As a first step to apply PVAm (polyvinylamine) on packaging paper by surface treatment, three types of linerboards were impregnated with PVAm solution. The effect of PVAm pick-up on strength properties of linerboard was investigated. The pick-up of PVAm was controlled by varying concentration of PVAm solution. It was found that dry tensile strength, tensile energy absorption, burst strength and compressive strength of linerboard were increased by applying PVAm. In addition, wet tensile strength was significantly improved with increasing PVAm pick-up. However, folding endurance was found to be decreased with increasing PVAm pick-up.