Walls and ceilings often need work before paint: old wallpaper, popcorn texture, holes and bad patches. This page covers what can be painted over and what has to be fixed first.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, paint prices and the condition of your own walls move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
Can you paint over wallpaper?
You can paint over wallpaper, but it is rarely the best choice. Seams and texture show through the paint, and moisture from the paint can loosen the paper. Removal gives a better wall.
If the paper will not come off without wrecking the drywall, it can be sealed with an oil-based or other non-water primer, the seams filled and then painted.
How much does wallpaper removal cost?
Wallpaper removal costs $0.80 to $3.00 per square foot, or $320 to $1,200 for an average room, by the national figures. Paper that has to be soaked and scraped costs $3 to $8 per square foot.
| Room | National range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $160 to $900 |
| Kitchen | $200 to $1,050 |
| Bedroom | $240 to $1,200 |
| Living room | $400 to $2,100 |
My walls are torn up after removing wallpaper. Can they be painted, and do they need skim coating?
Yes, they can be painted after repair, and badly torn walls do need skim coating. Torn drywall paper must be sealed with a primer made for it first, or it bubbles. Then a thin coat of joint compound is spread over the wall and sanded smooth.
HomeGuide publishes skim coating walls at $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot, and $580 to $800 for a 12 x 12 bedroom.
Can you paint a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?
Yes, you can paint a popcorn ceiling if the texture is firmly attached. It is best sprayed, or rolled gently with a thick roller. Popcorn that has never been painted softens when wet and can come off on the roller.
HomeGuide publishes painting a textured or popcorn ceiling at $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?
Popcorn ceiling removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot for removal only, and $2 to $6 per square foot with new texture and paint, by the national figures.
| Ceiling area | National range |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 to $9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000 to $12,000 |
Popcorn ceilings are common in Miami-Dade houses and condos built from the 1960s through the 1980s. In a condo, ask the association about work rules before removal starts.
Could my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Yes, it could, if it was installed before the 1980s. Some older popcorn texture contained asbestos. You cannot tell by looking, so have a sample tested by a lab before the ceiling is scraped or sanded.
HomeGuide publishes asbestos lab testing at $20 to $80 per sample, and an inspection with testing at $250 to $850. If the test is positive, removal is a job for a licensed asbestos contractor, not a painter. A ceiling that is left alone and painted over is not disturbed.
Is skim coating cheaper than painting over textured walls?
No. Painting over textured walls is cheaper than skim coating them smooth. Skim coating is extra labor on top of the paint job.
By the national figures, adding texture to the painting price costs $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot more, and skim coating costs $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot for walls before any paint. Many Miami homes have knockdown or orange peel texture. Skim coat only if you want smooth walls.
Why does paint show every drywall repair?
Paint shows a repair when the patch was not primed, not sanded flat or has a different texture from the wall. The patch absorbs paint differently, so you see a dull or shiny spot. Painters call this flashing.
The cure is to feather the compound wide, sand it, prime the patch and paint the whole wall. Low sheen paint hides repairs better than satin or semi-gloss.
Can a painter fix holes and dents in drywall?
Yes. Painters fix holes, dents, cracks and popped screws as part of prep, and drywall repair is one of our services. Large sections of water-damaged board are cut out and replaced.
As a stand-alone job, HomeGuide publishes drywall repair at $300 to $1,500 or more, with small holes under 4 inches at $300 to $500.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (786) 745-7109.