How to Moisten Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Working with pre-pasted wallpaper streamlines the wallpapering process.

Applying wallpaper can be an effective way to add color and decor to any interior space. Pre-pasted wallpaper provides a simplified hanging process that many homeowners use to decorate their homes. Because the backside of the wallpaper has paste on it, you simply activate the paste with moisture before hanging it on a wall. Moisten pre-pasted wallpaper carefully before applying it to the wall surface and your room will look neat and attractive.

Things You'll Need

• Worktable
• Plastic gloves
• Adhesive activator
• Paint roller or brush
• Stepladder

Instructions

1. Spread the pre-pasted wallpaper out onto the worktable with the paste side facing up and the pattern facing down.

2. Apply the adhesive activator to the paste side of the wallpaper. Some adhesives have a built-in sponge applicator and others come in a can to apply with a paint roller or a paintbrush. Spread the activator in a thin and even layer over the entire paste side of the wallpaper.

3. Book the wallpaper. Fold the wallpaper gently to place the paste sides together. Bring both short edges of the wallpaper in to meet at the middle and allow the pasted sides to touch each other for approximately five minutes -- consult specific instructions for your pre-pasted wallpaper for the recommended booking time for your wallpaper.

4. Pick up the folded wallpaper and take it over to the wall where you wish to hang it. Find the top edge of the wallpaper and grasp it by both corners. Carefully unfold it and transfer it to the wall, aligning the top edge of the wallpaper with the top edge of the wall.

5. Repeat the same process with each length of wallpaper to apply wallpaper to your walls.

Tips & Warnings

• Adhesive activator is the preferred method of moistening pre-pasted wallpaper, replacing the traditional method of soaking pre-pasted wallpaper in a container of water.

• Wear plastic gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals in the adhesives.

References

• Wright Wallpaper: Tips for Hanging Prepasted Wallpaper
• Creative Wallcovering: Hang Unpasted or Prepasted Wallcoverings and Borders

Resources

• Rustoleum: Activator for Pre-pasted Wallpaper