Should I paint over wallpaper directly on drywall or apply something first, and what are the white squares on the ceiling in every room?
Asked by Eric Barrios 
4 months ago
Last Updated: August 2, 2024
Our old house has wallpaper all over the place. The wallpaper near the stairs and in the hallway was starting to peel off, so I decided to take it down. Turns out, underneath it was just drywall. I checked the kitchen and it’s the same situation… wallpaper directly on the drywall without any base layer.
I’m wondering if I should paint over the wallpaper or if I need to do something to the drywall before painting over the bare areas.
And those white squares on the ceiling… what’s up with those? They’re in every room and I have no idea why. 🤦♀️
Also, is it normal for cracks to suddenly show up in walls for no apparent reason? The inspection and appraisal were both good, so I’m a bit confused.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Are you referring to the drywall that hasn’t been plastered or has it been plastered and then wallpapered? What type of finish will you be using on the walls?
Painting over wallpaper usually doesn’t end well. It can look bad or cause the wallpaper to start peeling due to increased moisture. Wallpaper directly over drywall is common. If you want to paint over where the wallpaper was removed, you’ll need to sand, clean, prime, and then apply a topcoat to cover any leftover glue residue.
If there are any imperfections, they will show through the paint. You’ll need to apply joint compound to make everything smooth. It’s recommended to remove the wallpaper, but if it’s stuck, you can prime and paint over it. Just make sure to coat the seams to avoid them showing through.
Be cautious with those tiles. Most likely they contain asbestos due to their age.