Wallpaper Scissors

About Wallpaper Scissors

Wallpaper scissors are specialised decorating tools designed specifically for the precise cutting and trimming of wallpaper during hanging. Unlike standard household scissors, these purpose-built shears feature extended blades typically ranging from 160mm to 300mm in length, allowing decorators to make long, straight cuts without the need for multiple snips. The extended cutting length – often between 125mm and 128mm – enables clean, continuous cuts along wallpaper edges, ensuring professional results whether you're trimming at skirting boards, ceiling lines, or around architectural features.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes wallpaper scissors from trusted brands such as Stanley, Faithfull, and Draper, each designed with stainless steel blades that resist corrosion from paste and moisture. These professional-grade scissors typically feature precision-ground cutting edges that maintain sharpness over extended use, whilst comfortable handles – often manufactured from durable ABS plastic or ergonomic materials – reduce hand fatigue during lengthy decorating projects. The stainless steel construction is particularly important for wallpaper scissors, as they frequently come into contact with wet paste and adhesives that would quickly corrode standard carbon steel blades.

Whether you're a professional decorator working on multiple properties or a DIY enthusiast tackling a home makeover, quality wallpaper scissors are an essential addition to your decorating toolkit. Their specialised design makes them indispensable for achieving the clean, precise cuts that distinguish professional wallpapering from amateur attempts, particularly when working with delicate or expensive wallcoverings where mistakes can prove costly.

Jargon Buster

• Blade Length: The total measurement of the cutting blades, typically 160mm to 300mm for wallpaper scissors. Longer blades allow for extended straight cuts without repositioning.
• Cutting Length: The actual usable cutting edge of the blades, usually slightly shorter than the overall blade length. Most wallpaper scissors offer between 125mm and 128mm of cutting length.
• Precision Ground Blades: Blades that have been mechanically sharpened to exact specifications, ensuring clean cuts without snagging or tearing delicate wallpaper materials.
• Stainless Steel Construction: Corrosion-resistant material essential for wallpaper scissors, as they regularly contact moisture from paste and adhesives. Prevents rust and maintains cutting performance over time.
• Paper Hangers Scissors: Alternative terminology for wallpaper scissors, particularly common in professional decorating circles. The terms are interchangeable.
• ABS Plastic Handles: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – a durable, impact-resistant thermoplastic commonly used for scissor handles, offering comfortable grip and long-lasting performance.

Who Uses Wallpaper Scissors?

• Professional Decorators: Tradespeople specialising in interior decoration who require reliable, high-performance tools for daily wallpapering work across residential and commercial properties.
• Painters and Decorators: General decorating professionals who offer wallpapering as part of their comprehensive interior finishing services.
• Interior Designers: Design professionals who may undertake hands-on installation work or require quality tools for specifying to contractors.
• Property Maintenance Teams: Facilities management staff responsible for maintaining and refreshing interiors in rental properties, hotels, or commercial buildings.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking their own decorating projects who understand the value of using proper tools for professional-quality results.
• Refurbishment Contractors: Building professionals working on property renovations where wallpaper installation forms part of the finishing schedule.
• Stage and Set Designers: Theatre and film industry professionals who use wallpaper and similar materials for creating realistic interior sets.

How to Choose the Right Wallpaper Scissors

Blade Length and Cutting Capacity: Consider the scale of your typical projects. Scissors with 300mm blades and 125mm+ cutting length are ideal for professional decorators handling large walls, whilst 160mm models suit smaller domestic projects and detailed work around obstacles.

Material Quality: Prioritise stainless steel blades over carbon steel alternatives. Stainless steel resists corrosion from wallpaper paste and moisture, maintaining sharp cutting edges throughout the tool's lifespan. Tooled-Up stocks models from Stanley, Faithfull, and Draper, all featuring quality stainless steel construction.

Handle Comfort and Ergonomics: For professional decorators working extended hours, comfortable handles are essential. Look for ergonomically designed grips made from ABS plastic or similar materials that reduce hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks.

Blade Sharpness and Precision: Precision-ground blades deliver cleaner cuts with less effort, particularly important when working with expensive or delicate wallcoverings. Sharp blades prevent tearing and ensure accurate trimming at edges and joins.

Brand Reputation: Established brands like Stanley and Faithfull have proven track records in manufacturing reliable decorating tools. Their wallpaper scissors typically offer better long-term value through superior materials and construction quality.

Weight and Balance: Well-balanced scissors reduce wrist strain during overhead cutting at ceiling lines. Test the weight distribution if possible, ensuring the tool feels comfortable during extended use.

Popular Accessories

• Wallpaper Smoothing Brushes: Essential for removing air bubbles and ensuring proper adhesion after hanging.
• Seam Rollers: Specialised tools for pressing down wallpaper joins to create invisible seams.
• Pasting Tables: Fold-away tables specifically designed for cutting and pasting wallpaper lengths.
• Spirit Levels: Critical for ensuring the first length hangs perfectly vertical, establishing accuracy for subsequent strips.
• Utility Knives: Complementary cutting tools for detailed trimming work and cutting around electrical fittings.
• Measuring Tapes: Essential for calculating wallpaper quantities and measuring drop lengths accurately.
• Paste Brushes: Wide brushes designed for applying wallpaper paste evenly across paper lengths.
• Decorator's Buckets: For mixing paste and carrying tools around the workspace.
• Dust Sheets: Protective coverings to safeguard floors and furniture during decorating work.

Safety Information

Age Restrictions: Wallpaper scissors feature long, sharp blades and must not be sold to persons under 18 years of age. Always store scissors securely out of reach of children.

Safe Handling Practices: Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade path. When not in use, store scissors with blade guards or in a dedicated tool roll to prevent accidental cuts.

Blade Maintenance: Keep blades clean and dry after use, particularly when working with paste. Dried adhesive can accumulate on blades, affecting cutting performance and potentially causing blades to stick or snag.

Working at Height: When using wallpaper scissors on stepladders or platforms, ensure stable footing before making cuts. Never overreach, and always maintain three points of contact with the ladder when possible.

Blade Sharpness: Paradoxically, sharp scissors are safer than blunt ones, as they require less force and provide better control. Replace or professionally sharpen scissors when cutting performance deteriorates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between wallpaper scissors and regular household scissors?
A: Wallpaper scissors feature significantly longer blades (160mm-300mm) with extended cutting lengths that allow for continuous, straight cuts along wallpaper edges. Their stainless steel construction resists corrosion from paste, and the blade geometry is optimised for cutting through single or multiple layers of wallpaper cleanly without tearing.

Q: Can I use wallpaper scissors for other decorating tasks?
A: Yes, these scissors are versatile tools suitable for cutting lining paper, border strips, fabric wallcoverings, and even thin card or paper templates. However, avoid using them on thick card, plastic, or other materials that might damage the precision-ground edges.

Q: How do I maintain my wallpaper scissors?
A: After each use, wipe blades clean of any paste residue using a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Periodically apply a drop of light oil to the pivot point to maintain smooth operation. Store in a dry location, preferably with blade guards fitted.

Q: Which blade length should I choose for home DIY projects?
A: For most domestic wallpapering projects, scissors with 160mm blades and approximately 128mm cutting length provide excellent versatility. Professional decorators working on larger commercial projects may prefer 300mm models for increased cutting capacity and efficiency.

Q: Are left-handed wallpaper scissors available?
A: Whilst less common than right-handed models, some manufacturers do produce left-handed versions. However, many professional decorators who are left-handed successfully adapt to using standard scissors due to their symmetrical blade design. Check product specifications at Tooled-Up.com for handed information.