Glasstex CP103 Fibre Fleece Review

Glasstex CP103 Fibre Fleece is a non-woven, or “paste-the-wall”, lining paper. This type of paper is designed for easier application to a wall or ceiling, with less waste. The result should be a sound surface which is ready to be painted. You can also use CP103 prior to hanging a decorative wallpaper.

All you need to do is prep your wall or ceiling, apply paste directly to the surface you’re working on, then apply the Glasstex directly from the roll. This product is not only easy to use and strong, but it will also stand up very well to heat, making it perfect for walls close to log burners or other heaters.

Beeline Tub Paste is perfect for applying Glasstex. Use either the yellow or red top stuff. If you can’t get hold of Beeline, use a fairly strong paste with low water content. Remember, Glasstex isn’t porours, so don’t use too much paste or it will never dry.

You can buy Glasstex CP103 Fibre Fleece online from Eclipse Wallcoverings. It comes in rolls that are 25 metres by 1 metre and costs around £45 plus VAT, with free next day delivery.

My Glasstex CP 103 Fibre Fleece Review

Right, let’s get into the nitty-gritty! There is a similar product out there that you can buy almost anywhere. It is called Wallrock Fiberliner. This is something I have used many times in the past, and I’m going to use it as a benchmark for my Glasstex CP103 Fibre review.

The first thing to say is that, even with delivery, Glasstex CP 103 Fibre is cheaper than Wallrock from my normal supplier. One advantage the Wallrock does have is that it is available in different widths. Sometimes using a roll 1 metre wide can be a nightmare in a tight room. For that reason, I’d only really recommend the use of Glasstex CP103 Fibre line in larger rooms, or even commercial-sized jobs. If you do have a big space to line, you’ll be able to cover it with this product in no time whatsoever. It really is quick to apply on large, open walls.

You can cut this product with ease. In that sense, it is an absolute dream to work with. Even splicing the product is easy to get right. Joints butt up well and you will not see the seams once you’ve applied paint over the top of your CP103. Make sure you use heavy-duty paste to aid with adhesion.

The CP103 isn’t as thick as Wallrock, meaning you can see bigger imperfections through the paper. That said, there is a heavier-duty product called Glasstex GS205 Glass Fibre Fleece, which does block out everything. It is slightly more expensive, but well worth it if your walls are in bad nick.

One downside of these non-woven lining papers is the finish. It isn’t flat and smooth like it is with pulp paper. I’m probably being picky, to be honest, but I put a lot of effort into getting my walls as smooth as they can be. Then by using this product, I’m adding a texture again? It doesn’t seem right. This is only a slight niggle, and it is an issue with both Wallrock and Glasstex.

Review Summary

Which is Better, Glasstex CP103 Fibre Fleece or Wallrock?

They are very similar products, but I’d say Glasstex CP103 is very slightly better. It cuts and splices a lot easier, often making it even quicker to use, whilst maintaining a high standard of very neat work. The other advantage is the price. Other than that, I think both products are pretty much the same.

FAQs

What is non-woven lining paper?

Non-woven refers to how the fibres in the lining paper are bound. The fibres in non-woven papers are bonded together through chemical, mechanical, or thermal means, rather than being woven together.

Which is better, woven or non-woven lining paper?

Non-woven, or paste-the-wall, lining paper like Glasstex CP103 Fibre Fleece is quicker and a lot easier than applying woven lining paper. It also takes up less space because you don’t need to faff around with a table. Most professional decorators use non-woven now.

Does non-woven lining paper shrink?

Non-woven lining paper like Glasstex CP103 Fibre Fleece will not shrink unless you stretch it when you’re applying it to the wall. This can happen if your wallpaper paste is too grippy and you need to force the paper into place.

Should I leave a gap between lining paper?

You should leave a small gap when installing lining paper to apply wallpaper over the top. Do not leave a gap when you’re going to paint over the lining paper.