Removing a Wallpaper Border

Adding a wallpaper border to a room can bring charm and personality to your space. However, there may come a time when you decide to update your decor, and that starts with removing the existing wallpaper border. Whether it’s outdated, worn out, or no longer reflects your style, it’s essential to tackle this task effectively to achieve a clean and fresh look for your walls. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to properly remove a wallpaper border.

Before beginning the removal process, gather the necessary tools: a wallpaper scorer, wallpaper removal solution, a sponge or spray bottle, a putty knife or scraper, a bucket, and a drop cloth or plastic sheets to protect your flooring.

Step 1: Prepare the area
Start by clearing the room of any furniture or items near the wall you plan to remove the wallpaper border from. Ensure that the entire border is accessible and free of any obstacles. Lay down the drop cloth or plastic sheets to protect your floor from any liquid drips or wallpaper residue.

Step 2: Score the wallpaper
Use the wallpaper scorer to create small puncture holes in the wallpaper border. This helps the wallpaper removal solution soak in and loosen the adhesive from behind the border.

Step 3: Apply the wallpaper removal solution
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply the wallpaper removal solution to the scored border. You can use a sponge or a spray bottle for this step. Allow the solution to sit on the wallpaper border for the specified amount of time, usually around 10-15 minutes, to allow the adhesive to loosen.

Step 4: Remove the wallpaper border
Using a putty knife or scraper, gently lift the edges of the wallpaper border. Start from a corner or an inconspicuous spot to test how easily it comes off. As you peel off the border, be careful not to damage or tear the underlying wall.

Step 5: Clean up any residue
After removing the wallpaper border, you may notice some adhesive residue left on the wall. To clean this off, dip a sponge or cloth into warm soapy water and gently scrub the remaining adhesive. If needed, use the putty knife or scraper to aid in the removal of stubborn residue. Alternatively, you can use a wallpaper removal gel or paste specifically designed to dissolve the residue. Just follow the instructions on the packaging to effectively clean up the walls.

Step 6: Finishing touches
Once the adhesive residue is removed, wipe down the wall with a clean, damp cloth to ensure it is completely clean and ready for any future paint or wallpaper application. Allow the wall to dry thoroughly before proceeding with any other decorative changes or improvements.

Removing a wallpaper border may require a bit of time and effort, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a clean and fresh foundation for your new decor. Remember to work patiently and methodically to avoid damaging the walls and create a smooth surface. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to embracing a new look and transforming your space into something that truly reflects your style.