How To Remove Wall Border: A Personal Experience
Wall borders were once a popular home decor trend. However, as with most trends, they eventually fall out of favor. This was the case with the wall border in my home. After years of looking at the same outdated design, I decided it was time for a change. The problem was, I had no idea how to remove the wall border without damaging the walls underneath. After some research and trial and error, I finally found a method that worked.
Step By Step Guide
Materials Needed:
- Wallpaper steamer
- Scraper or putty knife
- Bucket
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Towel
Steps:
- Start by using the scraper or putty knife to gently lift the edge of the wall border. Only lift enough to grab onto.
- Next, use the wallpaper steamer to soften the adhesive on the back of the wall border. Hold the steamer over the border for about 30 seconds.
- Once the adhesive is softened, use the scraper or putty knife to slowly and carefully remove the wall border. Try to pull it off in one long strip.
- If the wall border is stubborn and won’t come off easily, use the warm water and dish soap mixture to saturate the border. Let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove it again.
- Once the wall border is removed, use the sponge and warm water to clean any remaining adhesive residue off the wall.
- Finally, dry the wall with a towel and touch up any paint or wallpaper that was damaged during the removal process.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
- Use a wallpaper steamer for easier removal.
- Be patient and take your time to avoid damaging the wall underneath.
- Use warm water and dish soap to help remove stubborn adhesive.
- Protect your hands with gloves while removing the wall border.
- Work in small sections to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Have a friend or family member help you if possible.
- Consider hiring a professional if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
- Use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive if you don’t have a wallpaper steamer.
- Use a plastic putty knife if you’re worried about damaging the wall.
- Use a primer before painting the wall to prevent any remaining adhesive from bleeding through.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Removing a wall border can update the look of your home.
- It’s a relatively easy and affordable DIY project.
- It’s a good opportunity to clean and refresh your walls.
Cons:
- Removing a wall border can be time-consuming and tedious.
- You run the risk of damaging the wall underneath if you’re not careful.
- If the wall border has been up for a long time, there may be stubborn adhesive residue left behind.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
After removing the wall border in my home, I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference it made. The room looked instantly updated and refreshed. However, the process was definitely more challenging than I anticipated. It took longer than I expected and I had to be careful not to damage the wall. Overall, I would recommend removing a wall border if you’re looking to update your home, but I would suggest doing your research and being prepared for a bit of a challenge.
Question & Answer
Q: Can I use a chemical adhesive remover instead of warm water and dish soap?
A: Yes, you can use a chemical adhesive remover, but be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow safety precautions.
Q: Will removing a wall border damage my drywall?
A: It’s possible to damage the drywall if you’re not careful, but if done correctly, it should not cause any damage.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to remove a wall border?
A: The length of time it takes to remove a wall border depends on the size of the room and the amount of border you’re removing. It could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
Q: Do I need to repaint the wall after removing the wall border?
A: It’s a good idea to touch up any paint or wallpaper that was damaged during the removal process, but you don’t necessarily need to repaint the entire wall.