DIY Wallpaper tip

Q: I’m about to wallpaper a bedroom but dread the mess of soaking the pre-pasted paper. Is there any way around this?

A: The soaking process of pre-pasted wallpaper can be pretty messy. Some manufacturers, such as Sherwin-Williams, offer a paste activator. The paste activator is brushed onto the back of the wallpaper just like paste. Once applied, “book” the segment of paper and set to one side so that the paste can become completely activated prior to hanging. Booking the paper means to fold the paper so the back surface touches against itself. Let it sit for five or 10 minutes to allow the paper to expand, which helps prevent bubbles from forming beneath the paper.