If your walls are in a poor to average condition you need to think about doing some prep before using a heavier grade lining paper such as 1700 or 2000. If unsure, go for the middle ground and use a 1400 grade. What's the best way to prepare a wall for lining paper?

As with lining paper, the result is hopefully a perfectly smooth wall that’s ready to be decorated. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that plastering is an alternative to lining paper or vice versa.

HOW TO HANG LINING PAPER

I have used the 2000 grade on a few rooms in the house and painted over it and I do think it is good quality lining paper. The problem I am facing is that in the final room I am trying to decorate – I discovered when I was attempting to strip it, that it had one layer of bamboo like textured paper which came off quite easily with a steamer but this was papered on top of another shell patterned textured paper and this shell paper was pasted directly onto drywall with no sealer coat. Trying to remove wallpaper from paper(the drywall paper lining) is proving almost impossible and I don’t want to damage the drywall itself in the process by either over wetting it or gouging it when trying to scrape the shell paper off. If you are going to wallpaper after hanging lining paper the pro approach is to hang the lining paper horizontally. This helps ensure that the seam on the wallpaper and lining paper don’t match up and gives a strong secure finish. How long after hanging lining paper can I paint it? Skimming is the act of using a finishing plaster to ‘touch up’ your walls, creating a smooth surface for paint or paper. It sounds similar to lining paper, but if you’re torn between the two, there are number of key differences you should consider: PROS OF SKIMMING However, if you do have crumbling plaster, try to clean and repair the wall before putting up the lining paper. If you're unable to patch the plaster, you may need to remove the loose plaster, fill the hole or area with browning or bonding plaster, and then skim over it. A plasterer may be required if this is beyond your DIY skillset.

Newly hung lining paper should be left for at least 24 hours to make sure that it has dried out properly before any paint is applied. If the room is cold then you want to leave it for at least 48 hours. Or, introduce a gentle ambient heat to help speed up the drying process. Admittedly, lining paper adds an extra step and a little extra cost to the redecoration of walls. That leads many people to ask whether it’s worth it. Put simply, yes, it is. This small, simple step before papering or painting your walls will provide a smooth surface that enhances adhesion for wallpaper, makes painting a breeze and improves the end results for any kind of decoration. By using lining paper, you’ll get a great finish that doesn’t need redecorating again in a few months’ time when you’d otherwise start to notice all the little imperfections. We think that’s definitely worth it. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LINING PAPER? Before you start hanging lining paper you will need to prep the area you are working in. We are assuming that you have already prepped the walls. If not, see our section below on 'what's the best way to prepare a wall for lining paper?'. If possible empty the room you will be working in so you have full access to the walls and room for your pasting table. Alternatively, move your furniture to one side and cover the furniture and floor with dust sheets. Finally, this extra layer of paper helps trap air in between the wall and the lining paper as well as between the lining paper and wallpaper. These two layers result in added insulation to your home. Should I Use Lining Paper? Erfurt Smooth 1400 grade Lining paper from B&Q is a well-known brand and a good choice for covering walls. 3. 1700-2000 grade lining paperFailure to carry out this step, or do it for the right amount of time, will result in bubbles, lifting of the paper at the seams and a bad finish. PASTE-THE-WALL LINING PAPER When preparing your walls, you may be wondering whether existing lining paper is a suitable surface for application. In short, it comes down to the condition of your existing paper. If joints are loose or corners are peeling, you’ll need to remove your existing lining paper. However, you can paper over existing lining paper if the wear and tear is merely superficial. ANY MORE QUESTIONS? Lower grades like 800-1000 are the best choice if you’re redecorating walls that are in a decent condition and you want a smooth surface to make things easier.

If you’ve made the decision to hang lining paper, it’s time to find out how it’s done. Thankfully, the process can be completed in a few simple steps… The two main types of lining paper are conventional lining paper and paste-the-wall lining paper. CONVENTIONAL LINING PAPER Lining paper can improve your walls’ insulation properties, making it harder for heat to pass through. That’s especially true for thermal lining paper, which can reduce heat loss by 15%. The result is a more thermally efficient space, which is easier to keep warm – reducing your heating bills over time. WHAT GRADE OF LINING PAPER IS BEST FOR ME?It's worth noting that if you are just using 2000 grade lining paper to cover up old walls and don’t do any prep there's a good chance you will see the imperfections when painted. You might also see bubbles in the paper when you put it up. Lining paper is a great choice if your walls are in good condition but are painted in a dark colour. For example, if you have dark brown walls and want to cover them with a white or light coloured paint you can forget about prepping (to a certain degree) the walls and you won’t have to apply specialist or extra coats of paint to ensure good coverage. Lining paper is a great way to turn plasterboard into a paint- or wallpaper-ready surface. You’ll need to fill the joints and screw holes before doing so. Make sure they’re nicely sanded down and seal the plasterboard with a primer or PVA solution. WHAT IS THE BEST LINING PAPER FOR PAINTING? Look out for lining papers that contain PVC (polyvinylchloride) as this will make the material far less breathable. Why is it important for your walls to be able to breathe? Well, having air flowing in and out through your walls means that the quality of your air is constantly being replenished. This reduces the build-up of stagnant air within your home, lowering the level of any indoor pollutants.

If you’re still wondering what lining paper is and what it is used for, let’s start at the beginning. Lining paper (sometimes called wallpaper liner) is a wall covering that’s designed to prepare your wall for decoration, prior to applying your chosen wallpaper or paint.Lining paper eliminates any guesswork. While it may absorb more paint without the use of a primer, you won’t suffer in terms of adhesion or durability. In other words, it’s up to you whether you want to prime your lining paper beforehand or paint straight on and use a little more paint in the process. HOW TO HANG LINING PAPER Another option worth considering is paste-the-wall lining paper. Rather than waiting for the adhesive to soak through conventional lining paper, paste-the-wall lining paper allows you to simply paste the wall and apply the covering directly. It’s easier to use with better results to match.