No DIY advice is ignored as often as the recommendation to thoroughly wash the walls before priming and painting.
And the immediate consequences of skipping the cleaning step aren’t always evident.
However, in general, warm, soapy water is typically the best approach.
The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
Read on for more tips and tricks onhow to clean wallsbefore painting.
Tip
What is the best thing to wash the walls with before painting?
you’ve got the option to’t go wrong with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid soap.
The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
Reserve TSP for walls caked with grease.
Not even pro painters are diligent about cleaning walls before they paint.
Professional Painters Usually Don’t Wash Walls
Professional painters hate washing walls.
The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
There are many good reasons for this.
For one reason, they’re not in the business of washingthey’re in the business of painting.
These places will have significant amounts of dust.
The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
Cleaning them will help thepainter’s tapestick.
Rinse
Immediately after washing, rinse the walls with clear water and a damp sponge.
Work in sections about 3 feet square.
The Spruce / Ruthie Darling
Let the solution sit for about two minutes on each section, then scrub again with TSP.
Immediately rinse each section with another sponge dampened in clean water.
TSP can sometimes stain wood floors, so protect them with drop cloths.
Also, keep the TSP off any surfaces that won’t be painted.
It is mildly caustic and may etch painted or stained woodwork.
Wearing rubber gloves is recommended.
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