Removing borders

In message , Stephen writes

Can you scratch the surface?

Many years ago I had an early attempt at a glue spreader tool. This had a stiff steel blade with coarse triangular serrations and was ideal for scratching the paper surface without damaging the plaster.

You might be able to knock one up from a discarded hard point saw (using your angle grinder:-)

Water can then soak into the paper and soften the glue.

regards

Stephen submitted this idea :

Stanley knife and make lots of score marks through the paint onto the paper, to allow the water to penetrate.

Angle grinder? Pressure washer? ;-)

But seriously, score it well and use a steam stripper, Earlex or similar. Steam strippers are very effective, and with other accessories they can be useful for a lot of other household and DIY tasks.

Scrape a handsaw sideways across the painted paper, to scratch the paint. Spray water on it, allow to soak in then use a steamer.

Or a tiger claw that makes multiple holes in the border to let the water through. Ask about them in a proper decorating store.

Dave

Yes, they work very well, and you're less likely to damage the plaster with one of those.

Be careful with a steamer if the wall is plasterboard!

Or if the plaster is old and tired. It can pop the finish coat off.

SteveW

Or even at B&Q!:

David

In message , Stephen writes

Go forth and multiply.

My son, when small, loved peeling borders off, and I've no idea why :-)

Because even he thought they were hideous :)

Although my daughter was the same with the wallpaper in the hallway should loved picking it and pulling it!

Appreciate all the posts. I get a scorer and a steamer and hopefully that will get the suckers off!