Painting over wallpaper

[sergeantmajor]

Has anyone painted over wallpaper successfully? We have three separate wallpaper monstrosities to deal with: one shimmery, one with a 'carved' pattern, and one textured. I had been planning to strip it all off but I wonder if painting over it could be simpler and quicker? Obviously there would still be texture but it would look better than currently.
Any thoughts...?

Yes, I’ve successfully painted over shimmery wallpaper. Was going to strip it but tested on a small area and was fine. Honestly can’t tell it’s not lining paper.

I’ve painted over wallpaper in this house. It was absolutely fine. Think if I’d removed it, decorating would also have become plastering!
Would suggest doing a test patch, to make sure that the paint adheres (esp where wallpaper is shimmery or patterned) and consider using a quick coat of cheap emulsion as a base coat if you're going from dark wallpaper to light paint, or vice versa, or if the wallpaper is heavily patterned.

Yes, it’s fine. The paper may bubble up a bit but leave it to dry and it’ll go back to normal again if you don’t disturb it again. I’m about to do it again myself to temporarily cover up a red floral monstrosity in our new place

Agree with everyone that it's normally doable. And good point that it might bubble up and you think "what have I doooone??!", but in my experience it does always return to flat against the wall.

On the shimmery one a couple of tester coats will be well worth it, just in case.

And agree too about a coat of cheap white emulsion as an undercoat if you have any vaguely strong colours or patterns in the wallpaper.

Go for it - a fresh coat of paint really changes a room.