lining paper

moneylover

Son in new flat as mentioned in another post - terrible walls which we are going to strip of their lining paper now many times painted over,polyfillered etc.
Any tips about what paper to buy to put on walls before painting? What showsthe joins least? Would like straightforward lining paper as nice and flat but is something with a slight texture or very very fine line usually better? Would like to hear what people have had success with as I appreciate the cheapest stuff from B and Q might not be the best!.

If we used a professional decorator is the overall cost likely to be comparable with getting the walls replastered? Room is about 12ft by 11ft

Thank you

phill99

I often have this discussion with customers. It isn't so much the lining paper thats the issue in terms of lines, but the application. A good decorator will either minimise the linews, or fill them with a very fine filler. Also bear in mind that if the wall is really bad, Lining paper wont hide it all and you may still see faults in the wall underneath.

Additionally, removing the lining paper may actually bring plaster with it, especially if its an old house. (you don't mention the age of the flat). If you tap around the walls andd notice a hollow sound, then the plasster is 'live' and is likely to come off with the paper.

Reskimming is normally a bit more expensive than lining, but not massively. If the walls are bad and the house is old, reskimming is inevitable. I always encourage reskimming as it gives a much better, smoother even finish that any kind of decorative treatment can be applied to now and for many years to come. See it as a wise investment! If you do go down this route, get recommendations about a good plasterert as in all trades, there are good and not so good tradesmen!

Hope this is of use.

Doozergirl

Reskimming rules!

The difference between a reskim and a decorator won't be that much but the effects are pronounced and better lasting with a reskim, of course.

The walls are the biggest thing in a room and everything just feels of a better quality with nice smooth walls.