Paint for paintable wallpaper is a water-based acrylic paint whose data sheet lists wallpaper among its substrates. POLIFARB has seven of them: the DIAMOND range, Barvy Pryrody, AKRYLTIKS, EXTRA LATEX and UNIVERSAL FASAD. Below is a comparison table, what to keep in mind for glass-fibre, paper and non-woven wallpaper, and the order of work.
Which POLIFARB paints suit wallpaper
Paper-backed and glass-fibre wallpaper is named in the data sheets of DIAMOND 2 acrylic latex paint, DIAMOND 7 satin paint, DIAMOND 15 silky paint, Barvy Pryrody paint, AKRYLTIKS acrylic paint and EXTRA LATEX matt paint. UNIVERSAL FASAD all-purpose paint for facades and interiors lists wallpaper without specifying the backing, and its data sheet explicitly allows painting over wallpaper.
Paint | Wallpaper in the data sheet | Wet-scrub class | Gloss level | Consumption per coat, g/m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DIAMOND 2 | paper and glass-fibre backing | 1 | 2, deep matt | 100–150 / 150–190 |
DIAMOND 7 | paper and glass-fibre backing | 1 | 7, satin matt | 100–150 / 150–190 |
DIAMOND 15 | paper and glass-fibre backing | 1 | 15, silky | 100–150 / 150–190 |
Barvy Pryrody | paper and glass-fibre backing | 1 | 15, silky | 100–150 / 150–190 |
AKRYLTIKS | paper and glass-fibre backing | 2 | 5, matt | 110–150 / 170–210 |
EXTRA LATEX | paper and glass-fibre backing | 3 | 3, matt | 150–200 / 200–240 |
UNIVERSAL FASAD | "wallpaper", painting over wallpaper | 2 | 3, matt | 160–190 / 180–220 |
The first consumption figure is for non-absorbent substrates, the second for absorbent ones. EKOFARBA and SNEJINKA are not on this list: their data sheets do not name wallpaper as a substrate, so we do not recommend them for it.
Glass-fibre, paper, non-woven: what to keep in mind
Glass-fibre wallpaper
Glass-fibre backing is named in the data sheets of every paint in the table except UNIVERSAL FASAD, which does not specify the backing. Glass-fibre wallcovering often goes into hallways and kitchens where walls get washed, so a class 1 paint fits: DIAMOND 2 or DIAMOND 7. To hang it, use LUX ADHESIVE glass-fibre wallpaper adhesive. It is applied to the wall, not the sheet, gives 30 minutes to slide the sheet and match the pattern, and dries clear so it does not show as a stain under paint. Use it only in dry rooms at +5…+35 °C; it takes 24 hours to dry.
Paper paintable wallpaper
Paper backing is named directly too. Paper absorbs paint, so plan on the upper end of the consumption range for absorbent substrates. For a bedroom or living room where walls are rarely washed, AKRYLTIKS (class 2) or EXTRA LATEX (class 3) is enough.
Non-woven wallpaper
Non-woven backing is not named separately in the data sheets. UNIVERSAL FASAD allows painting wallpaper without specifying the backing, while the interior paints list only paper and glass fibre. Before painting the whole room, do a test patch on an offcut or an inconspicuous area and check the wallpaper maker’s paint recommendations.
How to paint wallpaper: step by step
- Prime the wall before hanging. The data sheet of PROFI GRUNT deep-penetrating primer lists preparing substrates for wallpapering; apply one coat, drying time 1–2 hours.
- Let the adhesive dry fully. For LUX ADHESIVE that is 24 hours.
- Check seams and corners, re-stick any lifted edges and dust the surface.
- Stir the paint in the tin. If you want a colour, tint the whole quantity at once: pick the shade in the colour visualiser.
- Roll on one or two coats with 2 hours between them, at +5…+30 °C. On textured wallpaper, roll so the paint gets into the recesses.
- Do not wash the painted wallpaper for at least 7 days.
Common mistakes
- Painting wallpaper before the adhesive has dried.
- Choosing a paint whose data sheet does not list wallpaper as a substrate.
- Putting a silky paint on wallpaper with visible seams: the sheen will highlight them.
- Estimating paint from the floor area. Measure the wall area minus windows and doors, and for textured wallpaper use the top of the consumption range. The paint consumption calculator helps.
What to buy
For glass-fibre wallpaper in a hallway or kitchen, take DIAMOND 2 or DIAMOND 7 together with LUX ADHESIVE. For paper wallpaper in living rooms, AKRYLTIKS or EXTRA LATEX. For a silky sheen, DIAMOND 15 or Barvy Pryrody with its 16 ready-made colours. How to read the wet-scrub class and how latex differs from acrylic is covered in latex or acrylic paint, and choosing paint by room in how to choose wall paint.
FAQ
What paint should I use on paintable wallpaper?
A water-based acrylic paint whose data sheet lists wallpaper as a substrate: DIAMOND, Barvy Pryrody, AKRYLTIKS, EXTRA LATEX or UNIVERSAL FASAD.
Can non-woven wallpaper be painted?
The interior paint data sheets do not mention non-woven backing, only paper and glass fibre. Do a test patch and check the wallpaper maker’s recommendations.
How long after hanging can wallpaper be painted?
Once the adhesive is fully dry. For LUX ADHESIVE that is 24 hours.
Can painted wallpaper be washed?
Yes, if the paint is wet-scrub class 1 or 2, and no sooner than 7 days after painting.
