Foil lining Paper to hold back damp

Anyone else use foil lining paper to hold back damp?

I have been a professional decorator long enough to know it is an old-school method, but it still works. Not only does it create a waterproof membrane between plaster and your decorative finish, but it also adds insulation, which helps prevent condensation. You can use it underneath wallpaper, or lining paper. It will even help stop mould growth on your walls.

Those who have never seen or used it, it’s a pitch foil paper to hold off damp and associated problems such as mould and mildew. It’s 3-ply thick (craft paper, bitumen and foil).

Of course, if the damp in penetrating from outside of your house, the issue needs to be addressed. If you have a leak for example, you still need to fix it. However, this foil backed paper does come in handy on certain projects. Some people use it in bathrooms to reduce the amount of condensation.

Using Foil Lining Paper

The foil backed paper comes with its own adhesive. Soak the paper in warm water for a while before applying it. Then apply the adhesive and let everything dry a little bit. Then you can apply it to your wall, cutting where needed with an Olfa, or craft knife.

You can overlap it slightly on the seams to create a seal. Don’t worry about the finish. Just give it a little sand or fill once dry. Then simply line over the top of it with normal lining paper. Or, as previously mentioned, you can hang wallpaper over the top of it.

You can buy it online by clicking here, but you may be able to order it from your usual trade counter too (Crown, Johnstone’s etc).

I love foil backed lining paper. It works well, and more decorators should be using it.

FAQs

Does lining paper stop damp?

Normal lining paper does not stop damp. However, foil lining paper will hold back a small amount of damp.

What to put under wallpaper to stop damp?

If you have a lot of damp coming through your walls, then you will need to fix the main problem to stop the water at source. However, if it’s just a bit of damp, then foil lining paper will do the job.

Will thick lining paper help prevent mould?

A product like Wallrock Thermal Liner will help insulate the wall, meaning less water will condense on the surface. This can drastically reduce mould growth. Another step you can take is to use an anti-mould paint, which contains a fungicide that resists mould growth.

What is the cheapest way to cover a damp wall?

Foil lining paper will hold back damp to a point, but if there is a lot of moisture penetrating the wall, the foil will fail over time.