How to Paint Over Vinyl-Covered Walls

Prepare the walls for paint application. Remove any light switch or outlet plates. Clean the surface of the vinyl wallpaper by wiping it down with a damp sponge to remove any excess wallpaper glue or dust. Glue down any loose pieces of wallpaper. Fill in any spots where paper is torn away with spackle. Sand down until even after the spackle dries.

Protect the floors, trim, windows and other areas by covering with painter's tape and a drop cloth.

Cover the entire surface of the vinyl wall paper with an oil-based primer to cover the pattern and prep the surface for paint. Mix primer with a paint stick until thoroughly combined. Fill a paint tray and use a roller for application. Allow the primer time to dry, based on the brand's instructions. Observe the wall after the primer dries to determine whether the underlying wallpaper is covered. Apply a second coat of primer if needed.

Paint over the dried coats of primer with either a water- or oil-based pain. Apply a second coat if using a darker paint color to ensure complete coverage.