Last Updated on July 27, 2023
Updating your walls is a great place to start if you’re looking to give your home a fresh look. But removing the lining paper from the plasterboard is a prerequisite before you can begin painting or wallpapering.
Taking the time to prepare your walls properly will ensure that your finished product is flawless and smooth. Luckily, there are plenty of effective methods for removing lining paper. From steam to sugar soap solution, each method has its own level of difficulty and effectiveness.
Let’s explore various alternatives to removing lining paper from plasterboard.
Can Lining Paper Be Removed Easily?
Removing lining paper can be a challenging and complex task. So, it is crucial to avoid damaging the plaster while doing so. In the initial stage, you need to assess the type of adhesive used for the lining paper to determine the best approach.
It’s recommended to score the paper’s surface before applying warm water and a scraper to soften and remove the paper. While it may be a lengthy process, committing to removing the existing lining paper is often the better approach to avoid risking a poor DIY job.
Note: Remember to be gentle and take your time to prevent damaging the plaster.
How to Remove Lining Paper From Plasterboard: 3 Methods
Discover the most effective ways to strip lining paper off of plasterboard walls. The right method depends on factors like your wall’s age and condition and your DIY expertise. Let’s take a look at each method now:
#One: Steam Method
Utilizing the steam method is favored for detaching adhesive material from the plastered surface. This technique involves using a steamer that delivers high-heat water to loosen the glue that holds the wallpaper to the walls.
Before starting, it’s important to ensure that the lining paper is non-painted, as painted paper may not absorb the steam effectively. Once you’ve confirmed the type of paper, you can proceed with steaming the surface.
Hold the steamer against the paper for several seconds until the glue softens, and then use a scraper to remove the paper. Be careful not to damage the plasterboard underneath. If any stubborn spots exist, apply steam again and repeat the process.
#Two: Perforation and Peeling
Let’s try a different approach to get rid of that pesky wallpaper. Score the lining paper with a sharp knife, loosen a corner with a putty knife, and slowly peel it away to reveal a fresh new surface. You need to work slowly and cautiously to avoid damaging the plasterboard.
#Three: Sugar Soap Solution
You can also easily clean your walls or ceiling covered with lining paper using a sugar soap solution mixed with water. This technique effectively removes old and stubborn lining paper, leaving your walls smooth and ready for a fresh coat of paint.
Mix a little sugar soap powder with water to create a liquid solution. Apply the solution directly onto the walls or ceiling using a sponge and cover the entire area.
Allow the solution to soak thoroughly for about 10 minutes before using a filling knife to remove the paper. Be gentle when scraping the paper away to avoid damaging the plasterboard.
What to do after removing the lining paper?
After removing the lining paper, use warm water to clean any remaining debris and let the walls dry completely. Look closely at the walls, fill holes or cracks with spackle, and sand them down until they’re smooth.
Once the walls are completely prepared, apply a coat of primer to ensure good paint adhesion. This step is essential for a smooth and professional-looking finish. Take advantage of this step; it’ll save you time and money in the long run. Apply your chosen paint color after the primer has dried, and enjoy your newly refreshed walls.
You can also adhere to new wallpaper over your plasterboard walls. This can be a great way to refresh any room. Not all wallpaper types are suitable for plasterboard walls, so consult a professional before starting. Additionally, plasterboard walls may require a more robust adhesive and additional preparation steps to ensure the wallpaper will stay in place.
Does lining paper need to be rubbed down?
For a flawless finish in your professional decorating, it is imperative to rub down the lining paper. By doing so, imperfections can be smoothed out, and unsightly overlaps can be prevented upon returning to the job the next day.
To achieve the desired outcome, use 180-grade abrasive sandpaper to gently rub the joint down without removing too much paper. This method will result in a more polished and professional look.
It is essential to strive for improvement and speed when decorating tasks for personal satisfaction and to minimize the time taken to complete the job. Rubbing down the lined paper will significantly contribute to achieving accurate results and building confidence in your work.
Is it okay to paint over the lining paper?
If your lining paper is in good condition, you can easily paint over it or apply new wallpaper without any issues. This is a great option to update your walls without the hassle of removing the lining paper.
Make sure the surface is clean before applying paint or wallpaper. If the lining paper features loose or damaged areas, fix them before you paint or wallpaper. Generally, painting over lining paper is a convenient and efficient way to update your walls.
Is it okay to sand off bed liners?
It is deemed permissible to sand away bed liners, particularly if it displays signs of wear such as fading, chipping, bubbling, ripping, or cracking. It is advisable to use advanced superoxalloy blast abrasives to optimize the outcome.
Sandblasting may still be utilized, but it is considered a less effective option. Removing bed liners can also help restore the bed’s protection, ensuring its longevity and durability. It is wise to seek professional assistance from experts in this field to ensure the job is done efficiently and effectively.
Create a flawless finish on plasterboard: Clean and Coat
You don’t have to worry about removing lining paper from the plasterboard. With the methods mentioned above, you can get rid of pesky paper residue and achieve a smooth surface without spending hours and hours on the job.
Whether you opt for the steam method, perforation and peeling, or a sugar soap solution, all of these methods are effective and easy to do. Remember to sand the surface after removing the paper and clean it thoroughly before painting.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to achieve an excellent result and have a wall that looks as good as new. So go ahead and tackle that plasterboard with confidence.
