The time has long ended when we used rags from retired T-shirts and various other rags in the process of wallpapering. As practice shows, this method of smoothing wallpaper is completely ineffective, and quite laborious. Progress did not stand still. Place rags firmly occupied by a spatula for wallpaper. Using this tool, it is much more convenient and faster to smooth the wallpaper, to expel the air from under them and securely fix the material to the wall.
Despite the fact that this device was born much later than the wallpaper itself came into our life, the spatula gained popularity among professionals and became their indispensable companion and assistant in work. Spatulas are used for various types of repair, construction and finishing works. With their help, close cracks and seams on the walls, apply thick adhesive mixtures, primer and clean the surface and, of course, quickly and efficiently glue the wallpaper.
A variety of shapes and sizes
The spatula for wallpaper can be different. There are more than five types of such tools that are used when working with wallpaper. In stores you can see spatulas of various shapes and configurations made of various materials. In order for the work to be done more efficiently and, if possible, quickly, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances and factors of choosing a tool. We will consider them today.
Classic pressure trowel
Such a tool is almost completely similar to a conventional puttying tool. The only difference is that such a spatula for wallpaper is made not of metal, but of plastic. It is very convenient in working with large areas and large-scale surfaces. With its help, you can easily drive out excess air that has been trapped between the wall and the wallpaper or get rid of excess glue. Such a spatula can also be used as a ruler when it is necessary to evenly cut off the wallpaper.
This type is also called a press spatula. He presses the wallpaper even in hard to reach places. Experts say that using such a tool is very easy to dock one sheet of wallpaper with another. Such a spatula is used for non-woven and paper, vinyl wallpapers. The clamping option may be rectangular or have the shape of a pen.
Experts advise, before purchasing a tool for wallpapering, it is very important to evaluate its quality. What should be the pressure trowel? The cost here is not as important as it seems to many beginners trying to choose the cheaper option. In this regard, quality is essential. It is recommended to pay attention to him first of all.
A good clamping classic spatula must have a flat surface. The quality of the plastic of which it is made plays an important role. Try to carefully look at the working surface of the tool before buying. It should not have roughness or any other manufacturing defects. Having acquired such a low-quality spatula, you can easily damage expensive finishing materials. The repair process in this case, you see, will not bring any pleasure and joy from the result.
Clamping trowel-trapezoid
This type of tool, unlike the classical one, is used with a small amount of work. With it, you can smooth and press the wallpaper, both on the flat surface of the wall, and in inaccessible corners. We advise you to definitely pay attention to such a spatula. Its price does not “bite” and is very democratic. It is small in size, which does not cause problems with tool storage.
"Shark fin"
Most often, professionals use a universal spatula called a shark fin. This spatula for wallpaper perfectly applies the adhesive mass (on the wall or wallpaper), smooths, presses, processes joints and corners. Professionals say that if you are a beginner, then you should definitely buy such a tool.
"A boat"
This tool is also highly praised by space repair specialists. It is convenient in work, takes out to the most difficult and problem places and corners. It can be used both as a spatula for smoothing wallpapers, and as a tool with which glue is applied to walls or materials. Thanks to its comfortable shape, it is easy to hold in your hand. Despite the fact that he is found much less often than his “brothers,” the “boat” spatula also deserves attention.
Notched trowel
Most often, this tool is used in cases where it is necessary to evenly apply the adhesive mixture on the walls. A notched trowel is called because teeth are located around the perimeter of the blade. They can be of various sizes and lengths, located at different distances from each other. Everything will depend on the type of work in which this tool takes part. On sale there are models, both with a pen, and without it.
Thanks to its use, you do not have to worry that in some places the adhesive composition is not evenly distributed. The notched trowel is recommended for use when expensive imported adhesive compositions are involved and the most economical consumption is required.
Corner spatula
A special corner trowel is used to handle hard-to-reach places such as corners. Many experts consider it unreasonable to purchase such a tool. In most cases, the outer corners are closed with plastic pads or baseboards. And some consider it expensive to buy a tool only for working with internal corners. Such a spatula can easily be replaced with a classic presser.
Rubber
But without a subject such as a rubber spatula, not a single set of professional tools is complete. This model is made of soft rubber or elastic silicone and is very convenient to use. They are used for grouting tile joints, in working with sealant, as well as for smoothing wallpaper joints.
Due to the small width of the working surface (from forty to seventy millimeters), a rubber spatula easily fits in your hand, fits in your pocket and is stored in a tool bag. He is malleable and unpretentious in leaving. It costs, of course, a little more expensive than some other options, but it also serves an order of magnitude longer.
Liquid Wallpaper Tool
Recently, processing of walls with decorative plaster has become increasingly popular. In the people it is also often called liquid wallpaper. What to choose a spatula for liquid wallpaper?
We will say right away that the tools described above will not work for such a job. There is a special view for working with similar finishing materials. It is called a falcon. The advantage of this tool is that it has four working surfaces. The length of the spatula is twenty-twenty-five centimeters.
Most often it has a rectangular shape, but trapezoid spatulas are also found for working with liquid wallpaper. The handle on it is perpendicular to the working surface, which increases convenience. The tool for liquid wallpaper can work as a presser, smoothing or as a spatula for rolling wallpaper. With its help, seams and corners are processed.
Such a spatula is made, as a rule, from plexiglass or metal. It does not injure the surface at all. They can work with Venetian plaster and any whimsical glossy surfaces.
Which spatula to choose
The type of tool will directly depend on the work with which it must cope. If large-scale projects are ahead, then you should purchase a wide flat spatula with a working canvas width of 20-30 centimeters. Experts say that it will never be superfluous to buy several spatulas of the same type, but of different sizes. For example, it’s convenient for little ones to measure and dose the adhesive mixture. He can also apply the mixture to a large spatula, which, in turn, will distribute it along the working surface of the wall.
When buying a spatula for working with wallpaper, it is very important to consider the fact of convenience. Try how the instrument lies in your hand, if the handle is comfortable, if it slips out. It is also very important to pay attention to the mass of the spatula. Too heavy a tool will be inconvenient to use. Do not be shy, "try" to work with a spatula right in the store. Simulate tool movements. This will make it possible to understand the “weight category”, how quickly the hand will get tired when working with it and whether the corn will not get rubbed after prolonged use.
Pay attention to such an indicator as softness or, conversely, the stiffness of the tool. Too soft a spatula will be completely useless in work, reducing all work to nothing. You should not buy too hard option. In the process, it may simply break in your hands from strong pressure. Try to find the “golden mean” on the shelves of construction stores.
And the last tip that professionals give to beginners. Never save on buying a quality tool and try to have several types in stock. Depending on the type of tool, its size, the materials from which it is made, its cost will also change. For example, a rubber spatula - the price varies from 16 to 50 rubles; classic - price from 75 to 750 rubles (depending on the manufacturer); toothed - the price can start at 80 and go up to 170-250 rubles.
Even the simplest and most modest repairs will require the use of at least three options. And if they are not in stock, then you will have to return to the "sources" - old rags. Why do you need this?