How to Remove a Wallpaper Border Quickly and Easily

Have you moved into a house with hideous wallpaper that you have to remove immediately? Perhaps your basement is surrounded by a wallpaper border depicting a cabin and a moose, like mine. Since that was not quite my taste, I had to get it off the walls fast so I could paint. This is how I removed that wallpaper border quickly and easily.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• wallpaper steamer
• scraping tool
• dry rags or towels

1. 
    
   wallpaper steamer

   Buy yourself an inexpensive steamer at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards. You may be able to rent one, but it might cost more than purchasing one. Do some research and decide which option works for you. I found that trying to remove the wallpaper border with spray-on remover and a wet sponge did not work. The best I could do was peel off the top layer of paper. The bottom layer would not come off without the steamer.

2. 
    
   wallpaper scraper

   Use a scraper to remove the wallpaper border in nice big pieces. After you steam it for 30 seconds or so, the paper and backing will be nice an soft and you can just scrape it off smoothly. Having to use lots of 'elbow grease' is not an option if you have tendonitis like me.

3. Have some dry towels or rags handy to dry off the wall. When the steam turns into water, it may run down the wall. After all the wallpaper border has been completely removed, wash the walls to get rid of any remaining glue, especially if you intend to apply new paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Skip the chemicals and scoring tools
• For more information, visit Related Articles, Resources, and More Articles Like This on this page

[3bigdogs]

on 10/30/2009 great tips on how to remove a wallpaper border, scoring tools are terrible and just make a mess. thanks 5*

[littlezelma]

on 8/4/2009 You're right on the money here! I've used the chemical/scoring method; the fabric softener/scoring method (which leaves the room smelling pretty while you scrape for hours); and the steamer method. This is the one I'll swear by!

[mweise]

on 6/25/2009 The steams is a great tip! Thanks, great article!

[erikbjo]

on 6/15/2009 Great thanks 5*!

[veryirie]

on 5/31/2009 I'm with you; ixnay on the moose and cabin border. Good tips here. :)