Wallpaper vs. Paint – The Great Debate

When it comes to decorating your Boulder, CO, home or office, you may find yourself immersed in the great wallpaper-versus-paint debate. Some decorators swear by expensive wallpaper that can be very trendy. But what is to be done when that trend expires and the wallpaper is still there? They may glibly say you can just paint over it and it will be fine. But is this the best plan of action?

The pros at Jacobsen Brothers Painting have compiled some thoughts that can help you decide if you want to choose new wallpaper or fresh paint after removing old wallpaper for your next remodeling job.

Existing Wallpaper

If your house has wallpapered rooms, you already know that the clock is ticking. Even the most classic wallpaper has a décor shelf life and it’s likely yours has already expired. Patterns and colors that were amazing ten years ago may have lost their appeal today.

Best case scenario: you love the old wallpaper but it is starting to show wear and tear. Bubbles are appearing, seams are loosening, sunlight has caused fading, dirt and stains are showing, and tears are happening with each passing year.

There are plenty of DIY blogs telling you to just paint over the top of the wallpaper if it is still tight. While this shortcut is appealing in the short run, it can create a logistical nightmare to replace and repair later on. Painting over the top of wallpaper can show all the flaws, especially the ones that are yet to come as paper continues to loosen.

The Beauty of Professional Paint

There are several advantages to choosing professional paint over wallpaper. Paint can be easy to clean in high traffic areas. You can always find the exact color to match your décor. If you get tired of it, you can easily change the color and style. Professional paint applications are usually cheaper than wallpaper. There is less prep with paint and it is easier and faster than wallpapering. With paint, there are fewer negative factors to worry about such as sunlight, humidity and repairs.

A Third Option

Wait! There may be a third option. If you love the complexity of design and pattern that wallpaper can provide but don’t want the hassle of having wallpaper, consider using professional artistic touches in your room. Our painting artisans offer a wide variety of options including stenciling, feathering, faux marbling and more. Our murals and artistic paintings are one-of-a-kind and can transform a dull space into a work of art.

Resale Value

Even if you are okay with the old wallpaper, chances are the next buyers will not be. Dated wallpaper is one of the biggest drawbacks when it comes to getting your price out of the resale of your home. Investing now in a professional painter will likely pay off when it comes to getting the money back from the sale. Additionally, we can solve trim issues, fix wall defects and refinish doors to complete the look of a well-cared for home.

Why Choose Jacobsen Brothers

With over 65 years’ experience, Jacobsen Brothers Painting has seen it all when it comes to the great wallpaper debate. We can safely remove and dispose of the old wallpaper, prep the wall, and prime and paint to bring new life to your old space.

Or, we can apply fresh wallpaper to update your favorite rooms. Additionally, we offer professional-grade wallpaper services for commercial spaces that can provide high durability.

Wondering about the price? Let us do a fast, free in-home estimate.

Get on our books today!

Ready to change out the old, dated wallpaper and choose fresh, new décor for your rooms? Call us today at (303) 449-3239 or email us at mark@welovepaint.com to schedule a color consultation and let us help you create a refreshingly new look for your favorite places.