How to Paint Over Wallpaper in a Bathroom
Have you ever looked at the dated wallpaper in your bathroom and wondered what in the world you could do to freshen up the space… without having to actually remove the wallpaper? In this post, I am going to show you how to paint over wallpaper in a bathroom!
This project is easier than you think and is a much quicker way to refresh your bathroom! I mean, who really wants to go through the hassle of removing wallpaper when you could just paint over it and add a fabulous DIY pattern of your own?
How to paint over wallpaper in a bathroom:
First, you’ll need to gather up your supplies:
- paint in your desired colour scheme
Behr paint colours shown above:
Recycled Glass MQ6-18
Nocturne Blue HDC-CL-28
Saga Blue S480-4
Secluded Woods S480-4
Rice Curry MQ4-09
Saffron Strands PPU6-02 - paintbrush
- cereal boxes
- adhesive drawer liner
- scissors
- craft knife
- pen
- free printable template
Next, we make the pattern template pieces you’ll need to create your painted design:
Start by cutting out the shapes from the free template you downloaded.
Grab your empty cereal boxes and open them up. We’re going to use the cardboard as the base of the template.
Use a pen to trace the outline of one of your shapes onto the cardboard, leave 3 to 4 inches around each shape.
Use your scissors and craft knife to cut out the inside of the template.
Next cut out a piece of the adhesive drawer liner big enough to cover the cardboard cut out.
Remove the backing paper and apply it to the cardboard cut out. Trim the access and use the craft knife to cut out the pattern shape. The adhesive drawer liner will enable you to wipe the access paint off and use the pattern template with various paint colours.
Watch this quick video to see how I painted this wallpaper pattern
Now you’re ready to paint your pattern!
Pick one of your paint colors and grab one of the pattern template pieces.
Add a layer of paint into the negative space of the template, holding firm with the opposite hand for clean lines.
Allow to dry completely.
Alternate pattern piece sizes and paint colours, allowing ample drying time between layers and colours.
Once the first layer of paints and colours are dry, add dimension by layering on a similar color of paint.
Fill the whole wall, one template size and one paint color at a time, until you’ve perfected your new patterned feature wall!
It is entirely possible to paint over wallpaper in a bathroom in this style in just a weekend! And totally worth the time investment as well.
Everyone that has seen this new addition to the bathroom is has raved about it and I love sharing all about how to paint over wallpaper in a bathroom!
Looking for more bathroom renovation inspiration? Check out these posts:
- Before and After DIY Floral Weekend Bathroom Makeover
- Colourful Bathroom Makeover Ideas: Before and After Pictures
- Bathroom Makeover Ideas and Inspiration
- Blue Bath Be GONE- A Weekend Bathroom Makeover
Do you have any extra tips on how to paint over wallpaper in a bathroom? Let me know in a comment below!
How do u know how far to space out the leaves?
It is really personal preference, I just eyeballed it because each set of leaves is a different cluster.
Where is the template? I am not seeing a link for that…
Just down at the bottom, it is a pdf clickable link. V
I LOVE your style and literally everything you do!! hehe!!! So talented!
You are so sweet! Thank you xoxo
This painted wall is AMAZING! I’m so excited to come across this. I am in the process of redoing my laundry room, and this is the perfect solution.
Thank you!! Good luck would love to see how it turns out, be sure to tag me on IG @vfynes!
You should get this leaf pattern patented in wallpaper. I want it but not wanting to paint it. Wish I could buy it!
Ha, thanks!!
Gorgeous! I went to Home Depot to purchase the paint (the same as what you have) yesterday (social distancing precautions taken!) I am nervous and scared and excited all at the same time! Which color should I begin with?
I started with the lightest and went darker, that way I could overlap a bit without it showing through. Good luck, would love to see how it turns out. V
I love that wallpaper, but have no painting talent. Can you tell me where to buy it as wallpaper? Thanks, Terri
I’m sorry, I can’t remember where I saw it, you could check Pinterest. I’m sure you could manage this without and painting talent!
I went to Home Depot to buy my Behr paint. I got the same ones you had listed, but they seems so much brighter in my bathroom than they do on your pictures. Especially the two blues. Not sure why that is.
Paint looks different in every light, buy a small tub of white as well and mix a little to tame it down. Good luck!
So I don’t have wall paper, but do you think this could just be painted on the wall and work?
absolutely! Good luck
I was so hoping you sold this in wallpaper haha. But I’m so impressed you painted it!! Question: did you paint the white in after? That would be the most intimidating part for me. I’m in the middle of a big kitchen reno, and downstairs bathroom. It’s a small space, and I could do something like what you’ve done (but not nearly as good). But I wouldn’t know when to do it. After they painted it white?? Thanks!
I painted the white as a basecoat and painted the leaves on after. Hope this helps, happy renovating! V
Eeek! I’m so happy I stumbled upon this blog post. I had everything measured out and ready to purchase (in wallpaper) but I just felt so bummed I was going to be spending $300 on wall paper that I could be spending on other upgrades. PLUS, I love this so much more. What size of paint did you get? I’m thinking of starting out with just the sample sizes.
This is going in a small half bath and don’t want to feel like I’m going to waste all these paints in quart sizes. What would you recommend/use?
Hey Millie, just the sample size will do and you’ll still have lots leftover. Hope to see your work of art! V
Are you tired yet of hearing about this wall? I hope not, for me it’s better than the original wallpaper. Thank you for sharing the inspiration and the detailed instructions on how to DIY. I’m nervous but also looking forward to the cuteness! When I do it, I promise to share photos. Also newest follower here 🙂
Hey Tiffany, thank you for your sweet comment. I hope you give it a try, please share when you do. You’ll love it!
What are the base colors you use before the highlights and shadows? thanks!
The shadows and base colours are just the next lighter shade mixed in a tiny bit I just do it right in the cap!
I am so sorry if this is a stupid question. It looked like you were painting the design on wood. I’m not sure exactly what you were painting the actual design on. I’m sure I missed something and I apologize but I want to do this and I want it to look as beautiful as yours!
Yes I was painting on wood in the video. I did my bathroom wall and had so many questions about how to do it after, that I made a video. Plywood was the only thing I had big enough to mimic the wall surface. Sorry for the confusion!
So creative and beautiful.
What color white did you use to paint the walls before doing the leaf pattern?
It is called Delicate White from PPG.
Hi there, I absolutely love this wall! Amazing work. I’m thinking about doing this in my bedroom. Can you confirm, what was the sheen was for the colors you listed (matte, eggshell etc…)?
Thanks, I’m a newbie 🙂
Hey! The paint I used is eggshell, which should be fine for most areas. If you’re concerned with dirty little fingers maybe you’d consider a satin.
This is beautiful! And I’m so appreciative that you shared the paint colors. I am going to be brave and do this is a little powder room. It’s only paint right? if I don’t like it, I can paint over it. Wondering…is there a video? I can’t seem to find a link if there is.
You’ll do great! Thanks for visiting!
I just wanted to thank you for this post. I’ve been looking for a quick and easy way to paint over my wallpaper in the bathroom, but couldn’t find anything that was practical or affordable. I’m so glad I found your post. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even though it did take me longer than usual (about an hour) because of all the steps involved! It’s also very satisfying to know that what you’re doing is going to last forever – no more worrying about finding something that will peel off after 6 months like previous attempts have done! Thanks again
How did you select colors that would go well? We have a dragon fly color that I would like to use as the medium tone to match the rest but struggling to pick the other shades that will go well.
I absolutely LOVE your bathroom remodel. Everything about this bathroom is perfect and I am in love with it. Can you please share the link to the wallpaper you copied for your painted wall? There is no way I could tackle the paint project but may consider getting the wallpaper.
Thank you so much!