In many instances, warm water and a sponge is all you need to make a wall paint-ready. Scrub the wall surface and be sure to clean corners and nooks well. But add a grease-cutting detergent to the water to remove scuffs and smears. Wipe clean with a damp towel afterward and allow it to dry completely before painting.
Method: Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Wipe down walls, trim, and any other surfaces where you'll be painting to remove dirt, grease, and grime. Tools: TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a degreaser, sponge. Method: For tougher stains or grease spots, use TSP or a commercial degreaser.
Trisodium Phosphate. It's sold in a powdered form and needs to be diluted in water. It works very well at removing grease, dirt, and prepping walls for new paint. But, it's caustic and some have objections to using phosphates. Use with proper protection.
Don't waste your money on such cleaners, if you ever need to clean before painting, I'd suggest a mild solution of dawn dish soap and rinse well, maybe a few tablespoon of bleach if you have heavy staining or mildew present. Sleep well your paint will last longer than you can imagine.
I always used aerosol window cleaner as paint prep when I worked auto body. Always had great results and it seemed to kill the static too.
An effective technique used by many professional painters to wash walls is to use a slightly wet sponge with warm water and a residual cleaning agent, such as dish soap. This method is highly effective for general wall cleaning.
Painting and Staining
The acidic qualities of the vinegar will clean and degrease the surface and help the paint adhere.
Washing Walls
Cleaning 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.
Stick with Warm Water or Mild Soap
Glossy paint: All-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water. White paint: Baking soda and water. Latex paint: Dish soap and water, or vegetable oil-based cleaner. Oil-based paint: White vinegar, or dish soap and water.
Wet your walls before you scrub them, then wash them with a mixture of 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of chlorine bleach, and 1 cup of either a concentrated, phosphate-free cleaner, such as a trisodium phosphate substitute, or Jomax House Cleaner. Work from the bottom to the top to avoid streaks.
Wash off dirt, grease, soap and oil buildup with the appropriate cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Remove loose paint and powdery substances. Patch holes and cracks with spackling or patching compound. Allow to dry, then sand smooth.
Simple Green Surface Prep cleans and degreases surfaces prior to painting to remove the dirt, grease and unseen oils that cause paint to be uneven, crack or peel. The phosphate-free formula is a safer alternative to TSP.
Clean surfaces with soap and water or with cleaning products appropriate for use on the surface.
For example, you'll find that acetone is good for removing stubborn stains on porcelain, paint, and melted plastic on surfaces. On the other hand, denatured alcohol is best for cleaning plastic and dissolving the finish on surfaces without damaging the underlying paint.
Once you have removed any old paint or wallpaper, wash down the surfaces that you plan to paint with diluted washing-up liquid and hot water.
Do Professional Painters Wash Walls Before Painting? In most cases, professional painters don't wash walls with a detergent solution to avoid damaging the drywall or trim.
Stabilising Solution is a water-based low odour concrete primer and render primer used to prepare surfaces prior to painting. This product is very easy to apply and dries very quickly. There is no need to dilute before use, simply apply via masonry roller or brush.
When mixed with water to create an alkaline solution, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover. It's also used to prep painted surfaces for refinishing or repainting, as it can both de-gloss paint and remove flaking or peeling areas.
Experts agree that 24 hours is best. Not letting the walls dry can result in issues like peeling or bubbling paint.
While it is not required, our professionals highly recommend pressure washing before painting.
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which can soften the bond between paint and wood. Now, this isn't some miracle agent that will melt the paint off in seconds—vinegar doesn't work like a chemical stripper. But with a little patience and the right approach, it can certainly help.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!
Warm, soapy water is usually your best bet. Fill up a bucket and use a sponge to gently rub the wall, starting from the base and working your way up.