
Lining paper is an additional wall covering designed to prepare walls for decoration before applying wallpaper or paint. It is possible to wallpaper on top of painted lining paper, but there are some factors to consider. For instance, the colour of the paint underneath may show through the new wallpaper, so it is recommended to put a lighter coat of paint on the walls first or use a primer/sealer. Additionally, it is good practice to apply the lining paper horizontally to prevent joins from coinciding and to ensure a smooth finish.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Lining paper can disguise small wall imperfections and prevent staining
- Wallpaper is less likely to peel off when applied to lining paper
- Lining paper can be applied using the paste-the-wall method
- Dark paint on walls might show through new wallpaper
- Applying lining paper horizontally prevents joins from coinciding

Lining paper can disguise small wall imperfections and prevent staining
Lining paper is a useful way to disguise small imperfections on walls and prevent staining. It is an additional covering designed to prepare walls for decoration, whether that be wallpaper or paint. Applying lining paper is different from plastering, which should only be considered if walls are severely damaged.
Lining paper can help to create a smooth finish, minimising cracks and faults that are noticeable. As homes are lived in, walls will be painted with different types of paint, and fillers will be applied, resulting in varying levels of porosity and poor absorption of wallpaper. Lining paper helps to create a uniform surface for wallpaper to be applied on top.
In addition, lining paper can help to prevent staining. Substances on the wall may leach into the wallpaper once it has been hung directly onto the wall. Lining paper reduces this risk as it is not in direct contact with the wall.
However, it is important to note that if the existing lining paper is a dark colour, it may show through new wallpaper. In this case, it is recommended to put a lighter coat of paint on the walls first or remove the lining paper.
Overall, lining paper is a useful tool to disguise small imperfections and prevent staining, creating a smooth and durable surface for wallpaper application.
The Perfect Paint File Names: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Wallpaper is less likely to peel off when applied to lining paper
Lining paper is an additional wall covering designed to prepare walls for decoration before applying wallpaper or paint. It is different from plastering, which should only be considered if your walls are too damaged to repair or severely crumbling. Applying lining paper first is a key component to achieving an even finish.
Lining paper can help disguise small imperfections on the wall surface and reduce the likelihood of stains or marks appearing through your wallpaper. It also has insulating properties, as every layer applied to your walls creates an extra layer of insulation for your home.
When wallpaper is applied directly to a bare wall, it is more likely to peel off. Applying wallpaper over lining paper is more durable as it is more likely to stay in place. This is because the absorbent qualities of the lining paper help to anchor the wallpaper pasted on top and lock it into its expanded place, preventing shrinkage and seam-splitting.
If you are applying wallpaper on top of lining paper, it is good practice to apply the lining paper horizontally, a process known as cross-lining. This prevents joins from coinciding. However, it is important to note that the existing lining paper should be well stuck down and have no overlapping edges. If the colour of the paint is very dark, it could show through the new wallpaper, so it might be necessary to put a lighter coat of paint on the walls first.
French Manicure: Guide Strip-Free Painting
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Lining paper can be applied using the paste-the-wall method
Lining paper is an additional wall covering that prepares your wall for decoration before applying wallpaper or paint. It helps create an even finish by disguising small imperfections on the wall surface and preventing stains or marks from appearing through your wallpaper.
The paste-the-wall method is also less messy and provides better results for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. It is important to note that papering over existing paper is generally frowned upon, but lining paper is not the same as regular paper. With lining paper, it is easier to paste the paper first and then apply it to the wall, rather than pasting the wall itself.
If you intend to use the paste-the-wall method, it is recommended to wait about a minute before hanging the paper to prevent bubbling. Additionally, using a seam roller on the joints can help ensure a smooth finish.
Overall, using the paste-the-wall method with lining paper can save time and effort while providing a seamless and professional finish for your walls.
Gloss to Matt: Painting Over Gloss Paint
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Dark paint on walls might show through new wallpaper
Lining paper is an additional wall covering designed to prepare walls for decoration before applying wallpaper or paint. It is manufactured to be the ideal surface for hanging wallpaper. However, if the existing lining paper has been painted with dark-coloured paint, it might show through new wallpaper.
Before applying wallpaper to lined and painted walls, it is recommended to hold the wallpaper up to the light to see if it is transparent. If light can pass through, the dark colour on the walls might show through the paper. To prevent this, the walls can be given a coat of white or magnolia paint. An oil-based white undercoat can also be applied to the existing lining paper to prevent the paste from activating the dried paste on the liner underneath.
If the dark paint is on the wall itself, rather than on lining paper, it may still bleed through new wallpaper. In this case, it is recommended to use a primer or sealer, such as Zinsser Gardz, before wallpapering. The wall should be cleaned with trisodium phosphate (TSP) before applying the primer. An even better approach is to use a combination primer-sealer, which minimises the chances of peeling and provides a surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. An oil-based primer-sealer should be used, as water-based products can cause the wallpaper to loosen or bubble.
Importing Multiple Texture Sets in Substance Painter: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Applying lining paper horizontally prevents joins from coinciding
Applying lining paper horizontally is a good practice as it prevents joins from coinciding. This technique is known as cross-lining and is considered best for walls that are wider than they are tall. Cross-lining helps in achieving an even finish and reducing the appearance of cracks and faults.
When lining paper is applied horizontally, it creates a stable base for the wallpaper, preventing shrinkage and seam-splitting. The absorbent qualities of the lining paper help anchor the wallpaper pasted on top and lock it into place. This prevents the wallpaper from pulling away from the wall due to expansion and shrinkage.
Additionally, lining paper can help disguise small imperfections on the wall and reduce the likelihood of stains or marks appearing through the wallpaper. It acts as a protective layer, preventing substances on the wall from leaching into the wallpaper.
To ensure a smooth finish when hanging lining paper horizontally, it is important to line up the edges properly and trim any excess. This involves marking a straight horizontal line on the wall and lining up the top edge of the lining paper with this line. It is also recommended to leave a slight gap, such as 1mm, between the edges of the lining paper to prevent buckling and visibility of the join when the wallpaper is applied.
Overall, applying lining paper horizontally is a beneficial step in preparing walls for wallpapering, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Paint Coverage: Quart of Paint Goes How Far?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, if the paint is very dark, it may show through your new wallpaper. In this case, you may want to put a lighter coat of paint on the lining paper first.
Lining paper helps to create a smooth and even finish for your walls by disguising small imperfections. It also helps to prevent stains or marks from appearing on your wallpaper and improves durability by reducing the likelihood of peeling.
There are two types of lining paper: conventional lining paper and paste-the-wall lining paper. Conventional lining paper is made of pure paper and needs to be soaked with adhesive before being applied to the wall. Paste-the-wall lining paper is easier to hang and makes removing wallpaper a simpler process.
It is good practice to apply lining paper horizontally, which is known as cross-lining. This prevents joins from coinciding and helps to anchor the wallpaper.











































