Can You Paint Over Lining Paper?

Last Updated on January 11, 2023

One of the first steps to painting over lining paper is to strip the lining paper. To do this, simply spray the wall with water and scrape the paper off. If possible, place a dustsheet underneath to catch excess water.

It is easier to strip one wall at a time, but stripping the wallpaper and lining paper together will give you the best finish. Here are some helpful tips on stripping lining paper.

Preparing your walls

Prepare your walls before painting over lining paper by removing wallcoverings. You can either remove old paper and apply new one or apply a thin layer of latex paint.

If you choose the latter option, be careful not to remove too much paper. If you do, it may show through the new one. In addition, new adhesives may react with the old glue, making both layers come undone.

To begin, clean the wall thoroughly. You can use a sponge and warm water to clean most surfaces. For kitchen walls, you can use water and a mild detergent that cuts through grease.

Once the surface is clean, wipe the wall with clean water and a damp cloth. Use a dust mask when sanding walls, as old paint may contain lead dust. Make sure you wear safety goggles, if possible, so you do not inhale the dust.

Before applying lining paper, prepare the wall. You should first apply joint compound or sanding paste to the wall surface. Then, apply a layer of heavy-duty adhesive.

The wall sealer is applied with a roller or a scuttle. The sealer will prevent new layers of wallpaper from adhering to the wall. Lastly, be sure to clean any existing layers of wallpaper before applying the sealant.

After you have cleaned and repaired the wall surface, you can begin to apply primer. The primer will provide a smooth surface for the paper and will also seal the wall. Apply it on both sides of the wall. You should wait at least four hours before you can apply the wallpaper.

You may need to sand the wall several times. After this, you can paint the wall. This step is very important because the wall surface is vital in holding the wallpaper down.

Before painting over lining paper, you must sand it down with a palm sander or an orbital sander. Next, you should tape off the baseboard and any molding to prevent damage to these structures. Make sure to protect these areas with painters tape.

This way, you can remove any unwanted traces of paint and still enjoy a near perfect wall surface. After that, you can paint over the lining paper.

When you’re ready to paint over lining paper, prepare your walls before painting. Using a primer will seal your walls from moisture. Moisture can damage the paint underneath the wallpaper.

Without a primer, wallpaper adhesive will soak into the wall. In some cases, the primer is not sufficient. If you use it on the wall, you should also use a sizing agent. This will make the removal of the wallpaper easier.

Preparing lining paper for painting

Preparing lining paper for painting

Ensure you prepare the lining paper by cleaning it thoroughly before laying it on the wall. The lining paper should fit tight against the wall base and ceiling. If there are any corners, cut them out so the lining paper does not overlap.

Make sure to place a jar of warm water next to the wallpaper scissors to prevent it from sticking to the paper. Trim the lining paper around wooden trims. Make sure the edges do not overlap as this can show through the paint.

When preparing lining paper for painting, you should also prepare the wall before applying it. Usually, old walls have blemishes and small dents. In addition, they may have hairline cracks and dents.

When using lining paper, the lining paper smooths out these imperfections and creates a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. It’s a great DIY project that costs less than plastering. You can even paint the lining paper yourself.

When using lining paper for painting, remember that patterned wallpaper should be put up on top of it first. This will ensure a more even surface. After that, you should paint over the lining paper with your chosen color. Be sure to leave the lining paper for at least one day so it dries completely.

You can also use lining paper as a backing paper for patterned wallpaper. But be aware that the lining paper may come off after a few years. If you aren’t sure about whether it’s coming off or not, make sure you repair it before painting.

To hang lining paper on the wall, measure the length and width of the room and crease the paper along the wall. Line the paper horizontally so it reduces areas where the edges will overlap when finished.

You can also add a few centimeters on either side to allow for overlap. This will ensure that you have a smooth wall surface after you hang the lining paper. A good lining paper can make the difference between an unsatisfactory finish and a fantastic result.

Painting over lining paper

If you are considering painting your interior walls, you’ve probably considered using lining paper. While it does help to smooth out plaster walls, it can also leave gaps between rows that show through the paint.

If this is the case, consider fixing any gaps with decorators’ caulk or a multi-purpose filler such as Polyfilla. Alternatively, you can sand down the areas where the lining paper has been applied to achieve a smoother finish.

If the walls are still in good condition, you can remove the lining paper with a steam stripper. If you’ve used wallpaper before, you can paint directly over the paper – or you can try wallpapering over lining paper.

If you don’t have the time or the inclination to take the time to remove the lining paper, use a dustsheet to catch any excess water. It’s best to remove lining paper and wallpaper from one wall at a time so you don’t have to remove lining paper from multiple walls. This will make the process easier and give you the best finish.

Before you start painting over lining paper, you need to measure and cut the pieces accordingly. Make sure the lining paper overlaps the other wall by at least one inch. You should also use a wallpaper smoother to create creases in the corners.

Make sure to allow enough time for the paper to dry before hanging it. If you plan to hang wallpaper directly on the lining paper, wait at least 24 hours before applying the new wallpaper.

To paint over lining paper, you’ll need to measure the room in metres. The length you need to cover the entire room should be around one metre. Remember to sub-division any large obstacles.

Then, multiply this number by the perimeter of the room to get the total length of lining paper for the entire room. If you don’t have enough space for a lining paper in the room, you can use a lighter-weight lining paper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you paint over lining paper?


Yes, you can paint over lining paper. Lining paper is usually made from thin cardboard or paper and is used to line walls before painting them. It’s easy to apply and provides a smooth surface for painting.

What type of paint should you use to paint over lining paper?

You can use any type of paint to paint over lining paper. However, if you’re painting a dark color over light-colored lining paper, you may need to prime the surface first.

How do you prepare the surface before painting?

Before painting over lining paper, make sure the surface is clean and free of dirt and dust. You may also need to lightly sand the surface to help the paint adhere better. Once the surface is prepared, you can start painting.

What are the risks associated with painting over lining paper?

There are a few risks associated with painting over lining paper. One is that the paint may not adhere well to the surface and could peel or chip over time. Another risk is that the paint could bleed through the paper, causing stains on the wall.

Last Thoughts

Paint is a versatile and affordable way to cover up lining paper and give your walls a new look. If you’re careful in preparing the surface and use the right type of paint, you shouldn’t have any problems with peeling or bleeding. So go ahead, grab a brush and get started on that renovation project you’ve been dreaming about.

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