How to Remove an Adhesive Wall Border

Removing adhesive wall border is one of the most dreaded jobs for the do-it-yourself homeowner. It doesn't have to be. Simple liquid fabric softener works like magic to remove both the wall border and its adhesive. And it'll make your room smell good, too.

Things You'll Need

• Wallpaper-scarifying tool
• Small paint roller (the kind used for trim and small projects) and paint tray
• Liquid fabric softener
• Scraper
• Paper towels
• Tri-sodium phosphate

Instructions

1. Use the wallpaper scarifying tool to create a network of holes in the border. This will allow the remover to get under the paper and dissolve the adhesive.

2. Apply full-strength fabric softener to the border area using the paint roller. Make sure to completely coat the wallpaper border with the fabric softener.

3. Allow the fabric softener to dissolve the adhesive for 5 to 15 minutes.

4. Scrap off the wallpaper border and its adhesive with the scraper. Use paper towels to remove adhesive gunk stuck to the scraper.

5. Wash the area where you removed the wallpaper border with a mixture of ¼ cup tri-sodium phosphate and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe with a clean, very damp rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you roll on the fabric softener, allow it to dissolve the adhesive before you begin to scrape. It will make the job much easier and minimize the possibility of damage to the walls. Wallpaper scarifying tools are available at home improvement centers and paint and wallpaper stores.

• To avoid damaging plaster or sheetrock walls, scrape wallpaper off with long, easy strokes.