If your walls are newly plastered here s what you need to know before painting over them.
What to clean plaster walls with before painting.
Combine mild dish soap and cool water in one bucket.
For surfaces that have exposure to oil or grime like kitchen walls wash with a solution of water and grease cutting detergent and follow up with clean water to remove any residual cleaning agent.
To clean walls that are painted with flat paint mix a few drops of dish detergent with a half gallon of water.
You first need to seal new plaster to make it less absorbent and to help the topcoat adhere.
Follow by washing the surface with a well dampened sponge.
Some experts recommend mixing in a little vinegar then cleaning with fresh water then repeating the process three times allow the cleaned walls or ceiling to thoroughly dry before applying a sealer coat.
Dip a sponge in the water and wring it out completely to avoid leaving streaks.
Consider a baking soda paste or commercial cleaner.
Clean walls before painting to ensure that the paint will properly adhere to the surface.
Wash the walls in a methodical manner.
Fill a sponge with soapy water and wring it out well before.
As noted above most paint manufacturers recommend that you clean walls with at least mild detergent and water before painting.
Although modern paints are so good that they bond well to almost any surface it will adhere best to surfaces that are perfectly clean and smooth.
For a baking soda paste mix cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water.
Mix thoroughly and then apply it to the sponge.
Once again test this solution on a less noticeable part of the wall before using it.
Prepare a mixture of warm water and a mild soap detergent.
Place newspapers on the floor up next to the wall.
Sand the walls with a fine grit sanding block to smooth and dull the surface.
How to wash walls with soap and water.
Cleaning cigarette smoke from walls with vinegar using pure vinegar is an excellent way to cut through the worst nicotine residue stains as the acetic acid breaks down the stain plus it helps in removing the stale smell.
Rub that sponge vertically down the wall working one section at a time.
Use a caulking gun to apply a bead of latex painter s caulk to small cracks.
Fill another bucket with cool water only.