Yes you can.

another yes vote for paint, another yes for harder to remove once painted

Thanks...

Something to consider - especially if I'm not crazy about it once it's painted....

I've seen it painted, but I've heard its not just a bit harder to remove but very hard to remove. No guarantees how easy it would be to remove before paint. The cream would be a definite update, but if you are uncertain about liking it, try an area before comitting so that removing it won't be such an ordeal if you don't like it.

The grass cloth in the living and dining rooms of this house has been painted - I like it. When we bought the house two years ago, the realtor and I decided 'malt' would be a good description for the color.

I think the grass cloth may be original to the 1955 house. A local doctor and his wife built it for their 'later years' (wider hallways/doorways, no stairs). I've been in the home they moved from when this one was built and there is grass cloth in that stately 3 story too....suspect wife liked grass cloth. Taking it down isn't something I've considered, I've wanted to keep some of the original elements in place ...

I think it would be fun to experiment painting grasscloth. I think it might be a good idea to thin the paint a little so you don't lose the texture and it doesn't look "cakey" like overpainted stuff looks. Since you plan to go from rust to a lighter color, thinning paint may cause you to have to apply two coats. Dunno, just wondering.

great suggestions....

Thanks!

Yes you can paint it. Removing wall paper can be a daunting task. Painting over it is a good solution especially if you love the texture. Paint can give it a whole new look.