Removing old wallpaper border can refresh the look of a room. However, stripping wallpaper border can be tedious and time consuming. With the right techniques and tools, you can efficiently remove wallpaper borders in your home. Here are 4 effective ways to remove wallpaper border.
Gather the Proper Tools and Materials
Before starting any wallpaper removal project, assemble the proper tools and materials. This will make the process smoother and faster. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Wallpaper scorer – This tool is essential for perforating the wallpaper surface. It allows moisture to penetrate and soften the adhesive.
- Wallpaper steamer – A steamer heats water to produce steam that softens the wallpaper adhesive. This makes removal easier.
- Spray bottle – For spraying water directly onto the wallpaper.
- Wallpaper stripper solvent – Chemical solvent designed to dissolve wallpaper adhesives.
- Putty knife – A wide putty knife can help scrape off wallpaper.
- Scraper – A rigid scraper is useful for scraping off softened wallpaper pieces.
Materials
- Hot water – Hot water helps moisten and loosen the wallpaper adhesive.
- Protective eyewear – Wear eye protection when using steamers or chemicals.
- Drop cloths – Drop cloths protect floors and furnishings from water and debris.
- Sandpaper – For smoothing rough areas after wallpaper removal.
- Primer/sealer – Apply this after removal to ready walls for new wallpaper.
- Sponges – For wiping away excess water and adhesive residue.
Gathering the proper tools and materials is an essential first step for efficiently removing wallpaper border. Investing in the right equipment will make the process much simpler.
Perforate the Wallpaper Surface
The first step in removing wallpaper border is perforating the surface. This allows moisture to penetrate the wallpaper and soften the adhesive underneath.
Here is the process for perforating wallpaper:
Use a Wallpaper Scorer
Use a wallpaper scoring tool to poke holes over the entire wallpaper surface. Apply firm pressure and perforate the paper thoroughly in a grid-like pattern. The more holes, the better.
Apply Steam
After scoring, apply steam to the wallpaper using a steamer. Concentrate on areas with the border pattern first. As the steam penetrates the holes, it will moisten the adhesive.
Use a Spray Bottle
Fill a spray bottle with hot water and spray down the entire wallpaper surface. Target the border areas first. The moisture will seep through the perforations.
Let It Soak
Allow time for the moisture to soak into the wallpaper adhesive. Go slowly and gradually to allow saturation. Reapply steam and water as needed.
Use Chemical Solvent
For stubborn wallpaper, apply a chemical solvent designed to dissolve adhesives. Follow product instructions carefully.
Proper perforation allows efficient glue softening. Take care not to damage the drywall underneath. With the adhesive softened, start removing border pieces.
Use a Putty Knife to Scrape Off Border Pieces
With the wallpaper border perforated and adhesive softened, start scraping off border pieces using a putty knife. Here’s how:
Insert Putty Knife Under Border Edge
Insert the putty knife under an exposed border edge. Angle the putty knife to avoid gouging drywall.
Apply Pressure and Scrape
Apply firm but controlled pressure on the putty knife to gradually scrape off the border piece.
Apply More Moisture
If scraping is difficult, apply more steam or water to re-soften the adhesive. Allow time to penetrate.
Remove Scraps
As you scrape off pieces, remove the wet scraps of wallpaper immediately. This prevents excess moisture damage.
Work Slowly and Carefully
Take your time and be careful not to rip off dry pieces of wallpaper. Work slowly to minimize drywall damage.
Continue this process until you’ve scraped off all pieces of the wallpaper border. Using a putty knife takes practice but is effective for separating the border from the wall. Persist with steam, water, and careful scraping until the border is removed.
Use a Wallpaper Stripper Solution
For borders with a very stubborn adhesive, a chemical wallpaper stripper solution may be needed. Here is how to use one effectively:
Select a Stripper Product
Choose a commercial wallpaper stripper designed to dissolve adhesives. Read product instructions carefully before use.
Prepare the Room
Remove furnishings from the room. Open windows and use fans to ventilate the space. Turn off sources of heat or flame.
Apply the Product
Apply a thick coat of the stripper solution to the border using a paintbrush or roller. Follow product directions.
Allow it to Penetrate
Give the solution time to soak into the wallpaper and dissolve the adhesive. This may take up to 20-30 minutes.
Scrape off Border
Use a putty knife to gently scrape off the dampened wallpaper border. Take care not to damage the drywall.
Remove Residue
Use towels to remove excess moisture and residue. Follow with clean water and sponges to remove any remaining stripper solution.
Allow to Dry
Give the wall time to dry completely before sanding or priming. This prevents trapped moisture issues.
Chemical wallpaper strippers effectively dissolve stubborn adhesives but should be used with plenty of ventilation. Follow all product safety precautions.
Remove Adhesive Residue Thoroughly
After scraping off all the wallpaper border pieces, there will likely be residual adhesive left on the wall. Completely removing the remaining glue is important for applying new wallpaper or paint. Follow these tips:
Apply More Steam
Reapply steam or hot water to areas of adhesive residue. The moisture will help dissolve it away.
Use a Scraper
Use a rigid scraper to gently scrape off any softened glue residue. Avoid damaging the wall surface.
Make a Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Apply this solution to adhesive residue using a sponge.
Allow Vinegar to Soak
Let the vinegar solution soak into the wall for several minutes before wiping away. This helps loosen the adhesive.
Use Coarse Sandpaper
For stubborn residue, gently sand the area using coarse 150-grit sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block.
Wipe Away Residue
Frequently wipe away excess softened glue using clean rags or sponges. Work in small sections.
Rinse the Wall
Use a vinegar-water rinse followed by just clean water to remove all residue. Change rinse water frequently.
Allow Walls to Dry
Give walls ample time to completely dry before sanding lightly, priming, and applying new wallpaper or paint.
Eliminating all adhesive residue provides the ideal surface for new wall treatments. Be patient and thorough for best results.
Apply a Wallpaper-Specific Primer
Before hanging new wallpaper or painting, it’s crucial to apply a wallpaper-specific primer/sealer to the stripped wall surfaces. Here’s why:
Seals in Residual Glue
Primer will seal in any traces of adhesive residue remaining on the walls after stripping.
Prevents Imperfections
The primer helps minimize any damage or imperfections in the walls revealed after old wallpaper removal.
Equalizes Porosity
It equalizes the porosity differences between patched drywall areas and existing drywall.
Promotes Adhesion
Primer allows new paint or wallpaper to adhere evenly and securely.
Follow these tips for priming walls after removing a wallpaper border:
- Clean walls thoroughly before applying primer. Remove any dust or debris.
- Use an interior latex primer formulated for wallpaper removal projects. Avoid oil-based products.
- Apply primer evenly using a paintbrush, roller or sprayer. Allow to dry completely.
- For paint: Apply two finish coats of interior paint for best coverage.
- For new wallpaper: Follow wallpaper installation instructions carefully for best results.
Applying the proper primer is one of the most important steps after stripping away old wallpaper. Take the time to do this, and your new wall treatment will turn out smooth and flawless.
Tips for Easier Wallpaper Border Removal
Removing wallpaper border can be challenging. Here are some additional pointers to make your project go faster and smoother:
- Remove switch plates, outlet covers and vent covers first. Reinstall after the project.
- Use plastic drop cloths and masking tape to protect wood or tile flooring from moisture damage.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves when using steamers or chemical solvents.
- Keep plenty of clean rags and buckets handy to wipe up excess water and catch debris.
- Use fans and open windows to keep the workspace well-ventilated.
- Pre-score the entire wallpaper surface before applying any water or steam.
- Work in small sections for the most controlled removal and to minimize wall damage.
- Take your time scraping. Rushing can gouge or tear wallboard.
- Keep wallpaper seam adhesive moist when separating seams.
- Avoid leaving town mid-project! Completed removal in one session is best.
With the right preparation and techniques, removing old wallpaper border doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Just be well equipped, take your time and follow these tips for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Wallpaper Border
Removing wallpaper border in your home can be confusing. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s the easiest way to remove wallpaper border?
The easiest border removal method involves thoroughly scoring the surface, applying steam or hot water to soften the adhesive, and gently scraping off border pieces using a putty knife. Take it slowly.
What tools do I need to remove wallpaper border?
Essential tools include a scorer, steamer, spray bottle, putty knife, scraper, and sandpaper. Protective eyewear, drop cloths, primer, sponges and towels are also needed.
How do I soften the wallpaper border glue?
Scoring allows moisture to penetrate the border. Apply steam or hot water and give it time to soak in and soften the adhesive. Reapply moisture as needed.
What solvent removes wallpaper glue effectively?
Commercial wallpaper stripper liquids effectively dissolve adhesives. Follow product instructions closely and take safety precautions.
What do I do after getting the border off?
Thoroughly remove any remaining adhesive, allow walls to fully dry, apply wallpaper primer, then hang new wallpaper or paint. Proper prep prevents problems.
How do I avoid damaging drywall under the border?
Work slowly and carefully when scoring and scraping. Excess pressure can tear wallboard. Keep the putty knife blade angled as you scrape.
Can I paint over wallpaper border glue residue?
No. All adhesive residue must be removed for proper paint adhesion. Use steam, vinegar, sanding, and wallpaper primer to prepare.
Is it easier to simply remove all the wallpaper?
Sometimes it’s simpler to take down all the wallpaper instead of just the border. But if the field wallpaper is in good shape, just focus on the border.
How do I repair damaged drywall after removing border?
Damaged areas can be repaired using drywall joint compound. Sand smooth when dry before priming. Severe damage may need wallboard replacement.
How long does wallpaper border removal take?
Removal will take at least one full day, especially for long border sections. Work in small sections and allow adequate time for soaking and adhesive softening.
Removing wallpaper borders takes work, but is very doable for DIYers. Having the right tools and techniques makes the difference between frustration and a successful project.
Conclusion
Removing outdated or damaged wallpaper border can instantly give a room a fresh updated look. With some perseverance and the proper removal methods, you can strip away old borders without destroying your walls in the process.
The key steps include fully perforating the border surface, gradually softening the adhesive with steam or chemical stripper, carefully scraping off border pieces, thoroughly removing leftover glue residue, and properly priming the wall before applying paint or new wallpaper.
While it takes time and diligence, removing old border yourself can save considerable money compared to hiring a professional. For best results, tackle border removal systematically, section-by-section. Avoid rushing the process. Set aside adequate time, use the right tools, and protect your walls. With these techniques, you can successfully transform the look of a room by stripping away unsightly wallpaper borders in favor of something new.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a putty knife and start scraping. That outdated border won’t remove itself! With a little strategic perseverance, you’ll have those borders down and be ready for your fresh new wall surface treatment in no time. Just focus, take it slow, and keep at it one section at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have the satisfaction of stripped walls ready for your new vision. It will be well worth the effort!