How to Waterproof Wallpaper in a Bathroom: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been around a while, you’ll know that to wallpaper or not to wallpaper is an ongoing debate in our household, but when I finally won out in our recent bathroom renovation, I admittedly did wonder how to waterproof wallpaper in a bathroom for lasting results.

Being that it’s, ya know, paper, it doesn’t on the face of it seem like a great idea in a small, steamy room, (especially since we love to shower with the temperature set to scalding and not a degree cooler), right?

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So then I wondered if there was something like an equivalent of polycrylic but for wallpaper and after doing some research, I found out that there is!

It’s called decorator’s varnish and it’s exactly what I was looking for: a sealer that’s supposed to waterproof and protect wallpaper from moisture.

I tested it out on a scrap piece before committing to the full wall in case of any discoloration or other damage, but it was totally fine and looked exactly the same as before!

Once I’d done my test, I went for it and used a brand new paintbrush to go over the wallpaper in two coats a couple of hours apart.

The varnish comes in a glossy version and ‘dead flat’, so make sure you get the flat finish if, like me, you’re going for a matte, not-even-there look.

TBD on how it holds up (and I’ll plan to update down the line either way) but I’m optimistic this is the trick to waterproofing bathroom wallpaper.

If this breakdown of how to waterproof wallpaper in a bathroom for lasting results was helpful, follow along on Instagram for more DIYs & life, and sign up to our newsletter for more behind-the-scenes and project first-looks.