I usually spray the paper with a mist of water then lay down the tinted paste with a wide paint brush. I use Softasilk Cake flour. For paper I mostly use Daniel Smith's superfine. You need a paper that is strong when wet and will take glue well when you use it. It's also nice if it's not too expensive.
Colored papers can be fun too.
I find it works best if the paper is wet. Dipping it in a large tray will accomplish that. A squeegee is handy to get it completely flat on the table. Now comes the fun part. Glop on your paste.