Lining Paper is:
Specially designed to be applied directly to your walls and then overlaid with wallpaper. Lining wallpaper is a robust type of wallpaper which is typically made from strong fibres. It is durable and helps to even out walls. Applying lining paper is the only way to fully guarantee the job against a wallpaper failure beyond their control. The majority of wallpaper manufacturers call for it in their hanging instructions and some will not warranty their product if it is not used or use terminology like ‘recommended’. There are several reasons why lining paper should be used and the majority of people are unaware of all of the benefits of using a lining paper when hanging wallpaper. Lining paper is an additional wall covering that’s pasted on top of properly prepared walls – after filing, sanding and washing with sugar soap.
What are the Advantages of Lining Wallpaper?
Smooth Finish
The first, and most commonly known is that lining paper can help to smooth the walls of your room. Thin lining paper can be used to help disguise small bumps, pits and cracks in the wall whilst more heavy-duty lining wallpapers can cover a multitude of imperfections.
Reducing Shrinkage
It helps to stop wallpaper from shrinking. One of the common problems associated with applying standard wallpaper directly to your walls is that it is prone to expanding when wet and then shrinking again once dry. This can lead to gaps in between your drops of wallpaper once you have finished decorating, giving less than professional results. Lining paper
can actually help to reduce this as it holds the expanded wallpaper in place whilst it dries, stopping it from shrinking to its pre-pasted size. Another advantage of using lining wallpaper before hanging wallpaper is that it can help prevent your wallpaper from peeling. If wallpaper is applied directly to plastered or painted walls, once dry the wallpaper might peel or slide from the wall, resulting in a need for reapplication. This is especially common when cheaper wallpapers and wallpaper adhesives are used. By applying lining paper to your walls first, you are ensuring a more durable and long-lasting finish.
Reduce Staining
Firstly substances on the wall itself might leach into the wallpaper once hung and cause staining. The use of lining paper eliminates this risk as the wallpaper itself is not in direct contact with the wall. Secondly, when paste is applied to some wallpaper the added moisture can cause colours to bleed or run. As lining paper speeds up the drying process it can help to reduce this issue.
Insulation you are actually helping to insulate your walls. The trapped air between the lining paper and your wall, along with the layer between the lining paper and the top layer of wallpaper, acts as an insulator, helping to keep your room a more even temperature during both the summer and the winter months.
Uniformity Lining paper gives a sound uniform surface for the wallpaper which gives you an even drying of the paste. This helps as it is likely that the surface of your papering is probably more porous in some areas than others. This can cause problems with the paper being hung so once again it is best to use a lining paper.
Types of lining paper:
There are different types of lining paper. The most common are Fibre liner and pulp.
Fibre liner:
Wallrock Fibreliner is a no-nonsense paper, strong, durable and easy to hang it is suitable for a whole variety of walls. Wallrock Fibreliner is not only made with paper fibres but also has polyester textile fibres which act to reinforce the
paper and the surface it is applied. Strength and stability ensure that Wallrock Fibreliner is easy to use, delivering perfect results that are resistant to expansion and shrinkage.
Pulp lining paper:
Available in grades 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1700 and 2000, lining papers produce the perfect base for decorating with other wall coverings, emulsion painting and some paint effects. There is a grade suitable for all decorating applications. Provides a degree of surface reinforcement, and covers small cracks and defects whilst preparing surfaces for paint or decorative wallpaper.
Conclusion – So, for peace of mind and longevity go for lining paper.
