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Why We Crossline with Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth Before Painting – The Professional Alternative to Plastering

  • Writer: Richard Drew
    Richard Drew
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read


When we strip old wallpaper, many homeowners are surprised by what’s left behind — uneven walls, fine cracks, hairline crazing, contaminated with paste and patches where the surface just isn’t suitable for paint.That’s where crosslining with Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth comes in. It’s a professional, high-performance solution that we use at Drew Decor, based in Sheffield and the Peak District, to achieve an immaculate finish — without the mess, cost, or downtime of full plastering.


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What Is Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth?


Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth is a premium, reinforced wall covering made from a blend of natural cellulose fibres and textile-strength polyester. Manufactured in Germany, it’s designed to provide a perfectly smooth, durable base for paint or decorative wallpaper.

Unlike traditional lining paper, Wallrock Fibreliner is engineered for strength and stability — it doesn’t shrink, bubble, or tear easily. When applied with the correct ready-mixed Wallrock Power Adhesive, it becomes a permanent part of the wall surface.


Technical advantages include:


  • Reinforced fibre technology for extra strength and crack bridging


  • Dimensionally stable – no expansion or shrinkage when pasted


  • Breathable and moisture-regulating, helping walls stay healthy


  • Suitable for all paints (especially emulsions)


  • Fire-rated and environmentally friendly (no PVC or harmful additives


  • Can be repainted multiple times without delaminating



Why We Crossline Before Painting

1. To Reinforce the Wall Surface


When wallpaper is stripped, the wall surface often becomes weak or flaky. Small cracks, old filler patches, or minor imperfections can show through paint. Crosslining with Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth stabilises the surface, bonding everything together and bridging small cracks that would otherwise reappear.



2. To Create a Perfectly Smooth Paint-Ready Finish


Plastering isn’t always necessary — and sometimes it’s overkill. Fibreliner smooths out the wall surface and provides a consistent, uniform texture that looks freshly skimmed once painted.When painted with quality emulsion (we often use Little Greene), the finish is as crisp and refined as new plasterwork, without the drying time or cost.


3. To Prevent Cracks from Returning


Hairline cracks are a common problem in older Sheffield homes — especially those in areas like Ecclesall, Totley, Bakewell, and Hathersage, where walls can move slightly due to age and temperature changes.Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth is flexible and crack-resistant, so it moves with the wall, stopping fine cracks from reappearing through your paint.


4. To Save Time and Money Compared to Plastering


Replastering is messy, time-consuming, and costly — and it can delay painting for days while drying.Crosslining offers a faster, cleaner alternative that can usually be completed within the same week, ready for painting the next day in many cases.


5. To Future-Proof the Finish


Because Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth is tough and washable, your paint finish lasts longer. If you redecorate in the future, you can simply repaint or wallpaper directly over it, saving time and labour on future projects.



Our Process at Drew Decor


At Drew Decor, we’ve perfected the crosslining process to ensure flawless results:


  1. Preparation – All walls are stripped, cleaned, and sanded (with hand sanding and dustless sanding machines) to remove paste residue.


  2. Repairs – We fill and smooth any deep imperfections or holes.


  3. Adhesive Application – Using Wallrock Power Adhesive, we apply an even coat directly to the wall.


  4. Crosslining – The Fibreliner Smooth is applied horizontally (crosslined) to reduce joint visibility and create maximum stability.


  5. Seam Smoothing – Joints are butted tightly and smoothed for an invisible finish.


  6. Painting – Once dry, we apply high-quality Little Greene emulsion, producing a durable, beautifully even finish.


  7. The result?

  8. ✅ A seamless, plaster-like finish

  9. ✅ No cracking or bubbling

  10. ✅ A wall surface that’s ready for years of repainting and redecorating



Why Choose Drew Decor?


With over 16 years of experience in painting and decorating across Sheffield, Rotherham, and the Peak District, we understand that perfect finishes start with perfect preparation.We’re Which? Trusted Traders, Little Greene Paint stockists, and specialists in premium wall finishes and interior styling.


When we recommend Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth, it’s because we’ve tested it in real homes — from traditional cottages in Bakewell to modern homes in Sheffield — and we know it delivers every time.



When Plastering Isn’t Necessary


If your walls are sound but a little tired, don’t rush to re-plaster.Crosslining is often all you need to bring them back to life. It’s:


  • Quicker

  • Cleaner

  • More cost-effective

  • Environmentally friendly

  • Just as impressive in the final result



In Summary


Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth is the professional decorator’s secret weapon for transforming old, uneven walls into a flawless, paint-ready surface. It’s strong, smooth, breathable, and an ideal alternative to plastering when the existing walls are still structurally sound.

If you live in Sheffield, the Peak District, Rotherham, or surrounding areas, and want a beautiful, long-lasting painted finish, Drew Decor can help you achieve it — efficiently and expertly.



Want to Learn More?


If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy our upcoming blogs:


  • [The Benefits of Wallrock Thermal Liner – Save Energy While You Decorate]

  • [Wallrock KV600 Explained – Maximum Insulation and Comfort for Your Home]



Transform Your Walls with Drew Decor


If your walls are tired, cracked, or uneven after stripping old wallpaper, don’t rush to plaster — let us show you the professional alternative.


At Drew Decor, we use Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth to create beautifully even, paint-ready walls that look freshly plastered – at a fraction of the cost and time.


Whether you’re in Sheffield, Rotherham, or the Peak District, our expert team can help you achieve the perfect finish that lasts for years.


📞 Call us today on 07825767514

🌐 Or request a free quote online at www.drewdecor.co.uk

Beautiful finishes begin with professional preparation – trust Drew Decor to make your walls look flawless.

 
 
 

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