Odds are, yours is giving your space a dated look.
In fact, some wallpaper borders may pull right off the wall, while others may take some convincing.
To help you refresh your walls, we have four ways to remove wallpaper borders without damaging your wall.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The plastic drop cloth is especially imperative if you plan to use water or chemicals in the process.
As you work, place plastic beneath the area of focus toprotect the floor.
When working with chemical wallpaper removal agents, follow the software directions closely.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
You may not need a tool at all.
Locate a Seam
Scan along the wallpaper border until you find a seam.
Pull the Seam
Use your fingernail or a scraper’s edge to lift the seam.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Pull it away from the wall to lift the border from the wall.
Then, cut through the adhesive until the wallpaper begins to pull away freely.
Steam the Wallpaper Border
Steam the wallpaper in short sections to heat and soften the glue.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Warning
Steamers can drop hot water, which is especially dangerous when using them overhead.
Always wear gloves and safety glasses during the process and avoid standing directly beneath the steamer’s head.
Remove the Wallpaper
Remove the wallpaper by locating a seam and pulling it steadily from the wall.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
If the wallpaper doesn’t pull away easily, repeat the spraying and soaking process.
Score the Wallpaper
Score the surface of the wallpaper border with a wallpaper-scoring tool.
Apply the Chemical Wallpaper Remover
Apply the wallpaper remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Then, let it soak for the specified time period, which is typically around 5 to 15 minutes.
Wearing rubber gloves, remove the wallpaper border by gently pulling at the paper.
Pulling too quickly will likely result in the paper tearing off into tiny pieces rather than large strips.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
For stubborn glue, applying more of the chemical wallpaper remover may be necessary.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
