Wallpaper Tools & Adhesives: What Else You'll Need

In depth

Wallpapering is more than just applying paper to a wall – it’s a process that requires a certain level of preparation and the right tools to achieve a professional finish. While your chosen wallpaper roll will undoubtedly be the star of the show, you'll quickly discover that many manufacturers don’t include everything needed for a successful application within the initial packaging. This often leads to unexpected expenses and frustrating delays as you realise you’re missing crucial items. Let’s delve into some of the frequently overlooked accessories and adhesives that are essential for a smooth and lasting wallpaper job, considering what's typically provided versus what you should factor into your budget.

The most common oversight is the adhesive itself. Many rolls ship with a small amount of paste, often enough to cover a very limited area – perhaps just one or two strips. Larger rooms, particularly those with intricate patterns that require careful matching, will almost certainly necessitate purchasing additional wallpaper paste in bulk. Consider the type of wallpaper you’re using; vinyl wallpapers generally require a different adhesive formulation than traditional paper-based options. Buying a larger tub of ready-mixed paste is far more economical than repeatedly buying small tubes, and allows for precise mixing to achieve the correct consistency – crucial for preventing air bubbles and ensuring optimal adhesion. Don't forget a separate bucket specifically for your paste; contaminating your clean water supply with wallpaper adhesive is a messy undertaking.

Beyond the paste itself, you’ll need a range of tools for prepping the walls and applying the paper evenly. A decent set of smoothing brushes or rollers is essential. These aren’t simply glorified paint rollers; wallpaper requires a different approach. The brushes should be designed to apply pressure without damaging the delicate paper surface. You'll also need a ‘bedding in’ brush – a softer, wider brush used immediately after hanging the first strip to press the paper firmly against the wall and ensure it adheres properly before applying any significant smoothing pressure. Many rolls don’t include these; buying a set of brushes designed specifically for wallpaper is a worthwhile investment. Consider also a small detail tool – often called a ‘bedding in tool’ - which can be used to gently work around corners and edges, eliminating air bubbles and ensuring the paper sits flush against the wall.

Measuring accurately is paramount to successful wallpapering, and this requires more than just a standard tape measure. A good quality spirit level is absolutely vital for ensuring your strips are applied perfectly straight – even slight misalignments can become incredibly noticeable once the paper has been smoothed. Furthermore, you’ll need a sharp utility knife or specialist wallpaper trimming tool. The blade on these tools needs to be consistently kept extremely sharp; a dull blade will tear and damage the wallpaper, leading to unsightly edges and potential adhesion problems. Factor in replacement blades – they're relatively inexpensive but crucial for maintaining a professional finish. Don’t forget a small plastering brush or putty knife for dealing with any minor imperfections on the wall before you start.

Surface preparation is frequently underestimated. Walls rarely present perfectly smooth surfaces, and wallpapering requires meticulous attention to detail. You’ll need joint compound (also known as ‘spackle’) for filling in cracks and holes, sandpaper of various grits (coarse, medium, fine) for smoothing repairs, and a good quality primer designed specifically for wallpaper – this is crucial for providing an even surface for the adhesive to bond with and preventing the wallpaper from shrinking or expanding. Most manufacturers don't include any of these; it’s essential to assess your walls thoroughly before beginning and purchase them separately based on your specific needs. Don't underestimate the importance of cleaning cloths – you'll need a generous supply for wiping away excess paste and keeping your work area clean.

Finally, consider protective measures. Wallpapering can be messy, so covering floors with drop cloths is essential to prevent damage. You’ll also require masking tape to protect adjacent surfaces, such as skirting boards and doorways, from adhesive splatters. These materials represent a small but significant cost, and it's wise to overestimate rather than run short midway through the project. Remember that while some manufacturers include a small amount of paste, the true cost of wallpapering extends far beyond the price of the rolls themselves – careful planning and budgeting for these supplementary items will significantly increase your chances of a successful and satisfying outcome.