Wallpaper lining paper is used to create a smooth, even surface on walls and ceilings before wallpapering. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
Steps to Hang Wallpaper Lining Paper:
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Prepare the Surface: Ensure your walls are clean, dry, and free of any loose paint, wallpaper, or debris. Fill any holes or cracks with filler and sand smooth. This is crucial for a good adhesion and a flawless finish.
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Size the Wall (Optional but Recommended): Applying a thin coat of diluted wallpaper paste to the wall (sizing) helps the lining paper adhere better and prevents it from drying out too quickly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for diluting the paste.
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Mark a Guideline: Use a plumb bob or spirit level to draw a vertical guideline on the wall, about the width of your lining paper from a corner. This ensures the first length is straight. If you are hanging horizontally, create a level horizontal line using a laser level or spirit level and a long straight edge.
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Measure and Cut the Lining Paper: Measure the height (or width if hanging horizontally) of the wall. Add a few extra inches to the top and bottom for trimming. Cut the lining paper to this length.
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Apply Adhesive: This depends on the type of lining paper you have.
- Paste-the-Paper: Apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the lining paper, ensuring you cover all areas, especially the edges. Fold the pasted paper (booking) paste-to-paste, allowing the paste to soak in for the manufacturer's recommended time.
- Paste-the-Wall: Apply wallpaper paste directly to the wall surface in an area slightly wider than the width of the lining paper.
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Hang the Lining Paper:
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Vertical Application (Traditional): Unfold the top half of the pasted lining paper and carefully align it with your guideline, leaving a slight overlap at the top. Smooth the paper onto the wall using a smoothing brush or plastic smoother, working from the center outwards to remove any air bubbles. Unfold the bottom half and repeat the smoothing process.
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Horizontal Application (Often Preferred): Horizontal hanging helps to bridge cracks. Start at the top (or bottom depending on your preference) and align the top edge of the paper with your horizontal guideline. Smooth the paper onto the wall, working from the center outwards.
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Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim the excess lining paper at the top and bottom (or sides if horizontal).
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Repeat: Continue hanging the lining paper, butting the edges together as closely as possible without overlapping. Avoid stretching the paper. Use a seam roller to flatten the seams, if needed.
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Inside Corners: When you reach an inside corner, measure the distance from the edge of the last piece of lining paper to the corner. Add about 1/2 inch to that measurement, and cut a piece of lining paper to that width. Hang this piece, wrapping the excess around the corner. On the adjacent wall, start with a piece of lining paper that overlaps the piece wrapped around the corner.
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Outside Corners: When you reach an outside corner, wrap the lining paper around the corner by about 1/2 inch. On the adjacent wall, start with a piece of lining paper that overlaps the piece wrapped around the corner.
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Drying Time: Allow the lining paper to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying wallpaper. This usually takes 12-24 hours.
Tips for Success:
- Use the right paste: Select a wallpaper paste appropriate for lining paper.
- Avoid overlapping: Butting the edges of the lining paper together cleanly is crucial for a smooth, professional finish.
- Work methodically: Maintain consistency in your approach.
- Keep your tools clean: Avoid getting paste on the face of the lining paper.
- Consider horizontal hanging: Hanging lining paper horizontally can help to reduce the appearance of cracks and imperfections in the walls.
- Use a laser level for perfectly straight horizontal lines.
