Remove a self-adhesive border?

Pink.

I've already posted this on the 'In my home' board, but thought I'd try it here as well as you all seem to have such brilliant ideas...

In my sons room there is a self-adhesive (vinyl)border on the wall that's been there for about five years.

I want to redecorate the room but when I have tried to remove the border, it's taking the paint beneath it off the wall.

Does anyone have any tips to help avoid this?

Any ideas appreciated.

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Chris25

I think I remember seeing 'Handy Andy' or whoever using a sheet of brown paper over the border and then running a hot iron over it. As the glue heated up, it became very stringy & sticky and was easier to remove but whether that would work if the wall's been painted, I don't know.

16011996

i did it the above way, and it worked well, as the glue did go bit stringy, being vinyl, they don;t soak, tried that for ages.

Pink.

Chris and 160,

Thanks so much for this, I'll give it a go.

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16011996

good luck.

shelly

When you have got the border off use white spirit to remove the glue!!

;D ;D ;D

cathy_3

or nail varnish remover if its really stubborn

Pink.

Thank you all,

Knew you lot would come up trumps!

Going to try it tomorrow...........well actually I'm not.........do you think for a minute I would climb a step-ladder armed with a steam iron and a bottle of surgical spirit?

Will hopefully work my feminine wiles on Mr Pw and get him to do it instead!

Thanks again!

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ioscorpio

Tape adhesive from painted surface
Tools & Equipment:
WD40, solvent, cotton rags

Technique:
Spray WD40 on your cotton rag and apply to the tape. Test a spot first. Let the WD40 soak in first and gently rub the surface. Repeat a few times, make sure your careful not to scrub too hard and damage the paint. As a last resort, use a solvent or paint thinner. However, be aware that you may damage and or remove the paint using the solvent. Clean the spot when finished, otherwise the next paint job could be effected. WD40 is also good for removing crayon marks and stickers off glass or any surface. (Always test a spot first).

Beancounter

Sorry to bump an old thread but did anyone try the method described? I have borders in my bathroom and ensuite I need to remove and need a foolproof way of doing it.

Tried peeling back a small piece and all the paint is coming off.

Pink.

Hi beancounter,

Goodness, I'd forgotten all about this thread! It's a long time since I removed that border! It was a mothercare ABC border and he's nine now!

I got it off by using a hairdryer on a hot setting directly on the border. It heated the glue and the border came off very easily, leaving no residue or damaging the plaster.

Saying that, the one I was talking about was a vinyl self adhesive border in a child's room. If yours is stuck down with wallpaper paste, soaking it with water and using a wallpaper remover may be your best bet.

If you start a thread on the In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving board, I'm sure you'll get lots of expert advice from the DIY experts there.

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