Clean Slate

We’ve all been there — you get excited about a new home reno project and before you know it, you’re slathering paint on something before you’ve done the proper prep work.

Cleaning whatever surface you plan to paint is a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped; it helps prevent future chipping and peeling and provides a smoother surface for paint to adhere to.

Here’s a quick guide on how to clean popular types of surfaces before you start the painting process:

Walls:

Most walls in your home will survive without a deep clean; just wipe down any areas with noticeable stains, dirt or cobwebs with clean warm water and you’re good to go. The kitchen needs a bit more love because of the airborne grease or oil that has likely popped onto your walls or cabinets during meal prep. Here, warm water with some grease-cutting detergent will do the trick. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. If there is mold or mildew, that needs to be taken care of before paint is applied. The best way to do this is by treating it with four parts water and one part household bleach. Use a big sponge to wipe the solution on, let it set for a minute and then rinse with clean water. Ensure you give it ample time to dry.

Furniture:

If your furniture is wood, the best thing to use is a woodspecific cleaner to get all the dirt and dust off of it. After allowing time for the cleaner to dry, you can then give your piece a once-over with a rag and some clean water.

Metal:

Metal surfaces are a bit trickier when rust is involved. If that’s the case, you first need to tackle the rusted areas with a wire brush to try and remove as much of the powdery rust surface as you can, and then prime with a rust-inhibitive primer.

Glass:

Wash the glass with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt, dust or grimy fingerprints. Then rinse it off and let it dry completely. Next, put a small amount of rubbing alcohol or white vinegar on a paper towel and wipe down the glass to get rid of any remaining soap. Once the glass dries, it is ready for paint.