The essential wallpapering kit
Wallpaper can transform a room, so here's what you need to make it happen
Bucket Essential for mixing your paste. Tie string between the handles so you can wipe excess paste from the brush back into the bucket.
Pasting brush A stocky brush with wide-space bristles that holds lots of paste is ideal. If you don't want to buy one, use an old, clean paintbrush.
Paste All-purpose pastes covers most jobs and can be mixed to different strengths, but it's best to pick a paste recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer.
Cutting guide Hold this metal strip against the skirting board or coving, then trim away the excess paper with a trimming knife.
Trimming knife A knife with a retractable or snap-off blade can be used for trimming the paper. Keep changing the blade or snapping off the end, as it has to be really sharp.
Plumb line and bob This will ensure your first length of wallpaper is straight. Hold the plumb line high against the wall and mark a perfect vertical line using the string as your guide.
Scissors Long blades are ideal for cutting a straight line. Wipe away any paste before it dries.
Wallpaper scraper Use this to remove any bits of wallpaper before you start.
Seam roller Roll this along the edges of each length of paper after hanging to make sure they are stuck down firmly, but don't use on embossed papers, as you'll flaten the design.
Paper-hanging brush Choose a wide brush with soft bristles that won't damage the paper. Once it is hung, make diagonal strokes from the centre to the edges to ease out any air bubbles or creases.
Sponge You're bound to splash the paste around a bit, but it's important to wipe it off the surface of the wallpaper with a damp sponge before it dries.
See our guide on how to hang wallpaper.
See our pick of the best wallpapers.
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