How do I remove a border at the top of the wall without damaging the paint?

Question

I just got a place and there was a hideous decor border added to the top of the walls. I was told it was put on with wallpaper glue. How do I remove it without removing or damaging existing paint job? What will I need to get, and how do I do it? (step 1, 2, 3).

Answer 1

Go to Home Depot, Lowe's, local hardware store, or even a paint store and ask for wall paper remover and follow the directions. It's pretty easy with the gel or spray. Just be sure to use a plastic spatula, not the metal ones.

Answer 2

Step one-  Pull off the top layer

Step two-  Spray the paper backing until really wet, and let sit.

Step three-  Scrape off paper, and wash wall with fabric softener and water.

Answer 3

If you have an iron with a steam setting simply hold the iron an inch away from the border and press the steam button until the paper is moist.  Tear the paper away (you can use a plastic putty knife if you want) and if neccessary do it again on the glue that remains on the wall.

Then use a rag and a degreaser to clean off any residue.

As far as not damaging the existing paint - it really just depends on how they primed/painted/glued it on.  Sometimes you can get the border off with no damage and sometimes you can't.