Can washing your painted walls ruin them? Often kids may splash drinks or rub sticky snacks on your walls. There are a number of scenarios that can cause walls to get dirty and require some cleaning, even some intense scrubbing. Many home owner’s often wonder if they can actually ruin their wall’s paint if they clean them. The answer will vary depending on a few factors however, cleaning the walls may indeed negatively affect the painted finish. McKay’s Painting will share what factors can ruin the paint to help you to better determine how to properly clean your home’s walls.
Different Types of Wall Paint
One of the main factors to consider is what types of paint is on your walls. Paints uses different types of sheen or finishes. When buying paint you will be ask what types of sheen you want your choices are flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. In general the higher glossy finish or sheen the more durable they are and easier to clean. Low sheen paint such as flat or also know a matte don’t clean well and can be ruined if cleaned. Eggshell and satin are the mid range glosses where they won’t be ruin as easily they can be ruined. Eggshell or satin paint shouldn’t undergo ruff scrubbing or harsh cleaners. Where semi-gloss and high-gloss painter can stand stand a bit of scrubbing and even be cleaned with the aid of cleaners. If you’re unsure on what types of paint is on your wall, look at how reflective the paint is. If it is pretty shiny your safe to assume it is a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. If the paint not that reflective especially if their light shining on it you may want to be couscous.
Cleaning Painted Surfaces
The very first tip when cleaning painted walls, is to clean the mess immediately. Often spills or sticky treats will wipe off easiest when fresh. You can use a lightly dampened cloth with plain water to keep fresh messes clean. However, not everyone notices messes as they occur.
Semi-Gloss or High Gloss Paint
When cleaning semi-gloss or high-gloss paints you can be a bit more direct. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint can be cleaning with the aid of soapy water, or even a cleaner such as pine solo, or the other multipurpose cleaners. Still ovoid abrasive scrubbers or sponges, instead stick with a soft sponge or cleaning cloth. Before cleaning the wall make sure to vacuum or dust the walls off first, and after cleaning wipe the wall down with plain water to rinse the soapy residue away.
Is Eggshell Paint Easy to Clean?
For eggshell and satin walls, avoid using any multipurpose cleaners, instead only stick with mildly soapy water. Never use hot water, cold or warm water only as the hot water can weaken the paint. Again use a soft sponge or clean cloth and rinse the wall after cleaning followed by a dry cloth. Even though eggshell and satin are somewhat robust they can develop scratches easily and can begin to peel. Flat or matte paint don’t handle water every well. When cleaning flat or matte paint make sure to clean mess quickly. Before any major cleaning make sure to dust the walls first. Avoid using any soap when cleaning them. When spill or mess occur you can uses a lightly damp soft cloth or sponge. However, use a dry cloth immediately to remove the moisture off the walls.
Painting Services & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
Paint can be found everywhere in the home and with proper care and understanding it can last for years. For quality painting services and more contact McKay’s Painting today.
