Have you decided that you want to add a new coat of paint to your walls? Doing so is a good idea, but you shouldn’t rush the process. You’ll need to make sure that the walls are properly cleaned before moving forward. Below, you’ll find advice for cleaning your walls before painting them.
Cleaning Walls Before Painting Them
Ultimately, cleaning and preparing the walls are essential steps. Otherwise, the paint isn’t going to properly adhere to the surface. The best way to solve this problem depends on the surface you’re dealing with. When dealing with exterior surfaces, you can likely clean them with a pressure washer. It is tough so it’ll be able to stand up to the pressure. When dealing with drywall or paneling, you’ll need to be more cautious.
Tips For Preparing Walls Before Painting Them
Scrub Rinse
When you decide to paint your walls, you’ll want to start with a sponge and warm water. In many cases, this will be enough to fix the problem. Scrub the walls using the sponge. Make sure that you clean all corners and crevices. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to dry the surface before painting it.
Dealing With Mold
Unfortunately, some homes have mold and mildew. One way to remove mold and mildew is by using water and bleach. You’ll want to use one-part bleach and three-parts water. Don’t paint over mildew because it will continue growing.
Chemical Cleanse
You have to be careful when dealing with drywall. You need to protect its integrity. Depending on the situation, you may need to clean the surface using a commercial solution. For instance, you’ll want to try using TSP or Trisodium Phosphate. The cleaner will remove dirt, dust, scoot, and scuffs. It can help prepare the surface before you paint it.
Sanding
Remember that you’ll want to make sure that the surface is clean and smooth. Therefore, you may need to sand the surface in question. If you’ve noticed peeling paint or uneven walls, you’ll need to sand the surface. Doing so will make it smooth. Then, you can begin painting the surface.
Preparing Exterior Surfaces
Are you going to be painting an exterior surface? If so, you have two options. First and foremost, you can try using a power washer. Ultimately, this is one of the best ways to tackle the problem. Using a pressure washer is quick and convenient. Alternatively, you can use TSP and manpower. You’ll need to use the TSP to clean the surface before painting it.
What Is Needed
Ultimately, you’ll need a few supplies before painting your walls. For instance, you’re going to need a sponge and warm water. Depending on the method you use, you may also need a bottle of bleach or TSP. Finally, you may want to use a power washer to clean exterior walls and other surfaces.
Ready To Go?
Once you’ve finished preparing the surface, you can paint it. However, it isn’t easy. With that being said, you may find that it is easier to hire a professional. Doing so is an easy way to take care of the problem without breaking a sweat. If you’ve got extra money to spend and you want to save time, it would be a good idea to hire a pro. They’ll take care of the issue for you and ensure you get a perfect finish.