How to Remove a Strippable Wallpaper Border

A well-chosen wallpaper border completes a nicely decorated room. When you decide to change your decor and need to remove the strippable wallpaper border, you can do so using tools and supplies found in your home and at the local hardware store. With a little time and effort, you'll be ready to paint your walls or hang a new wallpaper border.

Ladder
Knife
Spray bottle
Fabric softener
Water
Scraper
Sponge

Instructions

- 1
  
  A ladder helps you reach high places.
  
  Climb a ladder to reach the strippable wallpaper border.
- 2
  
  Work the tip of the knife under the border.
  
  Loosen the edge of the strippable wallpaper border using a knife.
- 3
  Peel the wallpaper border away from the wall at a 10- to 15-degree angle. Avoid peeling it straight across as this may cause damage to your walls.
- 4
  
  A spray bottle applies solution evenly and easily.
  
  Mix one part fabric softener to two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the paper backing or adhesive that remains on the wall after the border is removed. Allow the fabric softener solution to sit for a couple of minutes.
- 5
  
  A scraper removes adhesive.
  
  Scrape away the adhesive and any backing paper using your scraper. Since the fabric softener breaks up the adhesive, this should be fairly easy to do. Reapply the fabric softener solution on stubborn areas.
- 6
  
  Warm water is all that's needed to finish the project.
  
  Wash away any remaining wallpaper border adhesive and the fabric softener solution using a clean sponge dipped in warm water. Rinse the sponge often and wring it out as you move onto another section of the wall.

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