A wall liner, often referred to as lining paper or wallpaper liner, is a type of wall covering specifically designed to prepare the surface of a wall before applying decorative wallpaper or paint.
Based on the provided reference, lining paper (sometimes called wallpaper liner) is a wall covering that's designed to prepare your wall for decoration, prior to applying your chosen wallpaper or paint. It acts as an underlayment, creating an improved surface for the final decorative finish.
Purpose and Function
The primary function of a wall liner is to create a smooth, uniform, and stable base for subsequent wall treatments. It's not typically intended as a final decorative finish itself, although some textured versions can add subtle depth.
Think of it as a primer layer for your walls, but in paper or fibrous sheet form rather than paint.
Why Use Wall Liner?
Using a wall liner can offer several benefits, enhancing the final look and longevity of your decorated walls:
- Hides Imperfections: It can help to cover minor cracks, pits, and uneven textures on the wall surface, providing a much smoother finish.
- Provides a Uniform Surface: By creating a consistent base, it ensures that the decorative wallpaper or paint adheres evenly and that colors appear true, without variations caused by the underlying wall material or old paint.
- Improves Adhesion: It offers a good surface for wallpaper paste to grip onto, which can be particularly useful on difficult surfaces like bare plaster or previously painted walls.
- Makes Removal Easier: When it's time to redecorate, the lining paper can protect the underlying wall surface, potentially making the removal of the top layer (wallpaper or paint) simpler and less damaging to the plaster.
- Adds Insulation: Some thicker or textured liners can offer a very minor degree of thermal or acoustic insulation, though this is not their primary purpose.
How is Wall Liner Applied?
Wall liner is typically applied using a standard wallpaper paste, much like hanging traditional wallpaper.
- Surface Preparation: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and reasonably smooth. Fill any large holes or cracks.
- Cutting: Cut the liner into strips, accounting for height and pattern matching (if applicable, though many liners are unpatterned).
- Pasting: Apply paste to the back of the liner strips or directly to the wall, depending on the specific product instructions.
- Hanging: Hang the strips vertically, smoothing out bubbles and trimming excess.
- Drying: Allow the liner to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying wallpaper or paint.
Using wall liner is a crucial step for achieving professional results, especially on older or less-than-perfect wall surfaces, ensuring your chosen decoration looks its best.
