Measure down from the ceiling by approximately the width of the lining paper and mark a true horizontal guide around the room. This line helps keep the first length level.
Wallpaper Preparation Guide
How to Hang Lining Paper
Lining a wall before hanging decorative wallpaper can help create a smoother, more consistent surface and is often particularly useful on older walls or before installing finer and more specialist wallcoverings.
This guide explains why lining paper is used, how to prepare the wall and the basic method for cross lining — hanging the lining paper horizontally when the decorative wallpaper will later be hung vertically. For expensive or specialist wallcoverings, always check the manufacturer’s preparation instructions and your decorator’s advice before starting.
Instructional image · lining the wall
Why Use Lining Paper?
Lining paper is not essential for every room, but it can provide a better base for decorative wallpaper — especially where the substrate is older, patchy or slightly uneven.
Smoother finishHelps disguise hairline cracks, small dents and minor imperfections that may otherwise show through.
More consistent surfaceCreates a more uniform background across filled, painted or previously decorated walls.
More even adhesionProvides the adhesive with a consistent surface rather than a mixture of porous and non-porous patches.
Useful beneath specialist papersSome luxury, delicate and wide-width wallcoverings may require or benefit from lining when specified by the manufacturer.
A decorator may decide that a sound, well-prepared wall does not need lining, particularly with some modern non-woven wallpapers. The correct preparation depends on both the wall and the wallcovering.
Check before lining: do not assume that every premium wallpaper should automatically be lined. For luxury wallpaper, wide-width wallpaper, textile wallcoverings and other specialist products, follow the current hanging specification.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Lining paper in a suitable grade or weight
Suitable wallpaper paste or adhesive
Paste bucket and pasting brush or roller
Paperhanging brush or suitable smoother
Sharp knife or scissors and spare blades
Spirit level or other reliable levelling method
Measuring tape and pencil
Step ladder, dust sheets and clean sponge or cloth
The grade of lining paper and adhesive should be chosen for the condition of the wall and the decorative wallcovering that will eventually be hung over it. See our Choosing Wallpaper Paste guide for a general overview of adhesive types.
Preparing Walls for Lining Paper
Lining paper should not be used to hide an unsound wall. Preparation still matters underneath it.
- Remove old wallpaper, loose material and flaking paint.
- Fill cracks and holes, allow the filler to dry, then sand it smooth.
- Make sure the wall is dry, clean and sound.
- Deal with the cause of any damp or mould before lining.
- On very porous or dusty surfaces, sizing may be recommended before hanging the lining paper.
Sizing: the purpose is to control suction so the adhesive does not dry too quickly into a porous wall. Use the method and product appropriate to the substrate, lining paper and adhesive rather than relying on one universal dilution.
How to Hang Lining Paper: Cross Lining
When the finished wallpaper will be hung vertically, decorators often hang lining paper horizontally. This is known as cross lining and keeps the lining-paper joints from sitting directly underneath the vertical seams of the decorative wallpaper.
Measure the wall and allow a little extra at each end for trimming. Apply the adhesive evenly in accordance with the lining-paper and paste instructions. If appropriate for the product, gently fold the pasted length to make the long strip easier to handle without sharply creasing it.
Offer the strip to the wall with its lower edge aligned to your guideline. Smooth from the centre outwards, gradually working along the wall and releasing the folded sections as you go. Avoid stretching wet paper.
Press the lining gently into corners to establish the trimming line, then trim cleanly before smoothing the edge back into place. Use the same principle at the ceiling and around fixed obstacles.
Butt each new length neatly to the previous one without overlapping the seams. Keep checking that the horizontal run remains level and trim neatly at corners, openings and the skirting.
Do not hang the decorative wallpaper over damp lining paper. Drying time varies with the paper, adhesive, wall and room conditions; around 24 hours is common, but the product instructions and decorator’s judgement should determine when the surface is ready.
See the process
How to Hang Lining Paper — Video Demonstration
This short video, retained from our original lining-paper guide, gives a useful visual demonstration of the process alongside the written steps above.
Horizontal or vertical? Cross lining is common when the finished wallpaper will be hung vertically, but it is not the only valid approach. A professional decorator may choose a different orientation to suit the room, substrate or wallcovering.
Drying, Checking & Hanging the Finished Wallpaper
Allow the lining paper to dry naturally and avoid forcing the process with strong direct heat. Once dry, inspect the surface before hanging the decorative wallpaper.
- Check that seams are flat and secure.
- Look for raised edges, bubbles or damage that needs attention.
- Confirm any further preparation required by the finished wallpaper manufacturer.
- Plan the first decorative drop before beginning the top layer.
When you are ready to begin the finished wallpaper, our Where to Start Wallpapering guide explains how to plan around windows, doors and focal points.
Lining Paper FAQs
Do I always need lining paper before wallpapering?
No. A sound, correctly prepared wall may not require lining. Whether it is beneficial depends on the substrate, the decorative wallpaper and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why is lining paper often hung horizontally?
If the finished wallpaper will be hung vertically, horizontal cross lining helps prevent the joints in the two layers from sitting directly on top of one another.
How long should lining paper dry before wallpapering?
It must be fully dry before the decorative wallpaper is hung. Around 24 hours is common, but actual drying time depends on the paper, adhesive, wall and room conditions. Follow the relevant product guidance.
Does lining paper fix badly damaged walls?
No. Lining paper can help disguise minor imperfections, but loose plaster, significant cracks, damp, mould and unstable surfaces should be repaired or treated before lining.
What grade of lining paper should I use?
The appropriate grade depends on the condition of the wall and the finish required. Your decorator or wallcovering manufacturer can advise on the specification for a particular installation.
Prepare the wall before you prepare the wallpaper
Browse designer wallcoverings, order samples and confirm the recommended preparation and adhesive before installation begins.
