Yes, you absolutely can paint over lining paper. It is specifically designed to provide a smooth, uniform surface ready for painting.
Applying lining paper before painting is a common practice to cover minor imperfections on walls or ceilings, creating an ideal base for your chosen paint finish.
The Painting Process Explained
Painting over lining paper isn't as simple as just applying paint directly. There's a crucial preparation step:
- Priming is Essential: Before you apply your topcoat, you must prime the lining paper. Priming seals the paper, preventing the paint from soaking in unevenly or causing the paper to lift or bubble. Use a suitable primer or an initial coat of diluted emulsion (known as a "mist coat").
- Painting After Priming: As highlighted by the reference: "Once the primer is dry, you can start painting the lining paper."
- Application: Use a high-quality paintbrush or roller. Apply the paint evenly across the surface. The reference also advises following the natural grain of the paper, which helps achieve a smooth finish and prevents disturbing the paper.
Key Benefits of Painting Over Lining Paper
- Provides a smooth, even surface for painting.
- Hides minor wall imperfections.
- Helps achieve a better final paint finish and colour depth.
- Can make future wallpaper removal easier (as it provides a layer between the wall and the paper).
In summary, lining paper is designed to be painted over, but proper preparation, especially priming, is key to achieving the best results.
