There are a whole range of specialist tools and also a range of lining paper grades. But how do you know which grades are the best for you to use?

Lining paper? 600 grade? These terms can be pretty baffling to a novice DIY-er. Paint is available in different types relating to the finish and intended usage.

Below we go through the uses and different lining paper grades from 600 to 2000 lining paper.

What is lining paper?

Before we talk about grades we’re just going to establish, for anyone who’s unsure, what lining paper is. It’s a wall covering, similar to wallpaper, but designed to be hung before putting up wallpaper. Doing this will make a smoother surface to hang wallpaper on. It can be used on relatively smooth walls (600 grade) or to cover over more serious wall imperfections (2000 grade lining paper).

600-1000 Grade

These are the thinnest lining paper grades available. They’re designed to be used on walls that are relatively smooth, with the aim of providing a better surface to hang wallpaper or apply paint to. You can use it to cover hairline crack or very minor imperfections.

1200-1400 Grade

These are thicker lining papers that can be used to cover more pronounced imperfections. That might mean pits, dents, bubbles or mark that would show through wallpaper if you didn’t use lining paper to smooth over. As well as being thicker to 600-1000 grade papers, they are also stronger, meaning they’re more durable and hard wearing.

1700-2000 Grade

The thickest lining papers are 1700-2000 grade. These are more specialist liners designed to cover over more serious dents, scratches and stains. If you have walls with stains such as nicotine, smoke staining or graffiti, then lining paper 2000 grade is the lining paper to use. It’s also used in many period houses to smooth over older plaster jobs.

So that’s our guide to the different lining paper grades and what situations to use different ones in. And one final thing to remember, lining paper can be used on ceilings as well as walls.