Introduction
As you prepare to have your walls painted, one of the most important steps is to ensure they are properly cleaned. Dust, dirt, and other debris can affect paint adhesion, causing it to peel or chip easily. Washing your walls before painting can also remove any stains or scuffs, resulting in a smoother and more even finish.
A clean surface without residue will help the paint adhere stronger and last longer. But what is the optimal way to wash walls before paint is applied? At Wade Paint Co., we strive to give all our customers the highest quality interior painting possible, so we take the cleaning of walls seriously. To create that ideal finished product of a beautiful room, we are extremely diligent in all of our prep work, including cleaning. In this article, we will explore the different cleaning solutions and techniques we recommend to ensure your walls are ready for painting.
Assess the walls
When it comes to painting your walls our first step is always an assessment of your entire house. Walls with holes, scrapes, or other damages need to be assessed before paint can be applied. Small holes and scrapes are things that we are going to take are of for you or you should fill yourself using recommended methods from your local hardware store. If you’re not a DIY pro and feel uneasy about fixing it yourself, it’s better to leave it to the experts. Here at Wade Paint Co., our skilled painters are ready to patch and repair any wall damage you may have, making sure the surface is perfectly smooth and ready to be painted. We know how important it is to have a flawless finish, and we’re dedicated to delivering top-quality results every time.
Remove dust and cobwebs
To get started, grab a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a gentle brush attachment and give your walls a once-over to get rid of any pesky dust and cobwebs. This step might seem small, but getting rid of loose debris is key to making sure your paint sticks to the wall as it should. So take a few minutes to sweep or vacuum before you begin the next step: wiping down the walls with soap.
Choose the right soap
Always choose a soap that won’t leave behind any residue. A residue left by soap can prevent the paint from properly adhering to the surface and dramatically shorten the lifecycle of your paint job. At Wade Paint Co., we recommend using mild soap, such as dish soap, or a specially formulated wall cleaner.
Mix soap and water
Now it’s time to mix up your soap solution! Grab a bucket and follow the instructions on the label to get the perfect dilution mixing warm water with your dish soap. Be sure to mix everything up really well so that there aren’t any spots with too much soap to avoid residues left behind on your walls. If the scrapes and scratches aren’t coming out then try grabbing a spray bottle and mixing 1 cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 gallon of warm water. This combination is not only used by us but also by some of the most professional outfits in the world to remove hard to remove stains. (1)
Test the solution
Before you start scrubbing your walls, it’s always a good idea to do a little spot test first. Just pick out a small, out-of-the-way spot to test your soap and water mixture on – that way, if anything goes wrong, it won’t be too noticeable. Give it a good scrub, and then take a look to make sure there’s no damage or discoloration to the paint or wall material. Once you’ve got the all-clear, you’re ready to tackle the rest of the wall!
Wash the walls
Grab a soft sponge or cloth and get to work! Start at the top of the wall and work your way down in small sections, using gentle circular motions to scrub away any dirt and grime. Be careful not to use too much water, though – you don’t want it to soak into the wall and cause any damage. Rinse your sponge or cloth frequently and change out the water as needed to make sure you’re not just spreading the dirt around.
Dry the walls
Once you’ve finished washing the walls, it’s important to dry them properly. Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any excess water. Make sure to dry the walls completely, as any remaining moisture can cause problems with the paint.
Conclusion
Washing your walls before painting is an important step when preparing your home for painting that can make a big difference in the final look and longevity of your paint job. At Wade Paint Co., we take pride in providing the highest quality interior painting services in Charleston, and that includes making sure that every job starts with a clean slate. If you are one of the many who own historic homes in Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Point, Mount Pleasant, or downtown Charleston, then be extra careful with the steps above so as not to create more issues with the home.
Forgetting to wash the walls is one of the more common mistakes we find DIY house painters making when working at home. However, there are a lot of little mistakes that seem unimportant that can throw off your home renovation project.
Our team of experts knows all the tricks of the trade when it comes to washing walls, so if you’re not up for tackling it yourself, we’ve got you covered. With our professional services, you can be sure that your walls will be thoroughly cleaned and ready for the perfect paint job.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward transforming your space!
Reference:
(1) https://www.maids.com/cleaning-hacks/tips-on-how-to-clean-walls/
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vinegar clean walls?
Yes, vinegar is an effective and natural cleaner for walls. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and apply to the wall using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with water and dry the wall thoroughly.
What is the best cleaner for painted walls?
Yes, vinegar is an effective and natural cleaner for walls. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and apply to the wall using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with water and dry the wall thoroughly.
