When hanging delicate wallpapers, you may find that a clean foam paint roller does a better job than a brush when it comes to smoothing the newly hung paper down. Apply only the lightest pressure to avoid marking the paper. • When hanging paper from a platform, adjust its height so that you can stand comfortably without having to bend your neck or stretch your arms too far above your head. Anticlockwise from left 1 Smoothing brush 2 Steel tape measure 3 Scraper 4 Decorating scissors 5 Seam roller 6 Sponge Depending on the job, you may need a certain number of special tools for applying wallcoverings. The following is a checklist oftl basic essentials: Pasting table A sturdy, purpose-made pasting table is a wise investment. Easy to move, to store, and to put up, it provides a stable surface of ideal dimensions and makes pasting very much simpler.
Alternatively you can use a flush door laid over trestles. Bucket Use a clean plastic one for paste, with string tied across t top between the handle joints. You can then rest the pasting brus across the string when it is not in use. Scissors You will need a pair of long decorating scissors, and a small pair for trimming. Craft knife For use with a metal straight-edge or cutting guide t trim vinyls and heavy papers. Scissors are best with thin, wet pat Pasting brush Choose a brush at least 1 Ocm f4in) wide, and kes it only for pasting. Smoothing brush Also known as a paperhanger’s brush, this ha stiff but soft bristles and is used to brush trapped air out to the edge of paper and press the wallcovering into place. Always keep clean and dry. Sponge Essential for wiping away any surplus paste while it is still wet. Seam roller Use this small wood or plastic roller to press down seams once the wallcovering is up. Don’t use it on embossed papers or you/risk making “trarnlines”.
Plumb line and weight This is used to produce true verticals. It is an essential piece of equipment for forming the starting point for every wallpapering job. A builder’s line will hang better than ordinary string. Pencil Use an HB or softer lead for marking the paper clearly. Oversharp or harder leads can tear the more delicate papers. Steel tape These measures are typically 3.5m f12ft) long, which should be adequate for measuring the height of normal walls. Rule It is important to have a rule long enough to span the roll’s width – normally’ about 53cm f21 in). A retractable rule may tear the paper, so it is best not used. Set square A large plastic square for any improvised square) is useful for checking that your cuts are at a constant 900 angle. Sanding pad Keep one to hand for sanding away any scraps of old wallpaper or lining paper you may find on a stripped wall just as you are about to hang the new paper. Likewise, a sharp scraper is a useful standby.