Blog>Questions>Can you plaster over wallpaper/lining?
Last updated: 6 September 2023
Can you plaster over wallpaper/lining?
If you're looking to plaster a wall that already has wallpaper or lining paper on it, it's important to prepare the wall properly before plastering. Read this post to find out more.
For the best results, any wallpaper or lining paper should be removed before any plastering work is carried out.
If you leave wallpaper or lining paper on the wall, it can absorb moisture from the plaster and cause issues with the setting of the plaster.
Also, if you plaster over the wallpaper or lining paper and the paper comes unstuck, it will cause your plaster to fail and you're back to square one.
How to plaster a wall that has wallpaper/lining paper
For the most effective results that will stand the test of time, ideally you want to:
Remove all wallpaper or lining paper
Rub down the walls with sandpaper
Apply a PVA coat and allow it to dry
Once completely dry, plaster the wall
You might be tempted to simply plaster straight onto the wallpaper or lining paper for a quicker finish, but you could be creating bigger problems for yourself in the future.
If the plaster fails then you could face having to remove the plaster, as well as the wallpaper/lining paper, and start from scratch, costing you more time, money and hassle in the process.
Find the best local plasterers near you
There is a lot of skill and technique in plastering, and if you want professional standard plaster work for your home, we recommend hiring an experienced local plasterer to do the job for you.
And, the good news is, we can help you find the best local plasterers near you. Either use our quick and easy online search. Or, save yourself time and hassle by using our handy request a quote tool and let us do the legwork and get approved plastering experts in your area to contact you directly.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job