How Much Does It Cost to Apply Lining Paper? | UK Price Guide

In this article, we will go over all of the costs involved with this type of work, the length of time the job will take, and all of the factors that you should think about when budgeting for this type of work.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about applying lining paper…

How Much does Applying Lining Paper Cost?

Lining paper (sometimes known as wallpaper liner) is a type of wall covering that is designed to prepare your wall for decoration before applying your chosen wallpaper or paint. Depending on the state of your walls, lining paper is often a very important or even an essential step in your renovation process.

There are many benefits of using lining paper when decorating. It is primarily used to mask imperfections on the wall beneath. It allows you to create a smooth surface that looks perfect when you’ve finished your decorating.

So, how much does hanging lining paper cost?

The cost of applying lining paper will vary a lot depending on the choice of lining paper, how awkward the room is, the size of the room, and the condition of your walls. The average cost you can expect to pay is £150-£400+ per room. This number is quite varied due to the factors listed above.

Larger rooms will require more time and material to complete. A smaller room can be completed within a day, whereas a larger room with high ceilings or an open-plan space could take a lot longer. This will result in higher costs.

The condition of the walls can play a part as well. If you have a lot of peeling paint, flaking plaster, damp patches, or existing wallpaper on the walls, then the work will require more prep time. Depending on the severity of the problems, this could add £30-£200 to the overall cost of the job.

High-grade lining paper will cost more, but this will improve coverage on uneven surfaces. The thicker the paper, the longer the job will take. Also, if you are including lining the ceilings, this can take a lot more effort and add a lot more time to the job, which will result in higher costs.

Doing the job as a DIY project can help you save some money upfront, but it will result in higher costs in the long run, as you will likely need to replace the lining sooner than if it had a professional finish.

If you are hiring professionals to do the work for you, the costs can fluctuate based on which contractor you choose to do the job. Also, those based in and around London can expect to pay more for the cost of labour than in the North or other parts of the UK.

When budgeting, keep in mind that wallpaper costs and wallpaper prices are typically higher than lining paper, so it's important to distinguish between the two when planning your project.

Lining Paper Application Prices

Below is a table showing the average prices that you can expect to pay to apply lining paper to various rooms:

Wallpapering or lining one wall, such as a feature wall, is typically less expensive and faster than covering an entire room.

In addition to the costs listed above, you may need to factor in prep work for the job. Depending on the condition of your walls, this could add £30-£80 to the cost of the job.

Lining Paper Supply Costs

If you are planning on applying lining paper yourself as a DIY project, you may be interested in learning the costs of the supplies alone, without factoring in any costs for the labour side of things. Here, we will go through all of the supply costs that you can expect with this type of work so that you can budget effectively.

So, how much does lining paper cost?

The cost of lining paper is typically £5-£20 per roll. Each one will likely cover around one to two walls, depending on the size of the walls and the height of your ceilings.

Higher grades will help to conceal more defects on the walls, but these types are at the higher end of the cost range. If your walls are fairly smooth anyway and don’t have many imperfections, you can go for a more lightweight grade, which will cost less.

You will also need to factor in the cost of the tools and paste for sticking the lining paper. You can usually expect to pay around £5-£12 for the paste, depending on the type that you choose and the brand. Ready-mixed paste costs slightly more but is a much easier and more convenient choice.

A typical basic brush and roller set will usually cost around £10-£30. You will also need a trimming knife for cutting the paper to size, and this will cost around £3-£10. Additionally, if you don’t already have one, you may need to invest in a pasting table. This will cost around £20-£40, depending on the size and quality.

Additional Costs of Applying Lining Paper

In addition to the supplies and labour costs, there are some additional costs that you may need to think about when applying lining paper. Firstly, the wall preparation can make a big difference in how much you will pay for the job.

If you have cracks, flakes, damp, or uneven spots, more prep work will be needed to ensure your wall is ready to be lined. Some of the additional prep work may include removing loose paint, filling holes or dents, sanding down rough areas, or treating mould or damp. This additional preparation could add £30-£80 to the job cost, or more if your walls are in poor condition.

In some cases, you may need to remove existing wallpaper before the job can go ahead. This can end up being quite time-consuming. While you can do this yourself, you will still need to factor in the costs of things like a wallpaper stripper or a steamer to help you complete the job.

If you choose to hire a professional to do this, you can expect to pay around £300-£600 per room. If you are stripping large amounts of wallpaper off, you may also need to pay an additional fee for waste removal. This will typically add around £15-£50 to the job.

If you are looking to get your walls decorated with wallpaper or paint after the lining is up, then you will pay a decorator additional fees for this. On average, you can expect to pay a decorator £300-£500 per room for a professional paint finish and £350-£500 per room for a wallpaper finish. The prices will depend on the materials used, the size of the room, and your location in the UK.

If you are planning on lining your ceiling or if your room is in a particularly complex layout, then this can also add additional costs to the job.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Applying Lining Paper

The labour side of the job will make up a large proportion of what you budget for. You can expect to pay a professional around £100-£400 per room, depending on the room size and the extent of prep work required.

The timescales will vary depending on the size of the room and the level of prep work needed. Typically, a small room will take around 1–2 days to complete.

A medium-sized room will take around 1- 3 days to complete, and a larger room will take around 2–4 days to complete. If you are planning on lining your whole house, this will take around 1–2 weeks, depending on the size of your home and the extent of the wall damage.

It's important to note that prep work can add a lot of time to the job, especially if your walls are in a particularly bad condition.

So keep this in mind when thinking about the overall timescales. Also, if you are lining awkward areas or ceilings, this can also add a lot of time to the job. Your contractor will be able to give you a good estimate of how long the job is likely to take in total, including all prep work and the lining itself.

Cost Factors for Applying Lining Paper

There are several cost factors that you may need to consider when applying wallpaper lining in your home. Below is a list of the things that could affect the overall cost of the job:

• Room size and number of walls – The larger the room and the more walls that are being lined, the more materials and time needed to complete the job.
• Type and thickness of lining paper - The type of lining paper that you choose will affect the cost. Higher grades cost more.
• Wall condition and prep work required – If your walls are particularly damaged or uneven, these will require more prep work, which will add more time to the job.
• Ceilings included or not - Ceilings can be quite difficult and will add more time to the job. Decorators may also charge a premium for this, as it is awkward work.
• DIY vs hiring a decorator – DIY is cheaper, but the job may not be perfect and may not last as long, so it could cost you more in the long run with redecorating. A professional application is always advised.
• Location - Those based in and around London can expect to pay more for the cost of labour than in the North or other parts of the UK.

Building Regulations Related to Applying Lining Paper

As with any type of renovation in the UK, it’s important to always consider whether building regulations or planning permission will come into play at all. Luckily, when it comes to applying lining paper, you won’t need to worry about planning permission or building regulation approval.

However, there are some situations where you may need to comply with certain regulations. For example, if your walls are showing any signs of damp, you should not install lining paper until that underlying issue is resolved. If you do add lining paper over damp, this can trap moisture and may lead to mould, which can be very dangerous in homes.

Some commercial buildings, rented properties, and communal spaces may require fire-resistant wall coverings. This is not usually a requirement in domestic homes, but it is always worth checking with your local authority just to be sure. Also, when applying lining paper around electrical sockets and switches, it’s important not to interfere with the wiring for safety concerns.

Types of Lining Paper

When it comes to choosing the right type of lining paper for your home, you have several options to choose from. Below is a list of common lining paper types to help you decide which may be best to suit your needs:

For most typical home decorating projects, standard grade lining paper is generally the most cost-effective option, offering a good balance between affordability and performance.

Standard Lining Paper

This is the most common type of lining paper for UK homes. They come in various grades, and the grades indicate thickness. 800–1000 is best for smoother walls that don’t have many imperfections. 1200–1400 is perfect for walls that are showing some imperfections or small cracks.

1600–2000 is the heavy-duty option and is best for lining walls with a lot of surface damage. The higher the grade you choose, the better it will be at hiding imperfections. However, higher grades will result in higher costs and more labour time needed to install it.

Thermal Lining Paper

This is a specialised type of lining paper that is designed to improve insulation and reduce heat loss in the home. This is a brilliant choice for application on colder external walls. It also works great in older properties that may be colder and less insulated in general.

Thermal lining paper is more expensive than standard paper, but it can help to reduce your home’s heating costs over time, so it can be beneficial in the long run.

Damp-Resistant Lining Paper

Damp-resistant lining paper is another option that you can choose. This type of lining paper is perfect for rooms where the moisture or humidity levels may be higher, such as in kitchens or bathrooms. It can be very beneficial in these spaces as it can help to reduce the risks of mould.

However, you must make sure any underlying damp problems are dealt with first before applying any type of lining paper.

Fibreliner / Non-Woven Lining Paper

Fibreliners are made from non-woven materials and reinforced with textile fibres. These types of lining paper are very durable and long-lasting. They also don’t shrink or expand with temperature changes, so they can be used in high-humidity rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

Due to its durability, this type of lining paper typically costs more than other types. It is a great option for high-traffic rooms or walls that may be subject to brushing or scratches, as it is the most durable and long-lasting option.

Lining Paper Application Process - Getting It Right

Applying lining paper isn't overly difficult, but it does require a bit of patience and some know-how. First, get your wall surface in shape by giving it a good going-over to remove any dust, dirt, or old adhesive that might be lurking there.

This will give you a clean slate to work with. Then take some time to measure and cut your lining paper so that it fits your wall, with a bit of overlap between strips to hide the seams.

Now mix up your adhesive according to the instructions - don't skip this bit, as you want it to be just right. Next, apply it evenly to the back of the lining paper, or, depending on the type of paper, directly to the wall.

Now start hanging the paper from the middle of the wall and work your way outwards with a brush or roller. This will remove any air bubbles, leaving you with a smooth, even surface.

Don't forget to line up each strip so that the joins are nice and neat.

Once all the lining paper is in place, leave it to dry completely before you start hanging your new wallpaper. This might take a bit longer depending on the adhesive and the room conditions, but it'll be worth it in the end.

And a top tip - be patient, as it's amazing how easy it is to rush things and end up with a messy finish.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Lining Paper

To achieve professional results when applying lining paper, you'll need the right tools and equipment. First on the list is a sturdy pasting table to get your paper in good order.

Then you'll need a bucket to mix your adhesive, and a decent brush or roller to apply the paste smoothly. A sharp cutting tool, such as a trimming knife or scissors, is crucial for cutting the paper to size and tidying the edges.

Remember the importance of a good ladder or step stool for getting to those top corners safely. A spirit level is also essential to ensure your paper is straight - you don't want to end up with a wonky finish.

For getting rid of those pesky seams between strips, a seam roller is a lifesaver, and a damp cloth is handy for wiping away any excess adhesive as you go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Lining Paper

Applying lining paper is a bit more involved than you might think, and there are a few things that can go wrong to ruin your finish.

One of the biggest mistakes is not taking the time to properly clean and smooth out the wall surface; if it's a bit scrappy, the paper won't adhere properly, and you'll end up with bubbles or peeling.

Then there's the risk of stretching the paper too tightly during application - this can cause it to tear or go all wrinkly as it dries.

Using too much adhesive is another common problem; it can leave a messy finish and even cause the adhesive to seep through the paper. So take it easy on the adhesive and just apply enough to get a good bond.

Finally, don't skip the bit about leaving a small overlap between strips - this will save you from having to deal with visible gaps or seams that ruin the look.

Maintenance and Repair of Lining Paper

Avoid exposing lining paper to loads of moisture, as this can cause it to come unstuck and peel away from the wall.

And if you notice any little tears or bubbles, deal with them right away; patching them up early on can prevent them from turning into a bigger problem.

If you need to make repairs, use the same type of lining paper and follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing damaged sections. Just make sure to get the edges well glued, and the surface is smooth.

If you're not feeling confident about tackling repairs yourself, it's probably a good idea to get a pro in - they'll be able to sort you out with a top-notch finish and get the lining paper looking like new again.

Alternative Types of Wall Preparation

If you decide that applying lining paper is not the right choice for your home, you may want to consider some other options to help you get a smooth base for your walls, ready for decorating. Below is a list of alternative wall preparation options and how they compare to lining paper:

Skim Plastering

Skim plastering provides a perfectly smooth finish ready for decorating over. However, this option is quite a bit more expensive than lined paper. Skim plastering is the most recommended option if your walls are heavily damaged.

Wall Smoothing Compound

This is cheaper than plaster and provides a thin layer over cracks and dents. It’s a good choice for going over minor imperfections and is particularly good for filling joints. However, it is not a recommended option if your walls are particularly damaged.

Decorative Wall Panels

These are a brilliant option if you are looking to cover up your imperfect walls quickly. They work very well as a feature wall or in rooms where you are looking to achieve a more cosy, textured feel. They come in a range of different designs and colours to suit all spaces.

Applying Wallpaper Directly

If your walls are already in very good condition, then you may not need to apply any wall preparations at all, and you could choose to wallpaper the walls directly without anything underneath.

However, many decorators will recommend applying lining paper to help achieve a smooth finish and prevent any bubbles from forming.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Painting a Hallway

When hiring a contractor to complete the work for you, there are several things that you should keep in mind. Take a look at the checklist below to help you find the right professional for the job:

• Get 3+ detailed quotes to compare costs.
• Ask for previous project photos to check the quality of their work.
• Confirm if prep and materials are included or excluded from the quote.
• Check if the contractor has insurance and guarantees.
• Confirm they have experience in applying lining paper.
• Ask for a breakdown of costs, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
• Ask if they will fill cracks and sand the walls beforehand.
• Find out if they will supply the lining paper and what grade they will be using.
• Request a timeline and daily work hours.
• Look for testimonials and reviews online.

Removing Lining Paper: Considerations and Costs

Over time, lining paper may begin to deteriorate and could start to peel, bubble or stain. When this is the case, you may want to remove it. Additionally, if you are planning on redecorating, you may want to remove the old lining and replace it with a new one.

The cost for removing lining paper can vary depending on the size of the room, the thickness of the paper, the number of layers, whether the paper has been painted over, and the condition of the wall underneath.

The job will involve loosening the adhesive and peeling or scraping the lining paper away, similar to the way in which you would remove wallpaper. You may then also need to pay an additional fee for the removal and disposal of the lining paper once it’s been taken down. This could add £15-£50 to the cost of the job.

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