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Rubbing alcohol may help dissolve stubborn wallpaper adhesive that remains after removal, but be sure to apply it carefully to prevent damaging your walls. Apply a small amount using a cotton swab or pad, then gently scrape or wipe the adhesive away.

We don’t recommend wallpapering over older paper. That’s because creating layers of glue can invite bubbling or excess moisture on the wall’s surface. You should also prime your wall before applying wallpaper and smooth the wall as much as you can, and another layer of wallpaper complicates this process.

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.

While you can remove wallpaper yourself, it is a labor-intensive process that risks damaging your walls. Common DIY methods include using a steamer to loosen the adhesive or spraying the paper with a solution of hot water and vinegar or dish soap before scraping. However, steamers can cause irreparable damage if used incorrectly, and the spray-and-scrape method can harm drywall if it gets too wet or you scrape too aggressively. For these reasons, hiring a professional is often the fastest, easiest, and safest option. A pro has the experience and specialized tools to remove wallpaper efficiently without damaging the underlying surface, which saves time and minimizes the prep work needed for your next wall treatment.