I have had great luck at painting over paper as long as it is paper and not vinyl. I just prime over the paper and then paint. I use flat paint regardless of area, other than trim. I use the new Behr flat paint for kitchens and baths. It is unbelievable. I've had it on my backsplash in the kitchen for almost 2 years and it still looks new, and I am very hard on the walls.