Effective paint prep requires the right combination of cleaners, abrasives, and fillers to ensure maximum adhesion and a smooth finish. The exact materials depend on your project:
Choose alcohol (isopropyl or denatured) for wiping down existing painted surfaces, fiberglass, or plastics before painting, as it won't melt or dissolve the base material. Use acetone only on bare metal or raw, sturdy surfaces, as its aggressive strength melts plastics and will strip existing paint.
Simple Green is an environmentally safe alternative for TSP that is also not an irritant. It is a liquid cleaner that can clean an array of surfaces and material. Simple Green cleans and cuts grease well and there are a variety of formulations for different applications.
Rubbing alcohol will not damage a car's paint when used sparingly and in moderation. Diluting rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to 20% concentration with distilled water is an excellent way to ensure the paint is oil-free before applying a car wax, paint sealant, or ceramic coating.
Reserve a wet wash down for extreme cases or very dirty rooms. In this case, you can use a light detergent like Dawn dish soap combined with warm water to wash the walls with a damp sponge or rag.
Professional painters use heavy-duty cleaners like Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or TSP substitutes to cut through deep grease, smoke, and soot. For standard walls, they prefer a simple mix of warm water and mild dish soap to avoid harsh chemicals.
Surfaces to avoid with Dawn® Powerwash: Marble countertops, sink basins, and backsplashes. Wood, including unsealed, varnished, stained, or painted wood surfaces & furniture.
The "best" paint prep cleaner depends entirely on your project. For automotive and metal detailing, professional wax and grease removers are essential. For household walls and cabinets, degreasers and TSP substitutes work best.
Yes, you can absolutely mix rubbing alcohol and Dawn dish soap. In fact, combining them—often with water—is a popular DIY cleaning hack used to cut through tough grease, disinfect surfaces, and create a homemade alternative to commercial cleaners like Dawn Powerwash.
70% IPA is best for disinfecting surfaces, skin, and medical environments. 99% IPA is best for electronics, solvents, and moisture-sensitive applications. Higher alcohol concentration does not mean better disinfection. Water content is essential for effective microbial kill.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) was banned in laundry and dishwasher detergents across many states and countries because the phosphorus it contains causes severe environmental damage to waterways.
The best solution for cleaning walls is mild soap and warm water, as the soap will work hard to remove grime without harming the painted surfaces.
Borax is a considered a more natural alternative to TSP. Sodium borate (as its called by chemists) is also alkaline and also consists of white colorless crystals that dissolve in water.
The best solvent for paint prep is a specialized Wax & Grease Remover. These are carefully formulated to dissolve contaminants—like oils, silicones, and road tar—without leaving a residue or damaging underlying surfaces. Using general hardware solvents (like mineral spirits) can leave behind films that prevent paint from adhering.
The key difference between acetone and IPA is that acetone has a C=O. bond in the middle of the chemical structure, whereas isopropyl alcohol has a C-OH group in the middle of the chemical structure. Despite the differences in structures between acetone and IPA, both are highly soluble.
Denatured alcohol is a versatile solvent in painting, used primarily to clean surfaces before painting, thin shellac or alcohol-based inks, and clean brushes and tools. Because it evaporates rapidly without leaving an oily residue, it is a favorite among painters for the following specific applications:
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
People put crumpled aluminum foil in the dishwasher primarily as a hack to make silver or stainless steel utensils and cutlery look shinier.
If you want to ditch Dawn, your best non-toxic alternatives are plant-based, biodegradable liquids or concentrated mineral formulas. These products use plant-derived surfactants to cut grease without relying on synthetic dyes, fragrances, or harsh preservatives.
10 Mistakes to Avoid While Painting your Homes!
What Is the Hardest Wall Color To Paint Over? For many professional painters, red and black remain among the hardest wall colors to paint over because of their strong pigmentation and coverage challenges. However, yellow, navy blue, dark green, and glossy finishes can also create major repainting difficulties.
Yes, you should wash walls before painting. Cleaning removes dust, grease, and fingerprints, preventing these contaminants from acting as a barrier between the wall and the new paint. Skipping this step can cause the paint to peel, bubble, or streak.
Using pine tar in baseball is both legal and illegal depending on how it is used. For batters, it is legal, with some exceptions. For pitchers, it is completely illegal. For a more in-depth description of the rules for batters and pitchers, we have included MLB's official rules below.
Always be sure to completely rinse TSP from the walls (and let the walls dry) before you paint. If you don't, the new paint won't adhere properly. Rinsing the solution with a clean, damp sponge should be all you need to end up with a beautiful paint job.