Most professional decorators use lining paper before wallpapering a room but as a novice DIY-er, it can be difficult to know whether the added expense of buying and the time involved to hang lining paper is worth it in terms of the finished result. In a nutshell, the professionals wouldn’t use it unless they had to and in reality the condition of most walls, especially in older properties mean heavy duty lining paper is required. So as someone new to the world of lining paper, how do you choose which grade to use on walls that are certainly far from perfect? This article will guide you through when to choose 1700 grade lining paper and its uses. What is Lining Paper and What is the Grading System? Lining paper is basically a wall covering that helps to even the surface the walls, making it not only easier to hang wallpaper but also provide a more professional end result. Lining paper comes in a wide range of different thicknesses and these are referred to by a numerical grading system . The thinnest lining papers have the lowest number, starting at 600 or 800 grade. The thicker lining papers have the highest numbers with the thickest lining papers being 1700 lining paper and 2000. When Is 1700 Grade Lining Paper Needed? As mentioned, lining paper 1700 grade is one of the thickest lining papers that is available. It has been specially designed to help even and disguise moderate to severe imperfections on plaster and plasterboard walls. Such imperfections might include pitting or bubbling caused by the original plastering process, score marks and gouges caused by harsh wallpaper removal and cracks in the plaster caused by tiny house movements or over-dry plaster. 1700 grade lining paper can also be used to cover marks or stains on walls, although it is always recommended to seal stains first to ensure that they don’t leach through the lining paper. Stains are commonly caused by graffiti, old layers of paint, smoke and nicotine from cigarettes. By using 1700 grade lining paper, you can ensure that these stains and marks don’t show through to the final wall covering, ruining the look. Where Can 1700 Grade Lining Paper be Bought? Although lower grades of lining paper are produced by many different brands and sold in various stores and online, the highest grades of lining paper are more difficult to find. This is because the manufacturing process if more complex and as a result leads to a higher price tag than the lower grades. One of the brands that produces high grade lining paper such as 1700 grade is Erfurt Mav. There are a few online stores who stock this as part of their lining paper range. So now you know what 1700 grade lining paper is, how to use it and where to buy it, you should be all set to prepare your walls for a smooth, professional finish.