The majority of wallpaper pastes are in powder or flake form and need to be mixed with water. The instructions on how to mix up the paste and the quantity of water required will be on the packet. It is also possible to purchase ready-mixed wallpaper adhesives. Mix wallpaper paste in a bucket. When applying wallpaper paste to the paper brush away from the centre of the paper towards the edges. Make sure that the edges are well covered.
There are different types of wallpaper paste available, so it is important that you know which one is most suitable for the type of paper you are hanging.
All-purpose paste
This is the most commonly used paste, which can be applied to wallpaper grades ranging from lightweight to medium-weight. But by using less than the recommended amount of water in mixing the paste it will be suitable for heavyweight paper.
Heavy-duty paste
Used for hanging embossed papers, paper-backed fabrics and other heavyweight wall coverings.
Fungicidal paste
Wallpaper paste with a fungicide added to prevent mould growing under impervious wall coverings such as vinyl and washable wallpapers.
Ready-mixed paste
As their name suggests these pastes have been ready-mixed and are widely used in the hanging of heavyweight wall coverings.
Stain-free paste
If you are hanging delicate wallpaper or paper with a fine print it is advisable to use a paste with a stain-free formulation. This type of wallpaper paste has an easy slip quality to facilitate perfect pattern matching.
Repair adhesive
This adhesive is generally suitable for hanging decorative borders as well as sticking down any peeling edges of the existing wallpaper.
Size
Wallpaper paste that has been diluted which is then applied to the walls or ceiling in preparation for papering. Diluted PVA can be used for the same purpose.