How Should Walls Be Cleaned Prior to Painting?

You've finally decided it's time to add some color to the kitchen or bathroom. Before using brushes and rollers, you should thoroughly clean the intended surface.

However, what is the best method for cleaning walls prior to painting? Learn to clean your walls before painting by reading on.

How to Wash Walls Prior to Painting

Not sure if you should clean your walls before painting or how to do so? Although it may seem tedious, washing is an essential step since paint adheres best to a clean surface, hence increasing its endurance. The optimal method for preparing a surface for painting frequently depends on the surface's state.

Typically, exterior surfaces are more resilient and can withstand the force of a pressure washer, whereas drywall, wood paneling, stucco, and other inside materials require a bit more care.

Here are tips for preparing walls to be painted:

Give It a Fundamental Scrub and Rinse

In many cases, warm water and a sponge are sufficient to prepare a wall for painting. Scrub the wall surface, paying special attention to crevices and recesses. To remove scuffs and smudges, though, add a grease-cutting detergent to the water. After cleaning with a damp towel, allow the surface to dry fully before painting. This inexpensive cleaning is ideal for applying a new coat of paint to a previously painted room.

Eliminate Mold and Mildew

Use a mix of three parts water to one part bleach to remove any remaining mildew or mold (possible when painting a bathroom, basement, or other humid places). If this step is neglected, untreated mildew could penetrate the new coating and cause damage.

A Chemical Wash

During a large-scale restoration, when particles, chemicals, and other substances may compromise the drywall's structural integrity, it is best to thoroughly wash the walls with a more robust cleaner. Use a commercial cleaner like Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) to ensure a thorough cleaning. TSP eliminates dirt, grime, scratches, soot, and every other type of soiling. This method is a bit more expensive, but it produces the cleanest surface conceivable.

For a Smooth Finish, Sanding

When working on an older surface or one with flaking paint, it is essential to sand rough or uneven regions. Utilize fine-grain sandpaper and a sanding block to remove any lumps or abnormalities, then wipe away any dust with a rag. Paint sticks more effectively to smooth surfaces.

Exterior Readiness

When painting the home's external siding, there are two techniques to clean the surface. The first and least labor-intensive option is to spray down the entire residence with a power washer. If done poorly, the high pressure does an adequate job of cleaning dirt, mold, and anything else, but can miss some fine details or damage siding.

The alternate way to ensure that everything is immaculate is to scrub by hand with TSP solution. This will be less expensive than renting a pressure washer but will require more time and effort.

Cleaning Walls Prior to Painting

From least expensive to most expensive, the following goods are required for painting preparation:

• The use of warm water and a sponge
• Warm water and a sponge with detergent are added.
• Bleach remedy for mold (3-parts water, 1-part bleach)
• TSP or chemical disinfectant
• Power washing (just exterior siding/walls)