Short answer: maybe, but it depends on the condition and type of paint, and you’ll need to do proper surface preparation. Using Bartoline (or similar) wallpaper adhesive directly on painted walls without prep can lead to adhesion problems. For more information please visit Bartoline

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

What Bartoline’s technical data sheet says

  • Bartoline’s “All Purpose Wallpaper Adhesive” requires the surface to be clean, dry, and free from dust before application.
  • It does not explicitly say you can’t apply it to painted walls, but it implies you must have a sound substrate.
  • For other Bartoline adhesives (e.g. “Easipaste®”), their data sheet states that gloss painted surfaces should be sanded to provide a key (i.e. to roughen the surface so that the adhesive can bond).

So the manufacturer is cautious: the painted surface must be sound, and in some cases (e.g. gloss paint) you must abrade/sand first to promote adhesion.

Risks & issues when applying wallpaper adhesive over painted walls

  • If the paint is glossy or smooth, the adhesive may not grip well and the wallpaper may peel.
  • If the paint is old, flaky, or poorly adhered, applying adhesive will pull up paint.
  • Some adhesives might chemically interact with components in certain paints.
  • Residual paint surface contaminants (dust, grease) reduce adhesion.
  • In some cases, the adhesive or moisture involved can soften or re-activate the paint film under it.

As a general principle, painting or wallpapering over surfaces with a smooth, non‐porous coating requires special care (sanding, priming) to allow bonding.

How to prepare painted walls for using Bartoline (or any wallpaper adhesive)

If you want to use Bartoline adhesive on a painted surface, here are steps to increase success chances:

  1. Inspect the paint
    • Ensure it is sound (not flaking, peeling, blistering)
    • Clean the surface (wash with mild detergent, remove dust, grease)
  2. If the paint is gloss or semi-gloss / smooth
    • Lightly sand the surface (e.g. with fine sandpaper) to “scuff” or dull the paint so adhesive can grip
    • Wipe off sanding dust
  3. If the paint is very non-porous or problematic
    • Consider applying a primer or “sizing” coat (a diluted adhesive or PVA) to help bond
    • Let it fully dry before applying wallpaper adhesive
  4. Mix the Bartoline adhesive per instructions
    • Use correct water ratio, allow standing time, stir, etc.
    • Apply the adhesive to either the wall or the reverse of the wallpaper, as specified
  5. Test a small area first
    • Before covering the entire wall, try a small patch to see how well it adheres and whether there is any lifting.

Verdict

Yes, Bartoline wallpaper glue can be used on painted walls if the paint layer is sound, clean, and properly prepared (especially by sanding/abrading if the paint is smooth). But if the paint is slick, glossy, unstable, or dirty, then it’s likely you’ll run into adhesion issues.