About Making Wallpaper Paste: Add one cup of cornstarch to a large pot. Add one gallon of hot tap water slowly, mixing thoroughly after each addition with a wire whisk. Bring the mixture to medium-high temperature over the stove, keeping it on a gentle simmer and stirring constantly until it thickens and appears clear.

Brush or roll starch paste onto the back side of the wallpaper when you're ready to hang it. If paste turns out lumpy, mix it in a food processor or blender. If starch overthickens, mix it in a food processor or blender while adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until it thins. The right consistency for wallpapering is thick pudding.

Here's the recipe: 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 2 quarts of water. Mix the cornstarch and sugar in the skillet. Add enough cool water to make a smooth paste. Slowly add the rest of the water and cook and stir until thick.