You need more than just wallpaper and a prayer to get a smooth, professional-looking finish. The right wallpapering equipment makes all the difference, turning a potentially frustrating DIY project into a manageable, even satisfying, one. Forget the flimsy plastic scrapers and uneven paste brushes you might see in some kits. Investing in quality tools means fewer mistakes, a cleaner application, and a final result that looks like it was done by a pro.
Essential tools for preparing your walls
Before you even think about unrolling the first strip of wallpaper, proper wall preparation is key. Skipping steps here guarantees problems down the line, like bubbles, peeling edges, or the pattern not aligning correctly. This is where your prep tools come in.
Removers for old wallpaper and adhesive
If you have existing wallpaper, you absolutely need a way to get it off cleanly. For most modern wallpapers, a wallpaper scorer (also called a paper tiger) is invaluable. This tool has small rotating wheels with tiny spikes that perforate the wallpaper surface. This allows water or a chemical remover to penetrate the paper and reach the adhesive underneath, making removal much easier. Use it with a pump sprayer filled with warm water or a dedicated wallpaper stripper solution.
For stubborn adhesive residue, a putty knife or a scraper with a flexible blade (about 1.5 to 2 inches wide) is necessary. Be gentle to avoid gouging the drywall. A large sponge and a bucket of clean water are also crucial for washing away any remaining paste.
Cleaning and smoothing tools
Once the old paper and adhesive are gone, the walls need to be clean, dry, and smooth. A utility knife with plenty of sharp replacement blades is essential for trimming away any loose bits of old paper or patching compound. You’ll also need fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) and a sanding block to smooth out any imperfections, rough patches, or old paint drips. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth afterwards to remove dust, and allow them to dry completely.
Priming
While not strictly ‘wallpapering equipment,’ using a wallpaper primer/sealer is non-negotiable for most surfaces, especially new drywall or over dark paint. Primer ensures the wallpaper adhesive sticks properly, prevents the wallpaper from absorbing moisture unevenly (which can cause bubbles or wrinkles), and makes future removal easier. Apply it with a standard paint roller and tray, or a large paintbrush for edges and corners.
Tools for hanging wallpaper
With your walls prepped and primed, it’s time for the main event. The tools here are designed to help you measure, cut, apply, smooth, and trim the wallpaper accurately.
Measuring and cutting
Precision is vital when cutting wallpaper to ensure patterns align and seams are barely visible. You’ll need:
- Measuring tape: A good quality metal measuring tape is standard.
- Yardstick or straight edge: A long, rigid ruler (at least 24 inches, preferably 36 inches or longer) is essential for guiding your cuts. Ensure it has a non-slip backing.
- Utility knife and sharp blades: This is arguably the most critical cutting tool. Use a sharp blade for every few cuts, or even for every strip, to avoid tearing the paper. A dull blade will snag and leave a ragged edge.
- Pencil: For marking cut lines on the back of the wallpaper.
Applying adhesive (if not pre-pasted)
If your wallpaper isn’t pre-pasted, you’ll need to apply adhesive. The best tool for this is a paste brush. Look for a wide brush (4 to 6 inches) with natural or synthetic bristles designed for wallpaper paste. A paste roller (similar to a paint roller but with a softer nap) can also work for large, flat areas, but a brush is often better for edges and ensuring even coverage.
For ‘paste-the-wall’ wallpapers, you’ll apply the paste directly to the wall using a paint roller (a standard 3/8-inch nap roller works well) and a paste brush for edges and around outlets.
Smoothing and trimming
Once the wallpaper is on the wall, you need to smooth out air bubbles and ensure it adheres evenly. This is where most of the specialized wallpapering tools come into play:
- Seam roller: This is a small, hard roller (often plastic or rubber) used specifically to press down wallpaper seams after application. It helps create a tight, invisible seam. Use it gently on delicate papers.
- Wallpaper smoother: This is a larger, flexible plastic tool (typically 8 to 12 inches wide) used to smooth out the wallpaper and push out air bubbles from the center towards the edges. It’s crucial for preventing wrinkles and bubbles. Some are flat, others have a slight curve.
- Smoothing brush: A wide, soft-bristled brush (around 6 to 8 inches) that offers a gentler way to smooth wallpaper than a plastic smoother. It’s excellent for textured or delicate papers where you don’t want to risk creasing or damaging the surface.
- Utility knife and sharp blades: Again, essential for trimming excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboard, and around window/door frames. Make sure your blade is sharp for clean cuts.
- Corner tools: Specialized tools, often plastic, that help create a crisp edge in inside and outside corners.
Other useful items
Don’t forget these handy helpers:
- Plumb bob or laser level: Essential for getting that first strip perfectly vertical. If the first strip is off, the entire wall will be crooked. A laser level is faster and more accurate if you have one.
- Ladder or scaffolding: Depending on the height of your walls, you’ll need a stable platform to work from. Ensure it’s sturdy and placed on a level surface.
- Bucket: For water, paste, or cleaning.
- Clean cloths or sponges: For wiping away excess paste. Microfiber cloths are excellent.
- Drop cloths: To protect your floors and furniture from paste drips.
- Measuring tape: You’ll use this repeatedly.
- Stepladder: For reaching higher areas if not using a full ladder.
What to look for when buying wallpapering equipment
Not all tools are created equal. Here’s how to choose wisely:
- Material: For scrapers and smoothing tools, look for sturdy plastic or flexible metal. For brushes, choose bristles appropriate for the paste type and wallpaper material.
- Ergonomics: Tools that feel comfortable in your hand will reduce fatigue during long wallpapering sessions.
- Sharpness: For utility knives, always buy high-quality blades and expect to replace them often.
- Brand reputation: While not always the deciding factor, reputable brands often indicate better quality and durability.
Common mistakes to avoid with wallpapering equipment
Even with the best tools, you can make mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using a dull utility knife blade: This is the most common mistake. It leads to torn wallpaper, uneven edges, and frustration. Change blades frequently.
- Applying too much or too little paste: Too much paste will ooze out and make a mess; too little will lead to poor adhesion and bubbles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific wallpaper and paste.
- Not booking the wallpaper: For pre-pasted or pasted wallpaper, ‘booking’ (folding the pasted ends together without creasing) allows the paste to activate and the paper to relax, preventing it from expanding unevenly on the wall and causing seams to open. Wait the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes) before hanging.
- Over-smoothing delicate wallpaper: Using too much pressure with a plastic smoother on fragile, textured, or metallic wallpapers can damage the surface or create permanent creases. Use a soft smoothing brush instead.
- Not using a plumb line for the first strip: This is crucial. If your first strip isn’t perfectly vertical, every subsequent strip will be off, making pattern matching impossible and the entire job look amateur.
Having the correct wallpapering equipment is fundamental to achieving a professional look. It ensures your walls are properly prepared, the wallpaper is applied evenly, and all edges and seams are neat and secure. Don’t skimp on quality – good tools are an investment that pays off in a beautiful, long-lasting finish.