Covering Wallpaper

Q: A few years ago, I hung wallpaper without painting the wall first. Now I realize the paper won't come off without damaging the drywall. Can I put new wallpaper on top of the paper that's on the wall now?

A: Putting new wallpaper over old wallpaper is not a black-and-white issue. Because there are so many adhesives and papers, you don't really know how they are going to react. In some cases, the adhesive for the new wallpaper may seep through the old wallpaper and have a dissolving effect on the old adhesive. This will make the old paper buckle and peel, ruining the new wallpaper.

The best idea is to put a primer over the old wallpaper before hanging the new paper. The primer you use will depend on the new paper, so ask a professional at the paint store for a recommendation. Try the primer in an inconspicuous spot on your wall. If it stays flat and doesn't cause the old paper to bubble up or peel off, you can go ahead and prime the entire wall and then install the new paper.

If you'd rather let the pros handle the job, find information about paperhangers on the guild Web site at www.ngpp.org. There are even pros listed who specialize only in wallpaper removal.