Dull decorating question.....

[NDA]

A bit of advice from the collective if possible!

If the old wallpaper is sound (i.e. stuck firmly to the wall and in good condition) is it OK to put new wallpaper on top?

I'm not an expert on wallpaper but would rather avoid the massive job of taking it off.

Thanks.....

[Davi]

yep, I've yet to strip off a single layer of wallpaper in a house, worst is about 10 layers - came off like a sheet of hardboard! Lining paper is often put up in multiple layers to hide imperfect surfaces as well.

Edited by Davi on Monday 29th September 16:25

[BlueEyedBoy]

As long as you are happy with how the old stuff was put on, i.e. no ripples etc, then its fine, unless you are the poor buggers that have to come and take it off when you want to paint

[NDA]

Thanks.....

Is there any value in matching up (or not) the previous joins/seams?

[BlueEyedBoy]

NDA said:

Thanks.....

Is there any value in matching up (or not) the previous joins/seams?

If the paper isn't perfectly flush, then I would take it off, as you will get lines, and it will be difficult to match up the lines exactly. Plus if you do match up the lines, this is where it is most likely to start lifting, and it will be harder to sort out the paper lifting underneath, best to overlap if possible.

Edited by BlueEyedBoy on Monday 29th September 16:55

[AstonZagato]

Personally, I never done it - stripped and repaired the wall. The advantage of this is it allows you to find the problems with the plaster underneath. The disadvantage is it allows you to find the problems with the plaster underneath...

I am assuming it isn't vinyl (in which case, pealing it of is simple and it leaves a sort of lining paper).

I would think that a some form of cleaning and degreasing (sugar soap) would help adhesion but you should be careful not to soak it (and allow it to dry). That might give you an idea if the paper will bubble when it gets damp (when the new glue goes on top).

[NDA]

It sounds like I should take it off then....

Alternatively I might leave it. It's not too bad.