Wall paper paste was a relative widely used adhesive in the early 1800s till the advent of Yes! paste in the early 1930s....
Since then, much has been tried... but a roll on such as Miracle Muck or Frank's Fabric Adhesive (private labeled for others), are hard to beat on price, durability, depth of use, malubility, and clean-up.
The least expensive, and highest quality is Frank's (comes in pints, Qts, & Gallons or Gal/case). And use his system with roller, plastic bag, tray, scissors, and trim razor.
You will find yourself grabbing the ever-handy roller instead of an ATG and saving even more.
Hope this sounded more like help than a commercial...