Wallpapering Tools

Find out more about Wallpapering Tools

Wallpapering requires specific tools to ensure a smooth, professional finish. A plumb bob or level is essential for hanging the first strip straight, which serves as a guide for the rest. A measuring tape and pencil are needed for accurate measurements and markings on both the wall and wallpaper.

For preparing the wallpaper, a pasting table provides a clean, flat surface for applying adhesive. A pasting brush or roller ensures even distribution of the paste, while a seam roller smooths the wallpaper seams for a seamless look. A smoothing brush or plastic smoother helps remove air bubbles and wrinkles as the wallpaper is applied to the wall.

Finally, a sharp utility knife or trimming knife is used to trim excess wallpaper at the top and bottom. These tools, when used correctly, help achieve a professional-looking wallpaper installation.

Wallpapering Tools FAQs

What tools do I need to wallpaper?

To wallpaper effectively, you'll need a variety of tools to ensure a smooth and professional finish. Start with measuring tools like a measuring tape, pencil, and a plumb bob or level to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical.

For preparing the wallpaper, a pasting table provides a clean, flat surface. A pasting brush or roller is essential for evenly applying adhesive to the wallpaper. You'll also need a smoothing brush or plastic smoother to remove air bubbles and wrinkles as you apply the wallpaper to the wall. A seam roller helps to smooth out the seams between strips for a seamless appearance.

Finally, a sharp utility knife or trimming knife is necessary for cutting the wallpaper to size and trimming excess material at the edges. Having all these tools on hand will make the wallpapering process much easier and help you achieve a professional-looking result.

How do I measure wallpaper correctly?

Measuring for wallpaper accurately is crucial to avoid waste and ensure you have enough material to cover your walls. Start by measuring the height of each wall from the baseboard to the ceiling. Note the longest measurement, as you'll need this to ensure each strip of wallpaper is long enough to cover the entire wall.

Next, measure the width of each wall. Add up the widths of all the walls you plan to wallpaper to get the total width. When purchasing wallpaper, most rolls will specify the width and length of the roll. Use these measurements to calculate how many rolls you'll need. It's always a good idea to add an extra roll to account for pattern matching and any mistakes you might make during the installation process.

Finally, consider any doors, windows, or other openings in the room. While you don't need to subtract these areas from your total measurement, they will contribute to waste as you cut around them. Proper measurement and planning will save you time and money, ensuring a successful wallpapering project.

What is a plumb bob used for in wallpapering?

A plumb bob is an essential tool in wallpapering, primarily used to ensure the first strip of wallpaper is perfectly vertical. This is crucial because the first strip serves as the reference point for all subsequent strips. If the first strip isn't straight, any errors will compound as you continue, leading to a crooked and unprofessional-looking result.

To use a plumb bob, attach the string to the ceiling at the point where you want the edge of your first wallpaper strip to be. Allow the weight to hang freely, and once it stops swinging, mark the wall where the point of the weight aligns. This gives you a perfectly vertical line from ceiling to floor.

You can then use this line as a guide when applying your first strip of wallpaper, ensuring it is straight. Alternatively, you can use a level to achieve the same result, but a plumb bob is often considered more accurate for establishing a true vertical line, especially in older homes where walls may not be perfectly square

How do I smooth out bubbles in wallpaper?

Smoothing out bubbles in wallpaper is a common issue, but it's usually easy to fix with the right approach. First, try using a plastic smoother or a wallpaper brush to gently push the air towards the edge of the wallpaper. Work from the centre of the bubble outwards, using firm, even pressure to avoid tearing the paper.

If the bubble persists, it may be due to trapped air or adhesive. In this case, take a sharp utility knife or a seam roller with a blade and make a small, discreet slit in the centre of the bubble. Be careful not to cut too deep or too long. Then, gently press the edges of the slit together, smoothing out the wallpaper around the area. If necessary, you can add a tiny amount of wallpaper paste under the edges of the slit to help them adhere properly.

For larger bubbles or areas where the adhesive has dried out, you might need to carefully peel back the wallpaper, apply fresh adhesive, and then smooth it back into place. Always work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the wallpaper. With a bit of patience, you can achieve a smooth, bubble-free finish.

How do I trim excess wallpaper?

Trimming excess wallpaper is a crucial step for achieving a clean, professional finish. Start by using a sharp utility knife with a fresh blade to ensure clean cuts. A dull blade can tear the wallpaper, so this is important.

When trimming, use a wide, flexible taping knife or a metal straightedge as a guide. Hold the guide firmly against the wall where you want to make the cut, and run the utility knife along the edge. Apply steady, even pressure to slice through the wallpaper cleanly.

For corners, make relief cuts at the top and bottom to allow the wallpaper to lie flat against the wall before trimming. This prevents bunching and ensures a neat corner. After trimming, carefully remove the excess wallpaper and smooth the edges with a seam roller to ensure they adhere properly. Taking your time and using the right tools will result in crisp, clean edges and a professional-looking wallpaper job.

Can I reuse wallpapering tools?

Yes, you can definitely reuse wallpapering tools, which is great for saving money and reducing waste. However, it's important to clean them properly after each use to ensure they're in good condition for your next project.

For tools like wallpaper brushes, smoothing tools, and seam rollers, rinse them thoroughly with warm water to remove any adhesive residue. You might need to use a mild detergent for stubborn paste. Make sure they're completely dry before storing them to prevent mould or rust.

Utility knives and measuring tapes can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Replace the blades in your utility knife regularly to maintain clean cuts. With proper care and maintenance, your wallpapering tools can last for many projects, making them a worthwhile investment.

What's the best way to clean wallpapering tools?

Cleaning your wallpapering tools properly is key to keeping them in good shape for future projects. Start by removing any excess wallpaper paste from the tools immediately after use. For brushes and rollers, rinse them under warm water until the water runs clear. If the paste is stubborn, use a mild detergent or dish soap to help break it down.

Make sure to thoroughly rinse away all traces of soap, as any residue can affect the adhesive in your next wallpapering job. After rinsing, shake off any excess water and reshape the bristles of brushes to help them maintain their shape. Allow the tools to air dry completely before storing them.

For smoothing tools and seam rollers, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any paste residue. If there's dried paste, you can use a bit of warm water and a gentle scrubbing pad to loosen it. Ensure these tools are also completely dry before storing them to prevent rust or damage. Taking the time to clean your tools properly will extend their lifespan and ensure they're ready for your next wallpapering project.