How to Hang Lining Paper
Lining a wall before you hang wallpaper is one of the best ways to achieve a smooth, professional finish. It helps to disguise minor imperfections, reduces the risk of seams opening and gives a more even surface for everything from standard papers to luxury wallpapers and specialist wallcoverings from designers such as Arte and Elitis.
This guide explains how to hang lining paper (often called cross lining), when it is worth doing, and the basic steps from preparation through to drying. It is written as general guidance only; for expensive wallcoverings or tricky rooms, we always recommend checking details with a professional decorator.
Why Use Lining Paper?
Lining paper isn"t always essential, but it offers several advantages, especially if you are using designer wallpapers or finer, more delicate wallcoverings.
- Smoother finish – helps disguise hairline cracks, small dents and minor surface imperfections that might show through thinner wallpapers.
- Reduces seam movement – a lined surface is more stable, so the top layer is less likely to shrink back at the seams as it dries.
- Improves adhesion – gives the paste a uniform surface to grip, especially on patchy or previously painted walls.
- Better result with luxury wallcoverings – many premium and wide-width wallpapers specifically recommend lining first.
For very good, newly plastered walls and robust non-woven wallpapers, a professional decorator may decide lining is not strictly necessary. For older, uneven walls or expensive papers, lining is usually a sound investment.
Tools & Materials You"ll Need
- Lining paper (grade/weight recommended by your decorator or wallpaper manufacturer)
- Suitable wallpaper paste or adhesive
- Paste bucket and pasting brush or roller
- Paperhanging brush or plastic smoother
- Sharp knife or scissors and spare blades
- Plumb line or spirit level
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Step ladder, dust sheets and a clean sponge/cloth
Preparing Walls for Lining Paper
Good preparation will make hanging lining paper much easier and improve the final result:
- Remove old wallpaper and loose or flaking paint.
- Fill cracks and holes; allow filler to dry and then sand smooth.
- Make sure the wall is dry, clean and sound – treat any damp or mould before lining.
- On very porous or dusty surfaces, your decorator may recommend sizing the walls with diluted paste first so the lining paper doesn"t dry too quickly.
How to Hang Lining Paper (Cross Lining)
For most wallpaper projects, lining paper is hung horizontally when the finished wallpaper will be hung vertically. This "cross lining" means that the lining seams do not sit directly under the wallpaper seams, helping to avoid ridges or movement.
Step 1: Mark a Horizontal Guideline
- Measure down from the ceiling by the width of the lining paper.
- Use a level or plumb line to lightly mark a horizontal line around the room at this height.
- This line will guide the bottom edge of your first horizontal length.
Step 2: Cut and Paste the First Length
- Measure the wall length and cut a piece of lining paper slightly longer, allowing extra at each end for trimming into the corners.
- Apply paste evenly to the back of the lining paper, following the paste and paper manufacturer"s instructions.
- Gently fold the pasted length concertina-style (do not crease hard) to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Hang the First Length Horizontally
- If you are right-handed, start in the top right-hand corner of the wall and work left; left-handed decorators often prefer starting from the top left and working right.
- Offer up the first length so that the bottom edge of the paper sits on your horizontal guideline.
- Using a paperhanging brush, smooth the paper onto the wall from the centre outwards, gently pushing out any air bubbles.
- Unfold the concertinaed sections gradually as you work along the wall.
- Take care not to stretch the wet paper, as this can cause gaps when it dries.
Step 4: Trim into Corners and Along the Ceiling
- At each corner, tap the paper lightly into the angle with your brush.
- Use the point of a knife or scissors to mark the corner line, peel the paper back and trim neatly along the mark.
- Brush the paper back into place for a clean edge.
- If the lining paper overlaps the ceiling line, lightly crease where it meets the ceiling, peel back and trim along the crease before smoothing it back.
Step 5: Continue Around the Room
- Hang the next length of lining paper so it butts neatly up to the previous one, or leaves the smallest possible gap without overlapping.
- Repeat the process, working steadily around the room, always checking that the paper remains level.
- At the bottom of the wall, trim the lining paper neatly along the skirting board.
Step 6: Let the Lining Paper Dry Completely
- Allow the lining paper to dry thoroughly – normally around 24 hours, depending on room conditions and the decorator"s advice.
- Avoid rapid drying from strong heat sources, as this can increase movement at the seams.
- Once fully dry, lightly inspect seams and edges before you start hanging your wallpaper.
Some decorators choose to hang lining paper vertically (in the same direction as the finished wallpaper) in certain situations. Your installer will decide which method is best for your room and chosen wallcovering.
Tips, Next Steps & Related Guides
- Use a good quality paste suitable for lining paper and follow the mixing instructions carefully – see our guide to choosing wallpaper paste.
- For very high-end or 3D wallpapers, textile wallpapers and heavy vinyls, it"s worth checking the manufacturer"s recommendations on lining and adhesives.
- Before ordering wallpaper, use our guide to estimating wallpaper quantities to sense-check how many rolls or metres you might need.
- When you"re ready to start hanging the top layer, our Where to start wallpapering guide explains how to plan your starting point around doors, windows and chimney breasts.
If you are unsure whether your walls need lining, or you"re planning to use luxury or wide-width wallcoverings, our team can advise on suitable products and help you find an experienced paper hanger in your area.