Lining Paper Grades – The Essential Guide for Your Home Makeover

Standing in a UK home improvement store, staring at the array of lining paper grades, it’s easy to feel completely confused. You’re certainly not alone in this! Lining paper is somewhat of an unsung hero in the world of wallpapering, providing a smooth, perfect base for either artistic wallpaper or a simple paint job.

In this article, we’ll talk about the different grades of lining paper so that you can make the best choice for your home improvement jobs.

What is Lining Paper? 

Lining paper is the unsung hero of the decorating world. Before you put up fancy wallpaper or paint, you put this roll of thick paper on your walls or ceiling. You can use lining paper to erase things from your walls, which is pretty cool. Have some dents, scratches, or a little unevenness? Lining paper comes to the rescue!

It’s not just about making things look pretty, though (although, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it). Lining paper can also help keep drafts away and give your insulation a little extra boost. It also makes the surface smoother for the paint or wallpaper to stick to, which makes them look better and last longer.

Understanding Lining Paper Grades

Let’s talk more about the different grades of lining paper, giving more information about each grade and how it works with different types of walls.

1. 800 Grade

Starting with the 800 grade, it’s the thinnest in the standard range, easy to handle, and ideal for walls with light imperfections or as a base for delicate wallpapers, making it a suitable choice for DIY beginners.

2. 1000 Grade

The 1000 grade is slightly thicker, offering a balance between ease of application and the ability to cover moderate unevenness or texture issues on walls, and is still manageable for DIY enthusiasts.

3. 1200 Grade

Moving up, the 1200 grade is a medium-thick option that provides significant coverage for more noticeable wall defects, particularly suitable for older walls with pronounced texture variations. However, it requires a bit more skill to apply smoothly.

4. 1400 Grade

The 1400 grade is heavier, creating a robust barrier against considerable wall unevenness or larger surface defects, and is best applied by those with some experience in wall preparation.

5. 1700 Grade

For even more challenging wall conditions, the 1700 grade comes into play. This very thick grade is designed for walls with significant damage or heavy texturing. It is often used in older buildings with plaster issues, and it is recommended to seek professional help for its application due to its weight and thickness.

6. 2000 Grade

Finally, the 2000 grade is the thickest available, almost acting as a shield for walls facing the toughest conditions, like heavy texturing, large cracks, or major surface damage. Due to its heavy-duty nature, professional application is advised, as it can be challenging for DIY applications.

6. 2500 Grade

The 2500 grade lining paper represents a premium, ultra-thick option in the world of wall coverings. It’s designed for the most challenging wall surfaces, effectively smoothing out severe imperfections such as deep cracks, significant texturing, or extensive damage. This grade is particularly robust, offering exceptional coverage and creating an ideal base for heavy or textured wallpapers.

However, due to its substantial thickness, the 2500 grade is often best handled by professionals. It’s perfect for renovation projects in older buildings or in situations where walls require extensive preparation before decorating. This grade can transform even the roughest surfaces into smooth canvases, ensuring a flawless finish for your wallpapering or painting project.

Also Read: How Many Times Can You Paint Over Lining Paper?

What grade of lining paper should I use?

Choosing the right grade of lining paper can feel a bit like picking out the perfect pair of shoes – it’s all about finding the right fit for your situation. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:

1. If Your Walls Are Pretty Smooth Already:

Go for 800 or 1000 Grade. These are your lightweights. They’re perfect for walls that are already in decent shape but just need a little smoothing out. Think of them as a fine sandpaper, just evening things out.

2. Dealing with a Few More Nicks and Dings?

1200 Grade is Your Friend. It’s a bit thicker and great for covering those moderate imperfections. It’s like putting a slightly thicker coat of primer on a canvas to cover those small but noticeable blemishes.

3. For Walls That Have Seen Better Days:

Reach for 1400 or 1700 Grade. These are your heavy-duty options. They can handle a lot more roughness and unevenness. If your walls have that ‘lived-in’ look with quite a few imperfections, these grades will help smooth things over.

4. For the Really Tough Cases:

2000 and 2500 Grade to the Rescue. This is the thickest grade and is super effective at hiding all those major wall woes. It’s like a thick blanket that covers everything up. But remember, it’s also the hardest to handle, so it might be a job for a pro or for those with a bit of DIY experience.
So, in a nutshell, the smoother your walls, the lower the grade you can get away with. The more imperfections you need to hide, the higher the grade you should go for. It’s all about matching the paper to your wall’s personality!

How to identify the Lining Paper grades?

Identifying the grade of lining paper you’re dealing with is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can identify them apart:

1. Check the Packaging: Looking at the packaging is the best way to tell what grade it is. The grade should be clearly marked, usually as a number like 800, 1000, 1200, etc. This number gives you a good idea of how thick it is and whether it will work with different types of walls.

2. Feel the Thickness: If you don’t have the packaging, you can feel the paper to get a good idea. Thinner types, like 800 or 1000, will feel very light and bendy. The paper will feel bigger and stronger as the numbers go up. The thickest types, like 1700 or 2000, will feel strong and heavy.

3. Look at the Texture: Sometimes, you can also tell the grade by looking closely at the texture of the paper. Higher grades tend to have a more pronounced texture, which is part of what helps them cover imperfections better.

Keep in mind that the paper is thicker if the grade number is higher. This makes it better for walls with more significant issues, but it’s also a little harder to work with. You should be able to get a good idea of the grade of the paper by feeling how thick and flexible it is.

The Benefits of Using Lining Paper

Let us talk about why using lining paper is a good idea. Think of it as the helpful helper you need when you’re decorating. You might forget about it, but it’s important. Here’s why lining paper is such a game-changer:

1. Smooth Things Over: Got walls with a few character lines and imperfections? Lining paper is like a magic wand that smooths those out. It’s like giving your walls a mini facelift, making everything look neater and tidier.

2. Hides the Ugly Bits: We’ve all got those parts of our home that have seen better days. Old paint jobs, minor cracks, or those annoying little dents. Lining paper covers them up so you can start with a clean slate.

3. Paint and Wallpaper’s Best Friend: If you’ve ever tried painting or wallpapering directly on a wall, you know it can be hit or miss. Lining paper provides a consistent, absorbent surface, so your wallpaper sticks better and your paint goes on smoother. It’s like prepping your canvas before you unleash your inner artist.

4. Insulation Booster: Yep, lining paper adds a wee bit of insulation to your room. It’s like a cozy blanket for your walls, which can help keep the room a tad warmer and even dampen sound a bit. Not bad, right?

5. Easy to Change Your Mind: In the mood for a change? Lining paper makes it easier to strip off old wallpaper without a major fuss. It’s like having an ‘undo’ button for your walls.

6. DIY Friendly: Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, lining paper is pretty forgiving. It’s a great way to practice your decorating skills without jumping straight into the deep end.

To sum up, lining paper is a great tool for decorating your home that you might not know about. It helps you out, makes the walls smoother, and warms up the room. More than that, it lets you try new looks and change your mind without a lot of trouble.

FAQs:

Can I use lining paper on any wall?

Yes, lining paper can be used on most wall types, but ensure the surface is clean and dry before application.

Do I need a professional to apply lining paper?

While you can DIY, hiring a professional can ensure a smoother finish, especially with higher-grade papers.

Can I paint directly over the lining paper?

Absolutely! Once the lining paper is properly applied and dry, you can paint over it for a seamless finish.

How long does lining paper last?

With proper application and care, lining paper can last many years, providing a durable base for your walls.

Conclusion

Lining paper is one of the most important parts of decorating your home for a professional look, even if it’s not the most exciting part. It’s important to pick the right lining paper grade whether you’re remodeling a whole room or just one wall in the UK. Now that you know these things, you can confidently start your wallpapering job!