How Many Times Can You Paint Paintable Wallpaper?

Lincrusta

• Lincrusta wallpaper includes a combination of linoleum and linseed oil to create a thick wall covering. The wallpaper features deep textures and heavily embossed patterns. The design is actually so dense you can paint the Lincrusta wallpaper approximately 15 times before the pattern starts to fade. Although latex-based paints last a long time on Lincrusta wallpaper, the paint will last even longer if an oil-based paint serves as the initial primer.

Anaglypta

• Comprised primarily of cotton and recycled paper, Anaglypta features embossed patterns -- though typically not as thick as those found on Lincrusta. If you use a latex-based paint, however, you can repaint the wallpaper around 15 times. Oil-based paints seep through the thin paper material rendering the wallpaper completely useless and unpaintable if applied multiple times.

Glass Textile

• A glass textile wall covering, infused with materials such as sand and clay, offers a surface that can be repainted anywhere from eight to 10 times. Although you cannot repaint glass textile wallpaper as many times as Lincrusta or Anaglypta, the wall covering lasts 30-plus years when properly maintained. For durability and long-lasting effects, use both primer and latex paint on unprimed wallpaper for the first time.

Durability

• Add to the wallpaper’s durability by using low-sheen latex paints. The materials found in these paints allow the wallpaper the opportunity to breathe easier, reducing the possibility of mildew and mold, which effectively destroy the paper. The fewer rolls you use when applying the wallpaper, the fewer seams you will produce on the wall. Numerous seams create crawl spaces for humidity and, eventually, mildew. Glass textile wallpaper offers wide rolls, reducing the number of seams.