Grease is Paints Enemy: How To Clean Walls Before Painting...

Most of us are using latex paint on our walls and unlike oil-based and acrylic paints latex paint is not as sticky and nothing ruins a latex bond better than oil and grease. So, properly cleaning the walls before painting is crucial to achieve a good paint job that lasts longer.

Here are the steps to properly clean walls before painting:

Remove dust and cobwebs: Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and cobwebs from the walls, especially in the corners and along the ceiling line.

Protect floors and furniture: Cover the floors and any furniture in the room with drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect them from paint splatters or drips.

Spot clean stains: Use a damp cloth or sponge to spot clean any stains or marks on the walls. If the stains are stubborn, use a mild cleaning solution.

Wash the walls: Fill a bucket with warm water and a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of water and mild dish soap or better yet, TSP detergent which you can find at any hardware store. Dip a sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out thoroughly. Starting from the top of the wall, wipe down the wall in a circular motion, being careful not to saturate the wall with too much water.

Rinse the walls: After washing the walls, rinse them thoroughly with clean water using a clean sponge or cloth. Make sure to remove all the soap residue from the wall.

Allow the walls to dry: Allow the walls to air dry completely before starting to paint. You can also use a fan or open windows to speed up the drying process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the walls are properly cleaned and ready for painting. This will help the paint adhere better and result in a smoother and more durable finish.

TSP Detergent

What is TSP detergent?

TSP, or trisodium phosphate, is a powerful cleaning agent that is commonly used to clean and prepare surfaces for painting. Here is how TSP cleaner works:

TSP is a highly alkaline compound, which means it has a high pH level. When TSP is mixed with water, it creates a strong solution that is effective at breaking down and removing dirt, grime, and other types of buildup on surfaces.

The high pH level of TSP makes it effective at dissolving and removing grease, oil, and other contaminants from surfaces. It also helps to neutralize acids, which can be present on surfaces and can prevent paint from adhering properly.

TSP cleaner is particularly effective at cleaning surfaces that are stained or discolored, such as walls and ceilings that have nicotine or water stains. It can also be used to clean and prepare surfaces that are going to be painted, as it removes any existing paint residue, grease, or dirt that could prevent the new paint from adhering properly.

However, TSP can be harsh and potentially harmful if not used properly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using TSP and to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, to avoid skin and eye irritation. It is also important to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water after using TSP to remove any residue that could interfere with paint adhesion.