Before we paint, give your walls a spa day! The secret to a stunning paint job goes beyond the paint itself – it's about the prep work. Cleaning your walls before painting is a crucial step that often gets overlooked, but it can make a world of difference in the final result.
Why Clean Walls Matter
- Adhesion: Dirt, dust and grease create a barrier between your walls and the new paint, preventing proper adhesion and leading to peeling or chipping.
- Smooth Finish: Even small debris can create bumps and inconsistencies in the application of the paint. Cleaning ensures a smooth, even surface for a flawless finish.
- True Color: Dirt and grime can dull the vibrancy of your paint color and create subtle variations. Cleaning ensures the true color shines through – providing you the beautiful results you envisioned.
What should I use to clean walls before painting?
Here's our quick and easy guide to get your walls squeaky clean and ready for their makeover:
1. Gather your supplies:
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Warm water White vinegar
- Bucket
- Sponges or microfiber cloths
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Ladder (if needed)
2. Protect your space:
- Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and furniture from spills.
- Remove any artwork, curtains or other items from the walls.
3. Protect yourself:
- Safety first! Remember to disconnect the power before cleaning near any outlets or switches.
4. Dust and wipe:
- Use a duster or dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and cobwebs from walls and ceilings.
- Pay special attention to corners, baseboards and trim. You may want to use your vacuum cleaner here first.
5. Wash:
- Mix a mild detergent or dish soap with warm water in a bucket.
- Starting from the top, gently wash the walls with a sponge or microfiber cloth, working your way down.
- Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
6. Dry thoroughly:
- Allow the walls to dry completely before painting. Any remaining moisture can affect the paint's adhesion and drying time.
Use A Simple and Effective Wall Cleaning Solution
Here’s a solution you can use to remove stains from walls.
Ingredients:
- 4 liters of warm water
- 125 ml distilled white vinegar
- 5 ml mild dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a bucket.
- Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth into the solution, wring out excess.
- Gently wipe down walls from top to bottom.
- Rinse the sponge/cloth frequently in clean water.
- For stubborn spots, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping.
- Dry walls with a clean cloth after cleaning.
Remember to always test this solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the paint.
Do you have some stubborn stains to tackle? Here’s how you can do it:
- Coffee or Tea Stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes before gently blotting with a clean cloth.
- Fingerprints and Smudges: A simple solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap often does the trick. Gently wipe the area with a damp cloth.
- Crayon Marks: For crayon masterpieces, try rubbing gently with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda.
Do professional painters wash walls before painting?
Not all professional painters are the same. We give the highest quality paint job we can, which means making sure the home is prepped properly before we paint. If our team finds walls to be dirty, we will take the time to properly clean and prep them, or apply a stain-blocking primer if necessary. However, cleaning and letting the wall dry before painting takes extra time, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to minimize job time.
Ready for a flawless finish?
Find out how quickly and easily your prepped walls can have a professionally painted finish. Contact WOW 1 DAY PAINTING today online or at 1-800-WOW-1DAY for a free estimate.
