What Tools Do You Need to Install Wallpaper?

Wallpaper sellers typically provide a long list of tools you might need for installation. But you may be wondering: will you actually use all of them? Is buying all those extra tools worth the money, especially if you won’t use them once the wallpaper is up?

To help you decide, we’ve outlined which tools are true essentials for every type of wallpaper, and which are optional or only needed in specific cases. This way, you can prioritize the must-haves and avoid spending money on items you might never use.

Tools For Applying Traditional (Non-Pasted) Wallpaper

The first and most important thing you’ll need is wallpaper paste. Without it, you can’t install traditional (non-pasted) wallpaper. Next, you’ll need a paint roller or paste brush to apply the wallpaper paste. This will help you spread the paste evenly and keep the application process as mess-free as possible.

A wallpaper smoothing tool is also highly recommended. While you can smooth the wallpaper panels with your hands, the finished result may not look as neat and even. A smoothing tool or plastic squeegee helps press the wallpaper firmly against the wall, ensuring good contact between the wallpaper, paste, and surface. If you don’t have a smoothing tool, you can use an old credit card instead, as long as it isn’t sharp and has rounded corners to avoid damaging the wallpaper. A wooden popsicle stick can also work in a pinch, although its small size can make the process a little frustrating and the finished result will not look as good.

A utility knife and level are also good to have. A utility knife will help you trim excess material in a straight, neat line. If you don’t have one, you can use a very sharp knife instead. Use a level to mark a straight vertical line on the wall before hanging the wallpaper. This will help ensure that your first panel is positioned straight. You’ll also need a pencil to lightly mark the guideline on the wall.

A seam roller is typically recommended for properly sealing the edges. It can be useful, but you can also use a smoothing tool or an old credit card to gently go over the seams once the wallpaper is installed.

A damp sponge is also recommended. If excess wallpaper paste gets onto the front of the wallpaper, wipe it away immediately. Instead of a sponge, you can use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or even an old T-shirt.

Tool	Do you need it?	Why?
Wallpaper paste	Essential	Traditional wallpaper is not self-adhesive, so you need adhesive to attach it to the wall.
Paint roller or paste brush	Essential	Helps apply and spread the wallpaper paste evenly.
Smoothing tool	Highly recommended	Helps smooth the wallpaper and press it firmly against the wall for a neat finish.
Utility knife	Highly recommended	Makes it easier to trim excess wallpaper neatly. You can use a very sharp knife instead.
Level	Recommended	Helps keep your wallpaper panels straight. A ruler can help guide cuts, but doesn’t fully replace a level for alignment.
Pencil	Recommended	Used with a level to lightly mark a straight guideline on the wall.
Damp sponge	Recommended	Helps remove excess wallpaper paste before it dries. You can use a soft cloth or old T-shirt instead.
Seam roller	Optional	Helps seal edges and seams, but a smoothing tool or old credit card can also do the job.

Tools for Applying Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Pre-pasted wallpaper activates with water, so you’ll need water. While we recommend a bucket for convenience, you can also use any clean container that holds water.

Before starting, use a drop cloth to protect your floors and furniture from water.
To apply water to the wallpaper backing, use a clean sponge, as some rags may be too abrasive. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to wet the backing evenly. A large wallpaper brush or roller works just as well.

To hang the wallpaper straight, a level is highly recommended. Use it together with a pencil to lightly mark a straight vertical guideline on the wall before hanging your first panel. If you already have a laser level, or can get or rent one, it can save time and help ensure the wallpaper stays straight.

A smoothing tool also helps remove air bubbles and press the wallpaper firmly against the wall. As previously mentioned, you can use an old credit card with rounded edges as an alternative.

To wipe away any excess moisture, use a clean, damp sponge. Alternatively, you can use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or an old T-shirt.

Use a seam roller lightly along the seams to help create a clean finish. If you don’t have one, you can carefully go over the seams with your smoothing tool instead.

A sharp utility knife and straightedge are recommended for trimming excess wallpaper along the top and bottom edges. Make sure the blade is sharp to achieve clean, precise cuts.

Tool	Do you need it?	Why?
Water	Essential	Activates the adhesive on the back of pre-pasted wallpaper.
Bucket or container	Essential	Makes it easier to keep water nearby while activating the wallpaper.
Clean sponge	Highly recommended	Helps evenly wet the wallpaper backing and can also wipe away excess moisture.
Spray bottle	Optional	Can be used instead of a sponge to evenly wet and activate the wallpaper backing.
Level	Highly recommended	Helps create a straight vertical guideline so the first wallpaper panel is hung straight. Also helps guide the utility knife for straight, clean cuts.
Pencil	Recommended	Used with a level to lightly mark a straight guideline on the wall.
Smoothing tool	Highly recommended	Helps remove air bubbles and press the wallpaper firmly against the wall. You can use an old credit card instead.
Seam roller	Optional	Helps seal the seams, but you can also use a smoothing tool.
Utility knife	Recommended	Helps neatly trim excess wallpaper along the top and bottom edges.
Soft cloth or old T-shirt	Optional	Can be used instead of a sponge to wipe away excess moisture.

Tools for Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper

You only need a few tools to install peel & stick wallpaper, and each one is important for a clean, straight finish.

A level is essential to ensure the first panel is installed straight. Use it together with a pencil to lightly mark a vertical guideline on the wall before applying the first panel.

A smoothing tool is also necessary to press the wallpaper firmly onto the wall and smooth out any air bubbles as you work. If you don’t have one, an old credit card with rounded edges can work as an alternative.

Finally, you’ll need a sharp utility knife to trim away excess material along the top, bottom, and edges of the wall. A straightedge or ruler can help guide the knife and create cleaner, straighter cuts.

Tool	Do you need it?	Why?
Level	Highly recommended	Helps create a straight vertical guideline so the first wallpaper panel is hung straight. Also helps guide the utility knife for straight, clean cuts.
Pencil	Highly recommended	Used with the level to lightly mark a straight guideline on the wall.
Smoothing tool	Essential	Helps press the wallpaper firmly onto the wall and remove air bubbles. You can use an old credit card instead.
Utility knife	Essential	Helps neatly trim excess wallpaper along the edges.