Can You Paint Over Vinyl Wallpaper Backing. For removing paper thin All Purpose or Topping mud to a paint viscosity and roll a heavy coat over the paper with a 34 inch roller. My living room has some very poorly attached vinyl wallpaper I can remove it with my bare hands.
Yes it takes time to do this but the results will be worth it. Also you cant paper over old wallpaper with vinyl foil and plastic papers. Some wallpaper should not be painted over.
If your client is insistent on painting over wall coverings get it in writing.
I considered painting over wallpaper when I bought a house with ugly metallic wallpaper in EVERYSINGLEROOM. It might fail not because you did something wrong but because the surface beneath your paint job is compromised. There is 3 options for painting over vinyl paper. If you are painting over vinyl wallpaper you will definitely need to use a primer before you start painting.