When it comes to DIY, there is a lot of speculation about what products to use and when. It can all become a little confusing for the novice decorator so we’ve taken some time to answer some of the most common questions when it comes to lining paper.
What is lining paper?
Lining paper for walls is similar to wallpaper – it is a paper covering that you apply directly to the internal walls of your home. It is usually a little thicker than conventional wallpaper and is used to help hide plastering imperfections and ensure a more professional finish when wallpapering.
Are there different types of lining paper?
There is a wide range of lining papers, each with subtle differences. Some lining papers come in white although the majority are brown in colour. The lengths of the rolls vary as well as the composition and thickness of the paper, this is known as lining paper grades. Professional grade and premium lining papers like Wallrock Premium Lining Paper are thicker and therefore more robust than standard lining paper, making them better suited to hiding imperfections on walls. In recent years, two new lining paper types have proved popular too – thermal lining paper and sound proof lining paper. The first, thermal lining paper, helps to insulate your walls making rooms quicker to heat and retaining more heat for a longer period of time. Sound proof lining paper usually includes a layer of foam in the composition and can help reduce external noise from things like traffic or neighbours.
Where should lining paper be used?
Lining paper can be used on any internal wall in your home. However it does lend itself well to several different applications. It is ideal for helping to disguise imperfections in walls. These might be dents, pits, bubble or minor cracks in plastering. These would easily show through wallpaper if applied directly to the wall but lining paper helps to reduce the impact of these imperfections, leading to smoother and more even walls. Some specialist lining papers like Wallrock Fibreliner can be used for walls that are slightly worse for wear like crumbling plaster as it helps to strengthen the wall and hold it together. As well as hiding wall imperfections, lining paper is also ideal for helping you apply wallpaper in a professional manner too. When you apply adhesive to wallpaper, the dampness can cause the wallpaper to expand slightly. Once the wallpaper is applied to a wall and starts to dry, the paper then contracts causing ripping and peeling of wallpaper. By using lining paper, you can eliminate these issues as the lining paper will hold the wallpaper in its expanded position.
What should you put over lining paper?
Lining paper is relatively versatile. You can apply virtually any kind of wallpaper over the top – patterned, plain or textured. You can also paint over lining paper, offering you the choice of a variety of finishes.
So now you know more about lining paper, make sure it’s on your list of things to get next time you are doing renovation or decoration.