How to clean walls with Satin paint?
Question:My walls are antique white but since my fiance smokes inside, the walls look dingy and stained. There are also smudges on the walls. What can I use to clean and brighten up the walls without the satin paint rubbing off?
Answers:
Sudsing ammonia is the best for this, much better than Mr. Clean et. al. It cuts through any surface oils that keep dirt clinging to the walls. Make sure you work with open windows while using ammonia.
When washing, go top down since you will inevitably get some drippage that can cause rework on lower walls. Wash with a washcloth and keep a dry towel nearby to wipe up extra wet areas.
I do not recommend those Magic Erasers since they are micro abrasive blocks that can dull the finish of paint surfaces.
Try the Mr. Clean Erasers. They work really good.
It depends on how dirty and what you're trying to clean. Most paints are not scrubbable. They can be washed, but scrubbing will change the surface texture of the paint. That's what is noticeable. If 409 or such won't get it clean, it may need to be repainted.
Get some T.S.P. made by Custon Building Products. You can find it at hardware stores or janitorial supply stores. Mix according to the package directions. Work from the bottom of the wall up as it does such a good job, you won't be able to get rid of the run marks if you start at the top. I used this on semi gloss enamel. You might inquire before you buy about cleaning satin paint with it. Oh, make fiance do the work!
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