Lincrusta

[Jollylolly]

Toying with the idea to put Lincrusta underneath the dado. Apparently it's hard to hang and should only use specialists/ accredited people. Has anyone done this/used anyone?

Am I a bit bonkers to do this?

[mosy]

Hmm. A problem with lincrusta designs is that they tend not to be all-over designs. Put another way, dado rails are rarely horizontally true, nor are wall right-angles true, nor are skirting boards true, so pattern can quite easily run off at a diagonal which is visually awful. If you mean lincrusta sitting in preformed panel squares and you'd have to make the squares as well, then I guess it depends how good at DIY you are, lol.

Hanging the lincrusta itself shouldn't be too difficult if treated very carefully but it depends on how good the surface is as to whether it'd sit properly and stay put as it's not very forgiving if hoping it'll be a quick fix to disguise or smooth out an uneven surface. Considering it's not cheap, ensuring a decent surface beforehand is the cheaper bit - but, hey, your surfaces might already be decent and dado and walls true.

These are just my thoughts as it's a long time now since I last used it.

Edit PS: I thought even then that I must have been mad not to consider what a dust collector such coverings and trimmings are if town living.

[Jollylolly]

Thanks useful advice. Hadn't thought about dust
By the way when I said am I bonkers to do this I meant by the style as in maybe it's a bit of a marmite thing where loads of ppl will think it looks awful!
I would no way attempt it myself... I meant can your average painter/decorators hang it? But maybe as you say it's the cutting of the panels etc that requires the skill

[mosy]

Who can say what people like or think? I can't. I can tell you that my sister wouldn't like it as she's a "new look every year" type who has no interest in recreating past opulence. I'm different, thinking that if you achieve a good look that works for you, it's worth sticking with for more than a year.

In the right setting in a period house, Lincrusta can look stunningly classic and elegant, especially if the relief is highlighted. Its durability is a definite plus as it'll last for years, but if that makes some people think it's already been there for years and you've just tarted it up, then you might feel a bit less happy considering the cost. Why not order a couple of free samples and Blu-tack them up on the wall(s) you've chosen? Very important is how much any wall covering especially colour is affected by light, or lack of it, whether natural or artificial.

A decent decorator experienced with wallpaper hanging could easily hang it - well I know I could since I have so they ought to be able to. The thing is to treat it with the respect it needs, so include appropriate prep materials and finishing paints in your budget. It won't be a quick job as it'll likely be done in stages to allow for drying time.

Have you thought of the cheaper alternative of just an eye-catching frieze under the dado rail? That wouldn't work if you're seeking protection from scuffs, e.g. chairs, pushchairs, suitcases, bikes.

I'm talking too much - over to others ...

[Jollylolly]

Thanks that's all really helpful advice. Love this forum