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Wallpaper Preparations & Tools Guide

Achieve a professional, long-lasting wallpaper finish by using the correct wall preparation methods, wallpaper tools, and high-quality wallpaper adhesives.

Proper preparation is essential when hanging wallpaper, particularly for premium wallcoverings such as Anaglypta embossed wallpaper, textured vinyl wallpaper, and heavy-duty decorative wallcoverings.

From preparing walls for wallpaper and selecting the right wallpaper paste to using essential wallpapering tools for smooth application, this guide explains everything you need to know to achieve a flawless result.

Paint Brush

Surface Preparation

Why It Matters

Before hanging wallpaper, prepare your walls for long-lasting adhesion and a smooth finish:

  • Remove old coverings: Strip flaking paint or wallpaper. Sand glossy surfaces to create key for paste.

  • Clean the wall: Use sugar soap or a gentle degreaser to remove dust and grease.

  • Fill & smooth: Fill cracks and dents with filler; sand back to a flat plane.

  • Prime porous walls: Especially new plaster or patched areas; this prevents rapid drying of paste and ensures consistent coverage.

  • Apply lining paper if needed: For rough or uneven walls, use heavy-grade lining such as Anaglypta’s 1400 grade to cover imperfections and create a stable base before decorative paper.

How Much Adhesive Do You Need?

Project Size Adhesive Option Suggested Quantity
1 Roll Ready Mixed (2.5kg) Enough for up to ~12.5 m² (~1 roll) 
Multipurpose (Powder) ~⅛–¼ sachet
2 Rolls Ready Mixed (5kg) ~5 kg tub or ~¼ sachet
3 Rolls Ready Mixed (10kg) ~10 kg tub or ~½ sachet
Heavy/Embossed Wallpapers Ultra Adhesive 1 pack covers ~10 rolls (so plenty for 3)

These numbers assume standard wallpaper width (about 0.53 m) and room height ~2.4–2.6 m. Huge patterns or textured vinyls may use slightly more paste.

Powder Sachets

Perfect for most wallpapers, including standard and vinyl types.

  • Mixing options: Can be adjusted for light to heavy papers.

  • Coverage: One sachet can hang roughly up to 8–10 rolls of standard wallpaper when mixed to standard strength. 

    ✔ Great choice if you prefer to control paste thickness and mix strength yourself.

Multipurpose Adhesive
Ready To Use

Pre-mixed for instant convenience: no measuring or mixing.

  • Sizes: Available in tubs (e.g. 2.5 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg).

  • Coverage estimates: Approx 12.5 m² (2.5 kg) up to 50 m² (10 kg) — roughly 2–10 rolls depending on tub size and wallpaper texture. 

    ✔ Best for embossed, textured, or heavy wallpapers (like Anaglypta originals).

Ready Mixed Adhesive
Extra Strong

Stronger bond and moisture resistance, ideal for paste-the-wall and traditional wallpapers.

  • Coverage: Up to 10 rolls per pack. 

Ultra Adhesive

Essential Tools

Having the right tools means faster hanging and a professional result:

  • Wallpaper pasting brush or roller: For even adhesive application.

  • Wallpaper smoother / brush: To smooth out bubbles and align seams.

  • Sharp trimming knife & straight edge: Clean cuts at ceilings, outlets, and skirting boards.

  • Plumb line or level: Helps you hang perfectly straight vertical drops.

  • Seam roller: Ensures edges adhere fully without gaps.

  • Bucket, stir stick & measuring jug: For mixing adhesives accurately.

For example, the Anaglypta 9″ Paperhanging Brush offers excellent coverage and durability for brushing paste and smoothing wallpaper.

Pro Tips For Best Results

Always start with a plumb line: Even a slight slant can show up across multiple drops.

Match patterns carefully: When dealing with repeats, allow for extra wallpaper (typically 5–10 cm per drop).

Work top to bottom: Hang ceilings first if decorating both walls and ceiling.

Don’t oversoak embossed paper: Anaglypta and similar textured wallpapers can distort if soaked too long. 

Let adhesive tack: Slight surface tack ensures better grip before hanging.

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