How do you hide seams when painting over wallpaper?

By Laura S. Harris
Sep 6, 2021

Cover heavily textured paper with a thin coat of joint compound (spackle). This material will help smooth out the surface so that the texture won't show through the paint. Gently sand down the seams of the wallpaper so they're not as noticeable.

Why are my wallpaper seams showing?

Deviations (soaking time too long or too short, different soaking times for different lengths/strips of wallpaper) can lead to open seams. ... If the room temperature is too high or there is a draught, the wallpaper will dry more quickly than the adhesive, the dry tension cannot be balanced and the seams can split open.

How do you flatten wallpaper seams?

Spread an even coat of adhesive onto the underside of the exposed seam (photo 1). Then use a wooden seam roller to flatten the seam (photo 2). Clean any excess adhesive with a damp sponge. If a loose seam has a small, horizontal tear, be sure to roll the two flaps of the tear back down in their original position.

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References

• https://home.howstuffworks.com (Jun 1, 2009) When Painting Over Wallpaper is the Better Option | HowStuffWorks
• https://www.wallpaperfromthe70s.com (Dec 4, 2018) Open seams after wallpapering - prevention and cure
• https://www.thisoldhouse.com (Sep 26, 2021) Wallpaper Repairs Made Easy - This Old House