Fungus or mold growth: If the paint is exposed to conditions that are conducive to the growth of fungus or mold, it can become discolored or develop a white appearance. This can be caused by high humidity, poor ventilation, or the presence of organic material such as wood or paper.
One way to clean stains is with warm water and a mild detergent or soap mixture. Simply mix the ingredients together, apply them to a rag, sponge or even paper towel, and rub at the stain. Make sure to rub firmly but not enough to damage your paint. For stubborn stains, we recommend using a rag or soft sponge.
There is a caulk and painters tape trick that worked well for me. First you place the tape then apply caulk thinly on the side you are painting then brush the paint on. Left a nice straight line on my uneven ceiling where walls meet.
How to fix uneven or blotchy paint: No matter how many additional coats of paint you add, this problem likely requires going back to the drawing board. If you run into uneven or blotchy paint, the best thing to do is start over.
Or anything overly abrasive for that matter. Magic erasers are particularly rough on painted walls because they are chemically abrasive. Even the most durable finishes will come off if you scrub them with a magic eraser. A sponge or damp cloth is more than sufficient for cleaning painted walls.
White wine vinegar is the age-old solution to every stain and you can use it to clean painted walls as well. If the stain on your painted walls is refusing to come out with water and detergent, then your next option is to use a white vinegar solution.
Run down discoloration will usually weather away in a few months. However, discoloration in protected areas can become darker and more difficult to remove with time. In these cases, wash the discolored areas with a mild detergent soon after the problem develops. Paint cleaners are effective on darker stains.
Ghosting is when damp air and particulates like soot and dust condense on a wall or ceiling in streaks or lines. Ghosting can result from poor ventilation, improper insulation, humidity, and a high concentration of particulates in the air.
The discoloration of walls can be diffuse, or appear as “ghosting” - a darkened line along the studs in the walls. Discoloration is caused by accumulation of small particles that are present in the air of homes. Vacuuming or washing usually cannot remove discoloration.
The best way to clean your walls is to use a mixture of white vinegar (1/2 cup) and warm water (2 cups), and you can add a few drops of liquid dish soap for a deeper clean if your walls are very dirty or stained. For wood walls, add 2 tablespoons of lemon oil or an oil soap to the mix.
To clean painted walls without leaving streaks, mix a few drops of mild detergent with warm water. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe the walls from top to bottom using circular motions. Rinse the cloth regularly and dry the walls with a clean towel to absorb excess moisture.
So while the Magic Eraser works wonders around the house, you should not, under any circumstances, use them on any painted, shiny, or delicate surfaces of your car!
First, roller marks are a common culprit. These can occur when the paint roller isn't fully immersed in the paint or is applied unevenly, leaving a patchy, streaky appearance once the paint has dried. Second, brush marks are another common cause of streaks.
Lightly sand the troublesome area with 150-grit sandpaper, then tack the walls. That's painter lingo for “Wipe it with a cloth to get rid of dust.” (Easier than the lingo makes it sound!) Then re-paint the area, maintaining a wet edge—meaning, don't let the paint dry until you finish the wall.