Do painters clean the walls before they paint?

Makes the Wall Smooth

The foremost reason for cleaning your walls before painting is to make sure there is no uneven surface on the wall. Moisture and oil deposition significantly impact your walls, and if you paint before removing these, then it is unlikely that the fresh paint will last long. Therefore, it is necessary to remove any dust and grime from the wall to ensure long-lasting results from the new paint. 

On the other hand, if your walls consist of holes or cracks, then these aspects are required to be taken into account before painting the walls. In such cases, leveling up the wall is essential before proceeding with painting procedures. 

Cleans Stains and Smudges

Another major reason to clean your wall is to remove any stains or smudges that might be there on your wall. The area of the paint can be affected, or the stains might still be visible over the new paint. This not only ruins the aesthetics of your walls but also prevents your paint from having a lasting finish. 

So, now you know why cleaning your walls is essential. 

Steps to Clean Your Walls Before Painting

Professional painters recommend proper cleaning before they proceed with painting the walls. To ensure an optimal paint job, the painters follow these effective steps

Using the Best Cleaning Agent

Professional painters recognise the significance of cleaning walls before applying fresh paint. They know that removing dust, dirt, cobwebs, and stubborn stains is crucial for achieving a smooth and even finish. Therefore, they select the appropriate cleaning agent, such as ammonia, mild detergents, or wall cleaners, to tackle these issues. Mixing the cleaning agent with warm water creates an effective solution for achieving clean walls.

Sometimes, painters vacuum the walls or use a soft cloth to brush away particles. Experienced house painters in North Shore, for example, meticulously wipe down the walls to remove any stains or debris from the walls. In situations with excessive grime, they may employ pressure washing. The walls of your kitchen or dining area can consist of oil or grime. By creating a solution that can cut through the grease, they wipe the wall to achieve the desired result. 

In case of smoke stains, creating a mixture with water and baking soda can work wonders. Not only does it neutralise the smoke smell, but it also makes your wall fresh and clean. Your wall can also be affected due to mould and mildew. It is highly advised to never paint over these fungi as they can grow further and completely damage your walls. 

Cleaning walls helps in removing these fungi and improves the condition of your walls. Painters create a solution using one part bleach and three parts water and use a sponge or rag to wash the affected areas and then rinse them thoroughly using a clean, damp cloth.  Additionally, these professionals take extra precautions by removing furniture and covering it with plastic sheets to protect it from paint splatters. They usually wipe the wall in a gentle circular motion to maintain its condition and ensure it is cleaned properly. 

Scraping Off Old Paint

Removing old paint is a crucial step if you’re having your walls painted anew. Professional painters understand that the new coat of paint will only adhere properly and may appear lumpy and uneven if the old paint is adequately removed.

Professional painters know which tools to use depending on the area that needs attention. Experts manually scrape off the paint for smaller projects, while electric sanders or power scrapers are employed for larger areas. Once all visible areas have been scraped, painters use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate any remaining dust particles from corners and crevices.

Applying Caulk or Putty

Professional painters recognise the importance of proper wall preparation before applying fresh coats of paint. One essential step is to fill any gaps or openings in the walls with caulk or putty. These gaps can be easily identified when the walls have been thoroughly cleaned. 

By using a gentle scrubbing technique, the professionals loosen grime and dirt. They then seal gaps between trim pieces, door frames, or window sills using putty to ensure a flawless finish after painting. By applying caulk or putty, a smooth surface can be created. Painters further even up the surface by using a knife or their fingers. 

Priming the Walls

Professional painters prime the walls after a thorough cleaning to ensure an even application of paint throughout the walls. Priming is done to create a layer between the existing finish and the new coat of paint. It enhances adhesion and increases the longevity of the paint, protecting the walls from chipping or peeling.

Moreover, a wall primer helps in making the surface of your wall smooth and even. This helps the paint to stick to the wall and increases its durability after painting. 

Instances When You Can Skip Wall Cleaning

Although it is always recommended to clean your walls thoroughly before painting, there are some conditions you can skip this process:

• When there is no dust or debris on the wall
• No signs of stains, grime, or grease
• Walls have no mould or mildew
• The walls do not have any cracks or holes

In summary, professional painters prioritise proper cleaning and preparation of walls before painting. They utilise specialised wall cleaners or mild detergents, scrape off old paint, apply caulk or putty to fill gaps, and prime the walls. These steps ensure your house receives a flawless canvas for achieving the glossy paint finish you desire.