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Remove a self-adhesive border?

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.

Pink

Comments

  • Chris25
    Chris25 Posts: 12,918 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic I've been Money Tipped!
    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
    16011996 Posts: 8,313 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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.
    Pink. Posts: 17,651 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Chris and 160,

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

    Pink
  • 16011996
    16011996 Posts: 8,313 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    good luck.
  • shelly
    shelly Posts: 6,394 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    When you have got the border off use white spirit to remove the glue!!

    ;D ;D ;D
    :heart2: Love isn't finding someone you can live with. It's finding someone you can't live without :heart2:
  • cathy_3
    cathy_3 Posts: 1,500 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    or nail varnish remover if its really stubborn

    :D
  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,651 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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!

    Pink
  • ioscorpio
    ioscorpio Posts: 2,360 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    Beancounter Posts: 1,076 Forumite
    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.
    Pink. Posts: 17,651 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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! :D

    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.

    Pink
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