How to Paint Over Vinyl Paper Wallboard
- 1). Sand the surface of the wall to a rough finish. Sanding the entire wall is a big job, so consider using an electric sander instead of sanding by hand. If you do choose an electric sander, use an orbital sander and press down lightly. If you choose to sand by hand, use a coarse sandpaper, like 40- or 50-grit, and use a rapid back and forth motion from the top of the wall to the bottom. Run your hand over the sanded area. When it starts to have a texture similar to cement, it is sanded enough.
- 2). Apply a water-based primer to the surface of the vinyl paper wallboard. A thin even coat of primer will help paint stick to the wallboard.
- 3). Use epoxy paint. Epoxy paint sticks well to surfaces to which other paints have a hard time adhering.
- 4). Paint from the top of the wall down. You may still get some runs as you are painting. If you move from the top down, you will be able to brush them away while you are painting.
- 5). Apply several coats of paint. The amount of paint that it will take to cover the wall depends on the color of the paint and the pattern on the wallboard beneath, but applying at least three coats of paint to the wall will help ensure that your wallboard doesn't show through the paint.
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