TSP is also a cleaner. Even though you may not think your walls are dirty, chances are there is more there than you realize. By using TSP to clean walls before painting, painting contractors in Alamo know the surfaces are free of dust and dirt and know paint will adhere properly the first time.
Always be sure to completely rinse TSP from the walls (and let the walls dry) before you paint; otherwise, the new paint won't adhere properly. Rinse the solution with a clean, damp sponge and you should end up with a beautiful paint job.
Washing your walls and trim will remove grime, cobwebs, dust and stains that can prevent your paint from adhering. Use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse your walls using a slightly damp cellulose sponge.
Damage to certain surfaces: Avoid cleaning with TSP in the bathroom; it can damage metal, ceramic tile, grout, and glass. And as discussed above, it's not suitable for painted surfaces.
Trisodium phosphate is a powerful cleaner and degreaser. It's ideal for cleaning dirt, fingerprints and grease from walls. If you plan to paint your walls, trisodium phosphate is a good choice for thoroughly cleaning the walls so the fresh paint sticks properly.
Standard TSP must be rinsed away with clean water. Depending on how dirty the surface is, several rinses may be necessary. As a general rule, if the water in the rinse bucket is dirty, it is worth your effort to rinse the wall again with clean water. No-rinse TSP is fairly new invention.
Trisodium phosphate is a strong detergent -- so strong that it can cause skin burns. There's no doubt that it will get your walls clean, whether they're plaster, drywall, masonry or wood, but it's too strong to use as an all-purpose cleaner.
Mix a cleaning solution in a bucket. About 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent to one gallon of warm water makes an effective cleaner to remove grease, tobacco smoke and grime. Borax or ammonia with warm water will also work.
You should clean with TSP before chipping/sanding. TSP will clean the dirt and grease off the surface of the item before you grind the dirt and grease into the pores by chipping and sanding. But cleaning afterwards is better than not cleaning at all.
Instead of TSP, I like to clean my walls with a simple solution of warm water and Dawn soap (or any dish soap). Dawn is available anywhere and many homes already have it on hand, making it easier than TSP. It breaks down grease and leaves your walls incredibly clean.
Mix water and dish soap
Now that the dust is wiped away, it's time to wash walls. Fill one bucket with a gallon of warm water and mix clear liquid hand or dish soap and water in the other. Soak a cloth in the solution, and wring it out well.
If you are looking for a more natural trisodium phosphate substitute, borax can be a fine replacement. It doesn't require all the safety measures of TSP and is inexpensive, easy to use and it won't hurt the environment. Borax can kill fungus and strip away dirt and grease on porous surfaces such as wood and cement.
Step #3: Sand Surfaces Before Painting
For previously painted water-based paint, sand with a fine-grit sandpaper. For oil-based paint, a medium-grit sandpaper (100- to 150-grit) should be used.
When prepping for a paint job, TSP can clean and de-gloss painted surfaces and remove peeling, flaking old paint. Inside the house, TSP works well on the stubborn sort of grease-meets-dirt gunk typically found after pulling an old stove or fridge away from the wall.
Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is an exceptional cleaner for an array of uses including removing grease and paint from concrete and brick, prepping walls for painting and preparing walls for wallpapering.
Mix one part white vinegar with one part hot water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the grease. Allow it to set for several minutes and then wipe with a clean rag. Work in small areas and repeat as many times as necessary to get the wall clean.
Vinegar is an excellent solution for natural from trisodium phosphate cleaners. It is a superb wall degreaser suitable for cleaning cabinets before painting. This process is relatively easy and efficient.
Trisodium phosphate — also known as TSP — is a heavy-duty cleaning agent that removes grease and dirt while killing mold. Like TSP, borax successfully cleans a variety of surfaces as well as removes mold and mildew. However, borax consists of sodium borate and does not contain harsh chemicals.
Trisodium phosphate, also called TSP, is a tough cleaning agent available at home improvement stores. It is used to remove grease, stains, soap scum, and black mold from a variety of surfaces both inside and outside the home. Always use TSP in a well-ventilated area with safety goggles and rubber gloves.
Use a strong solution of TSP (Tri-sodium Phosphate) mixed with water with a ratio of 1:15 (TSP: Water). You can also try using a non-phosphate substitute for water. Use a dry non-abrasive scrubber, a soft brush or a sponge to rub the solution on the area of the wall which requires cleaning.
On drywalls, 120- or 150-grit sandpaper is probably your best bet, and sand using only light-to-moderate pressure. A very important tip is to close the door of the room where you're working, so the dust and debris from the drywall doesn't settle throughout the rest of the house.
Because it's such a mild cleaner, dish soap is an ideal first line of attack for dirty walls. A mixture of 1 ounce of your favorite dish detergent per gallon of warm water removes general dirt from most surfaces as well as smudges from walls with a gloss or semi-gloss finish.
First, gently dab a stain with a damp rag or non-abrasive sponge, as it may come off without the need of soap or a cleaner. If that doesn't work, dip a damp cloth in dry baking soda or a solution of baking soda and water, then gently scrub the mark. Use a stronger chemical cleaner if needed, but only after testing.