Paper Hanging Brushes

About Paper Hanging Brushes

Paper hanging brushes are essential decorating tools designed specifically for the smooth application and positioning of wallpaper. These specialist brushes feature long, soft bristles that allow decorators to gently smooth wallpaper into place without tearing the paper or disturbing the adhesive beneath. The wide brush head enables efficient coverage across large expanses of wallpaper, helping to eliminate air bubbles and ensure proper adhesion to the wall surface.

Traditional paper hanging brushes typically feature wooden handles made from hardwoods like beech, providing a comfortable grip during extended decorating sessions. The bristles themselves are crucial to performance – quality brushes use soft, flexible materials such as PVC or natural lily bristle that won't damage delicate wallpaper surfaces. Most professional-grade brushes measure between 200mm and 230mm in width, offering the perfect balance between coverage and manoeuvrability when working around corners, switches, and architectural features.

Whether you're a professional decorator tackling commercial contracts or a homeowner refreshing a single room, investing in a proper paper hanging brush makes the difference between a professional finish and visible imperfections. Tooled-Up.com stocks quality paper hanging brushes from trusted brands including Faithfull and Purdy, ensuring tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts have access to the right tools for achieving seamless wallpaper installation.

Jargon Buster

• Lily Bristle: Natural soft bristle material derived from plant fibres, prized for its gentle touch on delicate wallpaper surfaces without causing damage or marking.
• PVC Bristle: Synthetic bristle material offering excellent durability and flexibility, resistant to moisture and cleaning agents commonly used in decorating work.
• Brush Head Width: The measurement across the bristle area, typically ranging from 200mm to 230mm for standard paper hanging brushes, determining coverage area per stroke.
• Bristle Length: The length of individual bristles from ferrule to tip, usually around 65mm for paper hanging brushes, affecting flexibility and smoothing action.
• Smoothing Action: The technique of using gentle, sweeping strokes from the centre of wallpaper outwards to eliminate air pockets and ensure proper adhesion.
• Beech Handle: Hardwood handle material commonly used in quality brushes, offering durability, comfortable grip, and resistance to moisture encountered during wallpapering.

Who Uses Paper Hanging Brushes?

• Professional Decorators: Tradespeople specialising in interior decoration who require reliable tools for achieving flawless wallpaper installation across residential and commercial projects.
• Painters and Decorators: Multi-skilled tradesmen offering comprehensive decorating services including both painting and wallpaper hanging to domestic and business clients.
• Interior Designers: Professionals who may handle installation of specialist wallcoverings and feature walls as part of comprehensive interior design projects.
• Property Maintenance Teams: Site maintenance workers responsible for refurbishment and decoration of rental properties, social housing, and commercial premises.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking their own decorating projects who want professional-quality results without hiring contractors.
• Shopfitters: Specialist tradespeople installing decorative finishes in retail environments where wallcoverings form part of the overall design scheme.

How to Choose the Right Paper Hanging Brushes

Selecting the appropriate paper hanging brush depends on several key factors. Consider the bristle material first – natural lily bristles offer exceptional softness ideal for delicate or embossed wallpapers, while PVC bristles provide greater durability for frequent professional use and are easier to clean between jobs. For occasional domestic use, PVC bristle brushes from the Faithfull range offer excellent value, whilst professional decorators may prefer the premium natural bristles found in Purdy brushes.

The brush width significantly affects working efficiency. Standard 200-230mm brushes suit most wallpapering applications, providing good coverage whilst remaining manageable in average-sized rooms. Wider brushes speed up work on large, uninterrupted wall sections, but narrower options offer better control around obstacles like radiators, doorframes, and electrical fittings.

Handle design impacts comfort during extended use. Wooden handles, particularly those made from beech, provide natural grip and absorb vibration better than plastic alternatives. Look for handles with ergonomic shaping that prevents hand fatigue during full-day decorating sessions. The handle length should allow comfortable two-handed use when necessary for applying even pressure across the brush head.

Bristle length and density determine the brush's smoothing capability. Longer bristles (around 65mm) provide greater flexibility for working wallpaper into corners and around curves, whilst shorter, denser bristles offer firmer pressure for vinyl and heavier wallcoverings. Consider the types of wallpaper you typically work with when making your selection at Tooled-Up.

Popular Accessories

• Pasting Tables: Collapsible work surfaces specifically designed for measuring, cutting, and pasting wallpaper before hanging.
• Wallpaper Scissors: Long-bladed scissors designed for accurate cutting of wallpaper along edges and around obstacles.
• Seam Rollers: Small cylindrical tools for pressing down wallpaper seams to ensure invisible joins between strips.
• Paste Brushes: Wide brushes designed for applying wallpaper adhesive evenly across paper backing before hanging.
• Trimming Knives: Sharp utility knives with retractable blades for precise trimming of excess wallpaper at ceilings and skirting boards.
• Spirit Levels: Essential for ensuring perfectly vertical wallpaper alignment, preventing noticeable pattern misalignment.
• Measuring Tapes: Long measuring tools for accurate calculation of wallpaper quantities and positioning of pattern repeats.
• Sponges and Buckets: For removing excess paste and cleaning surfaces during and after wallpaper installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular paint brush for hanging wallpaper?

Whilst technically possible, standard paint brushes aren't designed for wallpaper application and typically have shorter, stiffer bristles that can damage delicate wallpaper surfaces or fail to smooth out air bubbles effectively. Paper hanging brushes feature specifically engineered long, soft bristles that distribute pressure evenly without tearing paper or disturbing adhesive underneath, making them essential for professional results.

How do I clean my paper hanging brush after use?

Clean your brush immediately after use by rinsing thoroughly in warm water to remove all traces of wallpaper paste. Gently work your fingers through the bristles to dislodge any dried adhesive, then shake out excess water and reshape the bristles. Allow the brush to dry naturally with bristles hanging downward to prevent water damage to the handle or ferrule. Never leave brushes standing in water, as this damages both bristles and wooden handles.

What's the difference between brushes for different wallpaper types?

Delicate papers like traditional printed wallpapers require softer bristles (natural lily or soft PVC) to avoid surface damage, whilst heavier vinyl wallcoverings benefit from slightly firmer bristles that can apply greater pressure. The brush width also matters – wider brushes suit smooth, modern papers on large walls, whilst narrower brushes offer better control with embossed or textured papers that require more careful handling around patterns and reliefs.

How long should a quality paper hanging brush last?

A well-maintained paper hanging brush from quality brands like Faithfull or Purdy should last several years of regular use. Professional decorators typically replace brushes annually with heavy daily use, whilst DIY users may find a good brush lasts indefinitely with occasional use and proper cleaning. Signs that replacement is needed include bristle loss, permanent bristle distortion, handle damage, or reduced smoothing effectiveness despite thorough cleaning.

Do I need different brushes for paste-the-wall versus traditional wallpaper?

The same paper hanging brush works effectively for both paste-the-wall and traditional paste-the-paper applications, as the brush's function – smoothing wallpaper and eliminating air bubbles – remains identical regardless of pasting method. However, paste-the-wall techniques may result in less paste contact with the brush, potentially extending brush life slightly compared to traditional methods where the brush contacts wet paste more frequently during the smoothing process.