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jduvall jduvall
 
January 02, 2009 03:49 AM

What is the easiest way to remove border/wall paper from a painted wall?

I'm beginning a remodeling project in my bathroom and have to remove border from the top of my walls. I really need a great tip for removing the border easily.
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jmbrown jmbrown
 
 January 02, 2009 09:11 AM
There are a few ways to remove a wallpaper border from a painted wall but it really depends on the type of paper and adhesive.

Homemade Removing Tips
1. Soak the wallpaper in warm water then scrape off.
2. Soak the wallpaper in fabric softener or a mixture of fabric softener and water for about 10 minutes.
3. Soak the wallpaper in a mixture of water and vinegar.


Commercial Removing Tips
1. Use a steamer (you can rent or buy). Work from the bottom up. You may have to steam it twice. Remove with a scraper.
2. Soak the wallpaper in wallpaper remover then scrape off.

General Tips
1. Try peeling the top layer of wallpaper off first.
2. Use a spray bottle, sponge or paint roller to apply the solution.
3. Use a plastic or soft metal scraper to protect the paint.
4. Scrape from the bottom up.
5. When you are done wipe down the walls with hot soapy water.

For a more detailed look at removing wallpaper you can check out Mahalo's How to Remove Wallpaper or the sources below.
Source(s):
http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Remove_Wallpaper
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/wa_wallpaper/article/0,,DIY_14417_2271376,00....
http://www.articlealley.com/article_44006_27.html
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/repair/msg0817080918444.html
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf634252.tip.html



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newbey newbey
 
February 14, 2009 08:22 PM
We stripped the paper in our dining room a few years ago and found a "Paper Tiger" to be very useful. It scores the paper easily and then you just spray it with warm soapy water. It's still quite a chore, especially if the wall wasn't prepared properly.
http://www.zinsser.com/images/wallcov.jpg

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colttrickl... colttrickl...
 
January 02, 2009 04:00 AM
I would rent a wall paper steamer from your local hardware store. If you are looking for the cheapest way, add some soap and hot water in a spray bottle and spray it on. Use a scraper after it has soaked for a minute or two.
Source(s):
Past experience.


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ksmith ksmith
 
January 02, 2009 02:09 PM
Hopefully, the installer sized the walls first to make the paper easy to remove. Most wallpaper adhesives are water based. I first use a spray bottle with hot water (soak, remove, soak, remove). If this is not working I step it up to a steamer.

Be prepared to have to skim the area with drywall compound.
Source(s):
http://www.icanfixupmyhome.com/Bathroom_Walls_Remodel.html


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boothbyd boothbyd
 
January 03, 2009 01:36 AM
I have heard on HGTV, but not tried, that you can use a hair dryer to heat up the border and it should come down.
Source(s):
Sorry, can't remember the show or host that said this.


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