What tools are needed to apply liquid wallpaper and how to use them

Any room can benefit from the decorative and adaptable qualities of liquid wallpaper, which can impart style and texture. You’ll need a set of specialized tools to apply it correctly and get the best results. A seamless application process depends on knowing which tools to use and how to handle them.

The basic equipment required to apply liquid wallpaper, including trowels, mixing containers, and rollers, will be discussed in this article. We’ll also go over how to make the most of your liquid wallpaper project by using each tool to its full potential.

The final appearance of your walls can be greatly improved by using the right tools and techniques, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or simply want to update your decor. To give you the confidence to get started, let’s get into the specifics.

List of tools for applying liquid wallpaper

Professionals use the standard tools used by plasterers and finishers because there are no specialized tools for liquid wallpaper:

• spatula;
• trowel;
• roller;
• transparent float;
• plaster (cartridge) gun.

There are various variations of each tool made to carry out particular production tasks.

You’ll need some basic tools, such as a plastic trowel, a spray bottle, and a mixing bucket, to apply liquid wallpaper. While the spray bottle keeps the material moist for easy application, the trowel aids in spreading it out evenly on the wall. To ensure an even finish, you will mix the wallpaper paste in the bucket and then use the trowel to apply it smoothly. With the help of these easy-to-use tools, even novices can handle the process and create a distinctive, textured wall without hiring an expert.

Types of spatulas and their purpose

A plasterer’s primary tool is a spatula, which is a plate with a pointed edge that is fixed on a handle. The most practical types are rectangular or trapezoid in shape. Rubber, plastic, or steel make up the functional portion.

The spatula’s corners are bent to the outside if they happen to scratch the plaster, which is not the intended effect.

1. The metal spatula is the most durable and in demand. It has sufficient rigidity, so it is used for applying and rubbing the mortar.
2. Models made of plastic are more elastic and are designed for smoothing the plaster. You can also apply liquid wallpaper with them, but only in a thin layer. However, among the plastic models there are less flexible ones, made of plexiglass or thickened acrylic.
3. The most elastic are rubber spatulas. They bend well, exactly repeating the surface relief, so they have found application at the final stage of finishing works.

There are numerous uses for spatulas. They are used not only to apply the solution but also to scrape off hardened mortar from other tools, remove excess plaster, disassemble the previous coating, and remove the working mass from the container. Their main drawback is that it takes skill to make a surface that is smooth and level.

Take into consideration the following details when selecting a spatula for liquid wallpaper:

1. A beginner needs a tool 25-30 cm wide. A device with a wider plate is suitable for professionals. A small (narrow) spatula is required for working in hard-to-reach places and applying the solution from a container to a large, main tool.
2. A high-quality tool should not have the edges of the spatula bend during work.
3. The blade should be the same thickness along the entire length and have no defects.
4. A spatula with a working plate bent at an angle of 90 ° is suitable for processing adjacent surfaces. Some models have an adjustable rotation. There are 2 types of corner spatula: for external and internal corners.
5. If you need to make a relief surface on liquid wallpaper, use a figured spatula.

Experts recommend utilizing a tool with a rubberized handle. It is easier to use because it doesn’t slip or fall out of your hands.

What types of trowels are there for liquid wallpaper?

Applying a decorative mixture to the wall, smoothing it, and mixing the solution are all done with a trowel for liquid wallpaper. The device is a plate composed of acrylic, plexiglass, metal, or plastic. It has a curved wooden or plastic handle fastened to one side of it.

Since trowels are cheap tools, it’s best to have a few different kinds on hand:

1. With rectangular blade, for working on flat surfaces.
2. Trapezoidal shape to go around slopes, arches, rosettes.
3. Oval and triangular, for finishing walls that have roundness and indentations.

A high-quality trowel should be free of chips and burrs on the edges.

Transparent grater

Since silk plaster takes a while to dry, it must be smoothed out and the applied layer’s thickness adjusted multiple times during the finishing stage. This is accomplished by using a unique float that resembles a trowel (henceforth referred to as a "trowel-smoother"). However, its handle is designed so that it can be held in both hands.

Because the float is made of transparent material (plexiglass), any flaws can be seen and fixed quickly.

Using a roller

When applying and smoothing out liquid wallpaper with a thin, homogeneous consistency, this tool is utilized. The ease of finishing the ceiling is one of its benefits. In order to apply the solution, the tool needs to have an uncommon, 3–4 mm long, fairly hard pile; otherwise, the mass will adhere to the fur coat unevenly. Using a roller with a short pile of any thickness, smooth the wallpaper.

Apply a pattern and make a decorative coating in relief using a roller. Use a ribbed nozzle for this. With this multipurpose tool, you can also make appliques and panels.

The rotating part’s length is what sets rollers apart. Small surfaces and internal corners are worked on using mini models. You can buy a telescopic handle to make things easier to use.

Is a spray gun applicable

Applying liquid wallpaper to a large area’s walls will take a long time. In this case, a highly productive plaster spray gun will be useful. Because of the inadequate pressure generated (it should be at least 2 atm), a spray gun cannot complete the task. Using a hopper gun—also known as a cartridge gun—is preferable. There are two kinds: one for decorative and finishing (finishing) work, and another for beginning plaster.

Another tool that is comparable is a hopper bucket, however it is not as good as a gun in several areas:

• high cost;
• large losses of the working mixture;
• the inability to create patterns and apply textured plasters.

Compared to other tools, applying the working mass with a gun is more challenging. Choosing nozzles and a compressor is necessary, as is making an effort to maintain the equipment (4–8 liters of solution fitting into the container). However, the master gets a quick ending and uniform wall covering in exchange.

What to choose?

Moving on to using your hands to apply liquid wallpaper, what kind of tool should you select? He solves this problem on his own. The master will probably select a spatula, trowel, and grater if he is proficient in plastering and putty.

The quality of the material applied also influences the tool selection. Using a roller to apply a liquid mixture is more convenient. It’s best to use a pistol-spray (which you can rent) when decorating large areas, but you’ll need to work by hand if the material has long fibers and large decorative elements.

It is much simpler to apply liquid wallpaper if you have the right tools. A basic set consists of a roller, a wide paintbrush, and a plastic trowel. These are necessary to achieve a smooth finish and to distribute the mixture evenly across the surface.

Always apply liquid wallpaper in sections and use light strokes to prevent clumping. As you go, be sure to even out any lumps or uneven areas. This will contribute to your walls’ smooth appearance.

The secret is to be patient. Take your time to make sure you’ve covered everything. You can add texture and style to any room with liquid wallpaper if you have the right tools and put in a little practice.

Video on the topic

Tool for applying liquid wallpaper – half (graters) TC -5 Eco -Barva

a necessary tool for applying liquid wallpaper

Liquid wallpaper tool

Liquid wallpaper tool – compare spatulas and trowels for application, what I use to draw thin lines?

😍🔥How to glue liquid wallpaper yourself for the first time. Instructions 😍🔥