/paste (unless using peel-and-stick wallpaper that already has an adhesive backing)
• New wallpaper
• Wallpaper brush or seam roller

Step 1: Inspect Wallpaper & Fix Problem Areas

Check your wallpaper for bumps, cracks, and peels. If you see bumps or holes, fill it with spackle, let it dry, smooth it with sandpaper, and make sure it is flat. If there are any loose seams, apply a seam sealer.

Step 2: Prep the Room & Walls

Since you will be working with water and getting close to electrical outlets, turn off the electricity to the room you are working on. Remove nails, outlet covers, and light switch covers. Then lay down tarps to catch drips when you rinse the wall. Also cover the outlets with painter’s tape to keep water out.

Clean the walls with a duster, then fill a bucket with a mixture of warm water and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Dip a sponge into the mixture, wring out excess water, and lightly rinse the walls. Make sure to not wet the walls completely, or the old wallpaper may peel off. Let the walls air-dry before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Prime the Walls

With a commercial wallpaper primer and a roller, roll the primer on the walls over the old wallpaper. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours unless specified otherwise by the primer's manufacturer. Some water-based primers need to dry for up to 48 hours.

Step 4: Apply Wallpaper Paste

Skip this step if you're using peel-and-stick wallpaper. Start by mixing the paste and then use a paint roller to apply it over the old wallpaper. Cover the wall generously, making sure to minimize the gaps between wallpaper paste. This will ensure the best seal for your wallpaper.

Step 5: Wallpaper

Now, you can start wallpapering! Depending on the type of wallpaper you choose, you may need a bucket of water or wallpaper paste for adhesion. Make sure to line up the wallpaper properly, use a seam roller to prevent seam peeling, and use a wallpaper brush to remove any air bubbles. Jump to Wallpapering 101: How to Install Wallpaper for what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wallpaper over existing wallpaper?
Yes, you can wallpaper over existing wallpaper if it meets the conditions discussed above.

What wallpaper cannot be covered?
You should not cover any wallpaper that is textured or peeling.

Should you prime before applying?
Yes, priming before applying new wallpaper will help with adhesion.

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