Do You Paint Over Wallpaper. For us painting over the wallpaper is a big temporary cover-up. Apply a oil based or shellac primer then apply drywall mud over the damaged areas and the seams.
Step 1 Secure loose seams with wallpaper paste so they lie flat. If you decide to paint over wallpaper clean the wallpaper first and then apply primer and sealer. The alternative is to paint over wallpaper.
Oil-based primer or priming shellac covers the pattern and seals the paper against moisture.
Painting over the wallpaper may be the better option under these circumstances. Best to just paint over the wallpaper. You may also run into problems if multiple layers of paper have been applied to the wall. However its imperative you carefully prepare the surface.