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Probably I would line it to protect the plaster which from experience is not very durable without paper on top.
Interesting you say this, the plaster in the place I've moved into marks really easily, not helped by pale and not particularly hard wearing paint.
I was thinking that just harder wearing paint would mainly solve it, lining it hadn't occurred to me. Is is standard lining paper you'd use or something else? Cheers
aggi-
My current favourite is this one. It's like cartridge paper, the joints work so well and there's no pre-shrink to worry about. It's nice but pricey. They have a professional range which is cheaper.
https://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewprod/m/MAVNWLPV/
You could paint the whole thing with Gardz before papering or painting that gives you a good chance of getting everything stuck to the wall as hallways are notorious for grease and wax e.g. from handbags ladies!
Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is a tough washable paint. It's got a slightly plasticky finish especially when it's fresh but it's properly washable and doesn't fade as fast so you can touch it up.
Airhead
We all dream of timber panelling. It's not Downton Abbey mate, just paint it with Dulux Diamond Matt Trade and thank me later :)
Seriously though, wood panelling is a big undertaking. Kudos if you have the time/money to do it.
Chalky paints used to be the rage in the late 90's, problem in hallways is people touch them with their hands/luggage etc. and it shows in hallways because you look at the walls from acute angles.
I've used earthborn paints before, nice finish. I would maybe start out with some Dulux super matt emulsion (trade again). Something with lots of solids that will help to even out the colour difference. I would never just paint that wall though, just personal taste. Probably I would line it to protect the plaster which from experience is not very durable without paper on top.