Ripped lining paper surface

Hi, I have some rips in the lining paper in a house I've just moved into. It looks like these are from command strips stuck to the walls, so it's just ripped the surface of the lining paper off.

I want to paint over these but because of the fluffy texture I'm not sure if the paint will stick. How would I fix the ripped patches?

Any help/advice would be appreciated, thanks.

Asked by Oliver on 11th Mar 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"Assuming the remainder of the lining paper is intact, seal the rips with slightly thinned emulsion and see if the 'grain' of the liner stands up. If it does, sand it back smooth and either overpaint with full strength emulsion, or skim out the repairs with a decent quality filler, to level the surface and create a smooth base for any subsequent paint.

Without pictures it's a bit of a best guess scenario, I'm afraid."
Answered on 11th Mar 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 - report
"I would use some easy fill to stick it back plus any seems in the paper can be filled as well. Lightly sand it if needed and then apply emulsion."
Answered on 11th Mar 2025 - Member since Jan 2025 - report
"Use pva to bond the fluffy texture, then fill with a fine filler and use a fine sandpaper to smooth, should be OK."
Answered on 11th Mar 2025 - Member since Nov 2017 - report
"Hi, I’d use some Zinsser peel stop to stop the paper from continuing to peel back, use a fine surface filler and sand lightly."
Answered on 11th Mar 2025 - Member since Oct 2022 - report
"If you fill the ripped area with Polly filler or wasy fill ,lightly sand it with a fine sanding pad before applying a coat of paint to the filled area once it is fully dry.After doing this you can proceed to apply your finishing coats after the pre painted patches are dry enough . I hope this helps. P Haslam"
Answered on 11th Mar 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 - report
"Hi Oliver,
Apply a very light smear of filler on the affected area of the paper.Allow the filler to dry, then use a very fine sandpaper to gently rub the filler so the surface area of the filler is level with the surrounding lining paper..
Apply a good level of paint over the sanded area and if after one coat the colour appears slightly different to the surrounding area,apply a little extra paint and allow to dry again."
Answered on 12th Mar 2025 - Member since Jan 2025 - report
"Try lightly sanding away the fluffy texture before painting, this should help, if there are any sections where the rip is deep try an very light weight filler and then sand lightly with a high grade sand paper. This should help :)"
Answered on 18th Mar 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"Hi there!

To fix the ripped patches in your lining paper, follow these steps for a smooth, paint-ready surface:

Clean the Area: Before starting any repair work, make sure the walls are clean and free from dust or debris.

Smooth the Edges: Gently trim any loose or frayed edges around the rips using a utility knife or scissors. This will help the repair material adhere better and give a cleaner look.

Apply a Thin Layer of Wallpaper Adhesive: For the best results, you’ll need some wallpaper paste. Apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive to the ripped areas and press the torn lining paper back into place, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles. Let it dry completely.

Fill Gaps with Joint Compound or Spackle: If the ripped patches leave noticeable holes or uneven areas, you can apply a small amount of joint compound or spackle to fill them in. Use a putty knife to smooth it out evenly with the rest of the wall. Once dry, lightly sand it down until smooth.

Prime the Wall: Since you mentioned the fluffy texture, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of wallpaper primer or bonding primer over the repaired area. This helps to seal the surface and ensures that the paint will stick properly.

Paint Over the Area: After the primer has dried, you can paint over the patches. If you're unsure about the texture, you might want to test a small area with your chosen paint to make sure it adheres well.

Following these steps should help you get a smooth, paint-ready surface without worrying about the paint not sticking.
Good luck with your project!"
Answered on 14th Mar 2025 - Member since Oct 2024 - report
"You could cut a neat section around affected area with a sharp stanley knife and put a thin coat of filler, wait to dry and lightly sand.
You will be ready to paint after that"
Answered on 14th Mar 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 - report
"you could rub the lining paper down gently with some 120 or higher grade sandpaper, or strip it and start again"
Answered on 22nd Mar 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 - report
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