Lowes.com How-To Tip: Old Wallpaper

To save time and effort in redecorating, you might be tempted to put new wallpaper directly over old. You can safely paper over a single layer of smooth, well-adhered wallpaper if it is free of bubbles, buckles and wrinkles. You'll need to do some prep work, including re-pasting any loose paper and patching the paper as necessary. You should also clean the walls thoroughly and apply a special primer.

In general though, you’ll get the best results if you strip the old paper. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary if:

You know or suspect that there is more than one layer of wallpaper on the surface.
The existing wallpaper has a vinyl, foil or plastic film. Wallpaper adhesive will not stick to those surfaces.
You're planning to hang new vinyl wallpaper. If the old wallpaper is also vinyl, the glue between the two layers will not dry well. If the old wallpaper is not vinyl, the glue under it may get wet and start to mildew.
The existing wallpaper is grass cloth, burlap or cork.
You hear crinkling sounds when running your hand over the surface of the wall. If you do, the wallpaper has buckled and should be removed.

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