Can vinyl backing paper be used as lining paper?

[gatehill]

I am in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I have managed to strip off the top (vinyl) layer of the old wallpaper leaving me with the backing paper which is in very good condition.

I could strip this off relatively easily as it will absorb water and come off the walls hopefully fairly quickly.

On the other hand I could treat it as lining paper and just wallpaper over it! Would this be acceptable? I appreciate that the surface could absorb the new paste and so adhesion would be poor.

If the answer is to seal it with a coat of emulsion, say, I would be better off stripping it off.

 

[Robbie uk]

The backing paper of wallpaper is not designed like lining paper. If you emulsion over it, it will most likely bubble up as if it were being wet to strip it. If its easy to come off, its best to take it off and re-line the walls.

 

[gatehill]

Thanks, Robbie; I'll strip off the backing paper!