What Grade of Lining Paper Is Best for Me?
Lining paper is the best way to prime your walls for wallpaper or paint. But whether you’re a first-time DIYer or an experienced decorator, it can often be tricky to decide what grade lining paper you should choose. 800, 1400, 2000 – what makes these grades different? And how can you tell which lining paper will give you the most professional finish?
The best grade of lining paper for you will depend on the condition of your walls. If you’re renovating a run-down house, you’ll obviously need a different grade from somebody who’s simply looking to put their own stamp on a property that’s been well looked after.
This post will explain what grade lining paper you should choose for your project. From barely-there to heavy-duty, we’ll guide you through the difference between the grades so that you can cover your wall with confidence.
Why should you use lining paper?
To work out what grade lining paper is best for you, let’s go back to the basics. Lining paper is one of the most important steps you should take when redecorating your walls – but it’s something many beginners overlook. So why exactly should you use it?
Lining paper is an additional wall covering that’s pasted on top of prepared walls – after sanding and washing with sugar soap – to smooth any lumps and bumps. It works by filling in the uneven surface, creating a ‘blank canvas’ effect that will make it far easier to apply your wallpaper or paint.
You (or your clients) will be looking at your walls every day, so any texture or faults will be difficult to ignore. This is even more annoying if you’ve spent a lot of money on your wallpaper. Lining paper is the best way to achieve a flawless finish that will boost the appearance – and longevity – of your DIY.
What are the different grades of lining paper?
Buying lining paper might seem overwhelming because of the different grades. However, dig a little deeper and it’s a simply a matter of choosing the weight and thickness that’s right for your needs…
800 – 1000
800 and 1000 grade lining papers are some of the most common on the market. They are the thinnest varieties you can buy, so they’re designed for walls that are already pretty smooth, with relatively few signs of damage. This lining paper will cover hairline cracks, but it won’t successfully hide more pronounced flaws.
Is 800 – 1000 the best grade for you?
These grades are the best choice for you if you’re redecorating a property that’s generally in good condition, and you simply want a perfectly smooth surface that will make applying your wallpaper even easier.
1200 – 1400
As you’d expect, 1200 and 1400 grade lining papers are slightly thicker than the 800 – 1000 grades. This means that they’re suitable for covering rougher walls with more obvious signs of damage, such as pits, larger cracks, and small bubbles.
Is 1200 – 1400 the best grade for you?
Choose 1200 or 1400 grade lining paper if your walls are moderately damaged. This lining paper is heavier than 800 – 1000, so it’s also a great way to increase the durability of your wallpaper or paint.
1700 – 2000
1700 and 2000 grade lining papers are the thickest grades you can buy, and they’re generally only available from specialist retailers. At Cover Your Wall, we stock a range of heavy-duty lining paper that’s ideal for both domestic and commercial properties.
Is 1700 – 2000 the best grade for you?
If your walls bear the scars of heavy damage, 1700 or 2000 grade lining paper is the most practical choice for you. Thinner varieties are unlikely to do the job when it comes to hiding pitting from previous plastering attempts, deep cracks, and even crumbling. Thick lining paper is also a great way of covering up flaws such as nicotine stains or old wallpaper paste, both of which can easily show through paint or wallpaper if you haven’t lined your walls first.
And the benefits of choosing heavy-duty lining paper aren’t just aesthetic. Thicker grades will also provide you with better insulation, preventing heat from escaping through your walls. This is particularly important if your older property isn’t well-insulated and can get chilly in the winter months.
What specialist lining papers are available?
As well as the grades of lining paper, it can vary be the different types and specialists products…
Paste-the-wall lining paper
First and foremost, paste-the-wall is a superior alternative to conventional lining paper. Rather than pasting the paper and waiting for it to expand before applying to the walls, you simply paste the wall and apply the paste-the-wall lining paper directly. As well as being tougher and more resistant, the added textile fibres mean it won’t leave bubbles or lift away at the seams.
Looking at more specific paste-the-wall liners, we recommend WallRock Fibreliners. As well as the original Paste-the-Wall Fibreliner, they are available in a couple of specialist options.
Fibreliner Smooth
Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth is slightly lighter than Wallrock Fibreliner, making it ideal for walls that don’t need the heavy structure of a thicker option – or those which have already been lined with a thermal liner, for instance.
It’s easier to hang, but still robust and durable. The smooth surface makes it ideal for painting, with the paint going further on your walls. It’s also a paste-the-wall product, so it’s much easier to hang.
Fibreliner Plus
Wallrock Fibreliner Plus is a stronger variety than standard Fibreliner, which makes it better for reinforcing cracked plaster. Like Fibreliner Smooth, it also has a smoother surface from the silk finish which is perfect for painting. It’s also a paste-the-wall lining paper, meaning there’s much less hassle involved.
What grade lining paper do you need?
Whether you’ve decided on a thin 800-grade or something more substantial, Cover Your Wall stocks a range of high quality lining paper grades suitable for all requirements. We offer free delivery on orders over £100 to mainland UK addresses and our team are always on hand if you need help. Simply email info@coveryourwall.co.uk for more help.
Be sure to take a look at our lining paper FAQ guide too!