Removing wallpaper borders can be a tricky job, especially if the adhesive was strong. However, if you follow these steps, you can get a great finish.

Tools and Materials Needed

Hairdryer
Small spray gun (easily obtained from gardening stores)
Wallpaper scraper
Bucket and sponge
Wallpaper steam stripper (can be hired from tool hire stores)
Protective gloves
Wallpaper removing solution
Step 1 – The Hairdryer Trick

Before you apply any water or other moisture to the wallpaper and border, gently heat the area with a hairdryer. Pull at the border gently to see if it will come off. If it doesn’t come off right away, the adhesive that was used was strong and a different approach is required.

Step 2 – Mist and Scrape

Use a small spray gun and fill with warm water. Some do-it-yourself enthusiasts swear by a vinegar solution, but this is not recommended because it makes the room you are decorating smell unpleasant for days afterwards – particularly if you are removing a border from a wallpaper background you intend to retain. Commercial wallpaper removing sprays are available, but if you are on a budget warm water will do just as well.

Once you have sprayed the wallpaper and border, scrape it gently but firmly with a plastic scraper. Metal scrapers are available, but should be avoided because they can damage the wall surface underneath. If the underlying surface of the wall is damaged, you will need to spackle and paint the area.

Step 3 – Sponging With Warm Water

If you have diligently followed the steps above and you are still looking at a well attached border, consider applying more moisture to the area. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and sponge it gently onto the border.

If it is a vinyl waterproof border, you may have to perforate it to force the water in. Perforation tools are available from hardware stores, but for a small area of wall you could try sewing pins first. You may have to wait at least 10 minutes for the border to accept the water. Once the border has accepted enough moisture, it should feel soft to the touch and should be easier to scrape off.

Step 4 – Using a Steam Wallpaper Stripper

Steam wallpapers strippers are inexpensive; however, it may be best to rent a wall stripper instead of buying one for one-time jobs. Wallpaper borders should be steamed from the bottom to the top, to loosen them. When the border has been steamed, it should come off without any problems with gentle scraping from a wallpaper scraper.

Step 5 – Clean Down the Surface

When you have finished removing the wallpaper border, clean down the surface and check that the wall is free from any trace of adhesive. Otherwise any new paper or paint that you apply will be marred by adhesive residue. Ideally, the wall should be left bare overnight so that the surface can dry out before new paint or paper is applied.