How to clean a wall before painting?
by
Mary
+7
Our furnace put a light residue on the bedroom wall. Do I try to clean with product, or do coats of primer?
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Wash down first with TSP.
Hi Mary, I had major smoke damage throughout my home and all I did was wipe my walls and ceiling down with a broom and a dust rag. This was over six months ago and I have no bleed through either through the white or the color paint.
If I had followed the advice of everyone I would have washed my walls and ceilings with TSP and then spent a literal fortune on Bin primer by Zinsor (nearly $100 a gallon).
We all have to make our own decisions when it comes to our homes but, to say the least, I'm glad I didn't follow everyone's advice in this case. Here is my post about it so you can see how bad my entryway was: https://www.grandmashousediy.com/smoke-damage/
I agree, try TSP first. If it still leaves a stain on the wall, use a primer before painting over.
I would use a stain blocking primer like KILZ then paint.
What is TSP?
I use Dollar Tree Awesome Orange in the half gallon, pick up the rubber kitchen gloves and a car sponge and wash the wall down. TSP is a deglosser prior to painting and is strong so if you go with that wear rubber gloves.