How to Apply Paste & Book Wallpaper

Follow our step-by-step instructions for applying or activating wallpaper paste and booking wallpaper or watch our video. Prepasted wallpaper must be booked for proper application. Unpasted wallpaper only needs to be booked if you are using "paste the paper" method.

Wallpaper Glossary & Terms

Read FAQs

Booking Prepasted Wallpaper

PREPASTED - Wet & Book

• Fill a water tray 2/3 full with water at room temperature.
• Roll the cut strip from bottom to top, paste side out (you should not see the pattern).
• Submerge rolled strip into the water tray.
• Soak for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer’s hanging instructions, usually 30 seconds*.
• Slowly lift and unroll the paper onto a work table, making sure the paste is completely wet.
• Gently fold both ends, paste side in, towards the center of the strip, without creasing the folds. This is known as "booking"*. You should see the pattern.
• Let the strip rest for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer’s hanging instructions, usually about 2-5 minutes.

*PLEASE NOTE: For Fine Décor prepasted wallpaper, refer to packaging for exact soak times (usually between 5-10 seconds). Fine Décor prepasted wallpaper does not require booking.

Booking Unpasted Wallpaper

UNPASTED - Paste The Backing Method

• If needed, mix the paste according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Lay the strip of wallpaper or mural face down on a clean work surface.
• Brush paste on to the top half of the strip. Gently fold that section back to meet the middle.
• Brush paste on the remaining half of the strip. Fold the bottom end in to meet the middle.
• Allow the paper to rest in this "booked" position for 10 minutes.

"Paste-the-Wall" Unpasted Wallpaper

UNPASTED - Paste The Wall Method

• If needed, mix the paste according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply paste directly to wall with brush or roller.
• Evenly distribute across area slightly larger than 1 strip at a time.