Today, we'd like to introduce you to two useful cutting tools for wallpapering tasks, both of which are designed for cutting lengths of wallpaper directly on the wall. The triangular cutting edge and the tear-off ruler do not necessarily belong to the basic equipment for wallpapering, but once one has familiarised oneself with their use, it's hard to do without them. The initial financial outlay is very reasonable, and both tools are robust and long-lasting.
Triangular cutting edge - variations and application
The scope of application for triangular cutting edges, also known as three-edged wedge cutting edges or three-edged wedge rulers, is clearly defined. Combined with a sharp cutter knife, wallpaper "overhangs" or edges can be cut off accurately and cleanly along skirting boards and cornices. Removing screwed or nailed down skirting boards and glued on cornices can be too complicated and potentially damaging. Triangular cutting edges are the perfect solution for a clean result in these areas. Due to the protruding edge, the pasted wallpaper does not touch the skirting boards or cornices.
The three-edged design made of aluminium with a stainless steel blade is usually about 60 cm long (width: 6.4 cm, depth: 5.4 cm). The length of this cutting edge covers the standard width of a wallpaper strip (53 cm), which makes it the perfect size for strips of that width. The tool weighs about 170 grammes and is made from light aluminium. Prices range around the 10 Pound mark. The triangular cutting edge is the perfect tool for wallpapers and flooring.
The three-edged design matches the special function of this cutting tool. The triangular cutting edge is positioned directly on skirting boards or cornices and the wallpaper is then placed on top. The protruding edge should be flush with the skirting board or cornice. Using the cutter knife, the wallpaper is cut accurately along the edge.
This wallpapering tool can also be used directly on the floor or the top of a wall. Even occasional DIY practitioners generally find that triangular cutting edges are easy to handle. Furthermore, cleaning the washable aluminium is easy.
Wallpaper pressing profiles are very similar to triangular cutting rulers, and their measurements differ only slightly. They also come with a centimetre scale. These profiles can be used to press wallpapers and flooring materials on a surface in a very exact way to achieve the prefect cuts at floor and ceiling level (combined with the triangular cutting edge). For true DIY enthusiasts, sets containing both tools are available in the shops.
Tear-off ruler - variations and application
The tear-off ruler for wallpapers, also known as tearing ruler or cutting ruler, is an all-rounder for cutting wallpapers. It is used on the trestle table to cut strips of wallpaper to the correct length. These useful tools are also suitable for removing surplus wallpaper directly on the wall, e.g. at ceilings or floors, around window and door frames, in corners and recesses. They perform as a cutting edge (ruler), but the actual cut is done with a cutter knife.
This wallpapering tool is available in two variations - the main distinction being the type of handle. Some have a wide or narrow wooden handle, some have a wide bevelled plastic handle. Both variations come with a stainless steel blade, which can be serrated or straight. The standard lengths are 57.5 cm and 60 cm. Prices range from about 7 - 10 GBP.
As the name indicates, tear-off rulers are designed to "tear" or "rip" the wallpaper off in a clean line, thus minimising the need for cutting. In order to do this, the ruler is set on the wallpaper and the "overhang" is slowly torn off along the stainless steel blade. This works best with paper-based wallpapers.
For fleece (non-woven) models or those with special or delicate surfaces, e.g. nature, textile or vinyl wallpapers, the best method is to use the tear-off ruler as a cutting edge and perform the actual cut along the edge with a cutter knife. This prevents fraying or damage to the material.
Differences to cutting edge
Due to the ever increasing need for speed when searching products on-line, we now find most tools and accessories under many different names. But that doesn't always mean that they accurately describe the exact product we need to perform a specific task. Traders and on-line-shop owners allocate a number of similar or combined search terms to each product to enable the consumer to get to their offers in a variety of different ways. If, for instance, you search for a "triangular cutting edge", you might also find wallpaper tear-off rulers within the results. Putting "cutting edge wallpaper" into your search engine will often bring up results for all manner of tools, including triangular cutting edges. Cutting edges differ from wallpaper tear-off rulers and triangular cutting edges in terms of appearance and application.
The cutting edge (which is explained, together with the wallpaper knife, in a different blog article) is designed solely for cutting lengths of wallpaper on the trestle table and is used as a ruler. It is made of stainless steel. In simple terms, this is a light steel band which is fixed to the trestle table with adhesive tape and can be rolled up after use to save space.