What is a good way of cleaning walls prior to painting?

It's time to bring some color to your bathroom or kitchen. Before you get out the brush and the rollers, make sure you give the desired surface an extensive cleaning.

What is an effective method to clean walls prior to painting? Learn how to scrub your walls prior to painting.

How to clean walls prior to painting?

Unsure whether you should or need to wash your walls prior to painting? While it may appear as a chore to do, cleaning is essential since paint adheres most effectively to clean surfaces, which will increase its longevity. The best method to prepare the surface for painting is often based on the state of the substrate.

The exterior surfaces are usually more durable and can withstand the force of a washer, but wood paneling, drywall, and stucco, as well as other indoor materials, must be handled a bit more delicately.

Here are ways to prepare the walls when painting:

Give it a good basic scrub and rinse.

In most cases, the use of warm water and a sponge are all you require to ready a wall to be painted. Clean the wall, and make sure you clean corners thoroughly. However, add a detergent that cuts grease to the water to get rid of scratches and smears. Clean it with a moist towel, and then allow the drying process to complete prior to painting. This simple cleaning method is great for adding a new coat of paint to an area that has already been painted.

Get rid of mold and mildew.

If there's a residual build-up of mold or mildew (possible when repainting a basement, bathroom, or another space with humidity), make an aqueous solution with three parts water to one part bleach. If you don't follow this procedure, the untreated mildew may grow through the paint and harm the new coating.

A Chemical Clean

When you are undertaking a major remodel where contaminants, chemicals, and other substances could affect the strength of your drywall, it's recommended to clean your walls thoroughly using a more durable solution. Make use of a commercial cleaner like Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned. TSP gets rid of dirt and grime, as well as scuffs and soot and other forms of dirt. It's a little more costly, but it will give you an area that is as clean as it can be.

Sanding to create a smooth finish

When working with an older surface or that has chipped paint, smooth or even areas are crucial. Use fine-grain sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out any imperfections or bumps, and then wipe the dust off using the help of a cloth. Paint will stick better on smooth surfaces.

Exterior Preparation

If you're planning to paint the exterior siding of your house, there are two options to clean the exterior. The most labor intensive and easiest option is to utilize an electric power washer to blast all over the house. The power washer will do an excellent job of getting rid of mildew, dirt, and other things; however, it can leave out some particulars or cause damage to the siding if it is used incorrectly.

The alternative is to scrub manually using a TSP solution to make sure that the surface is clean. It will be more affordable than hiring a power washer; however, it is more time- and labor intensive.

How do you clean your walls prior to painting?

Here are the least- and most-intensive types of products needed for painting prep:

• Sponge and warm water
• Sponge and warm water with an added detergent
• Bleach solution to fight mildew (3 parts water, 1 part bleach)
• Chemical cleaner or TSP
• Power washer (exterior wall/siding only)