How to Apply Water to Prepasted Wallpaper

Cut your paper to the correct length and roll it up loosely.

Soak the paper for a few seconds in a small trough of water. The water will activate the adhesive, but it can also wash the adhesive off - so move quickly.

If you don't have a trough, simply lay the paper on a clean table, pattern-side down, and dampen the prepasted side with a wet sponge or brush.

Fold one edge of the dampened paper upward, laying the end carefully at about the midpoint of the paper. Do the same on the other side.

Fold the two halves against each other, taking care not to crease the paper. This step is called "booking." It keeps the paper moist, keeps the paste from dribbling onto the floor and keeps the pasted surface clean.