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If you’re installing new wallpaper and have leftover glue, you can remove unused wallpaper paste from the bucket or pan it’s in by letting it dry. If it’s an oil-based paste, seal it in a plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. Otherwise, toss the leftover wallpaper paste in the trash. Although it’s water-soluble, don’t rinse unused wallpaper paste down the sink because it could dry in the pipes and cause a blockage.

Wallpaper lasts an average of around 15 years, but there is some variance. The type of wallpaper matters, as vinyl wallpaper tends to last the longest—sometimes 20 years or more—while a peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is the easiest to install for DIYers, will usually only last for around five years. Exposure to high humidity, smoke, and UV rays from sunlight can also limit the lifespan of your wallpaper, as can heavy traffic in the installation area.

Removing a wallpaper border requires the same process to remove full walls of wallpaper. Clear the area, spray down the surface with your hot water and vinegar solution or store-bought spray, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then scrape it off with a putty knife. Sometimes, border wallpaper lifts easier than larger sheets, so you can just peel it right off the wall by hand.

You can paint over wallpaper, but it’s not usually recommended, especially if the wallpaper underneath is textured or dirty. If you do decide to paint your wallpaper, make sure it’s in good condition and clean it very well. Make sure all corners and edges of wallpaper are glued down before you paint, as well.