Identify the surface and follow the current instructions for your exact products. Do not sand or strip uncertain old coatings. Read the safety guide before disturbing materials.
Paper needs a sound background too
Lining paper can improve the appearance of suitable, prepared walls and provide a consistent background. It cannot hold a failing wall together or solve damp. Remove the cause of stains and moisture before thinking about covering them.
Before stripping, establish what the wall and old coatings contain. Do not abrade unknown textured layers. Steam can damage soft plaster and creates burn and electrical risks; use only an appropriate method for the identified wall.
Read the roll before mixing paste
Paste the wall and paste the paper are different methods. Some papers require a stated soaking time; others must not be soaked. Adhesive choice, lining direction, drying intervals and overlap instructions belong to the paper system.
Check batch numbers and pattern repeat before cutting. Work from a true vertical starting line rather than assuming a corner is straight. Plan where the last join will fall and allow for pattern matching waste.
Keep the sequence deliberate
Prepare and size the background only as specified. Make repairs and allow them to dry before hanging.
- Check that the background is dry, sound, smooth and suitably absorbent.
- Measure the wall and plan the starting point and pattern.
- Cut with the required allowance and apply the correct adhesive method.
- Hang to the reference line, smoothing gently without stretching the paper.
- Deal with seams and adhesive residue as the paper maker directs.
- Let the paper dry naturally before any approved decoration over it.
Common mistakes
- Trying to hide damp beneath lining paper.
- Mixing different batch numbers on one wall without checking colour.
- Stretching a wet seam closed and finding it opens again as it dries.
Stop at unstable plaster, suspected hazardous coatings or moisture. Isolate electrical risks properly and obtain competent help around fittings.
Sources & further reading
Original general guidance from Aethos, informed by the resources below. These references cover relevant safety, materials or techniques, not a specification for your property. Product examples are not paid recommendations.
- HSE: asbestos guidance (opens in a new tab)
Identifying potential asbestos risks before disturbing building materials.
- HSE: lead in construction (opens in a new tab)
Why disturbing older lead paint requires a planned, controlled approach.
- This Old House: how to paint a room (opens in a new tab)
Preparation and room painting technique. US products and terminology do not always translate directly to UK specifications.