Here's How To Get Rid Of An Old-Fashioned Wallpaper Border

Wallpaper can be a great interior choice for many homeowners. Some even choose to add borders with wallpaper as an aesthetic choice, which can oftentimes be dated, in which case getting rid of them isn't all that hard if you know how to do it. In fact, according to HK Interiors, this is one of the main advantages of wallpaper. They're not too hard to remove if you get tired of them and want to switch things up. They also leave no damage after removal if removed correctly.

It can get a little messy if you don't remove it carefully. As Family Handyman says, getting rid of wallpaper is an untidy and laborious task that can take a long time to finish. There's no easy fix to remove wallpaper adhesive. In addition, if you don't know what you're doing or become frustrated, you could destroy your walls. This is why it's important to prepare and know the process beforehand. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of your wallpaper border methodically and neatly.

According to This Old House, there are a number of tools that you will need to gather for your task. You'll need drop cloths, a putty knife or scraper, some liquid soap, and a sponge. Begin by preparing your room for the mess that's about to ensue. Move your furniture away from the walls and cover them with a drop cloth so they don't get damaged in the process. Next, find a seam and start raising one of the corners of the border using a scraper or putty knife.

Once you've managed to peel off a big enough portion, softly start peeling the paper away by hand. Be careful when you do so, making sure to be patient so you don't rip or tear the border. For stubborn adhesive, slip a knife or scraper beneath the paper as you pull. Next, wash the area with a clean sponge and hot soapy water and leave it to dry.

How To Clean Stuff says there are several other methods you can try to get rid of your wallpaper border. They recommend applying heat by means of a hair dryer or steamer to weaken the adhesive so removing the wallpaper becomes easier. If you don't have a hair dryer or steamer handy, they suggest making your own wallpaper stripper with water and either fabric softener or vinegar. You can spray either one of the mixtures onto the wallpaper border.

If the glue on your border is particularly strong, consider soaking the wallpaper with your chosen mixture using a sponge or cloth. Once you've applied the mixture to the border, let it sit until the glue softens. This can sometimes take up to three or four hours, after which you should be able to peel the wallpaper away swiftly.

How To Clean Stuff also notes that you should be extra careful when removing a border that is glued on wallpaper because you might end up unintentionally damaging the papering you perhaps want to keep.