Washing painted surfaces

By Gene Garycopley, Copley News Service

Q. Is there any way to clean flat painted wall surfaces that are dingy and dirty? I am afraid moisture will damage the paint.

A. If it's poor-quality paint, it might be easier to apply another coat of paint. However, today's quality latex paints, flat or enamel, are more durable than paints of old. During the cleaning process, they are less likely to streak and can usually be cleaned using a wet or dry method working from the top to the bottom. Either method should be tested in an inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaning process does not damage the finish of the paint.

To wash the surface, prepare two buckets. Fill one with a neutral cleaning solution, diluted according to manufacturer's instructions. Leave the second bucket empty. Use a clean sponge to dip into the cleaning solution and spread over the surface, wiping away any excess solution. Follow this by wiping the cleaned area with a soft cloth (white cotton terry cloth is a good choice). Turn the cloth frequently to maintain a clean side. Work in sections of about 4 square feet. Wring the cleaning sponge out into the second bucket to get rid of dirty water and dirt residue. Keeping the sponge clean is a key to avoiding streaks when washing the wall.

If the wet method damages the paint in your test area, use a dry sponge method for cleaning the walls. A dry sponge is a chemically treated product that removes soot and smoke residue and the dry film of dirt found on ceilings and walls. Just pull the sponge across the surface to be cleaned, and the dirt is absorbed and held in the sponge. When one side of the sponge gets dirty, turn it over and use the other side. When both sides are black from use, discard and start fresh with a new sponge. Check home centers or paint dealers as a source for the dry sponge. The dry sponge is also ideal for cleaning textured ceilings or acoustical tiles.

Q. Our first home purchase is an older house with plaster walls. The walls were in bad shape. I tried refurbishing one room -- scraping old paint, filling nicks and cracks. I sanded the patchwork, then painted. The walls look patched and uneven, with blemishes showing through. Is there any easier way to restore these walls and get better results?

A. As you have found, refurbishing plaster walls in bad condition is a lot of tedious work. Once the repairs have been made, your choice of paint can make a big difference in hiding the imperfections that remain. Stay away from gloss paints, which reflect indentations and patchwork more than flat paints. Dark paints are better for hiding imperfections, and a painted sponge treatment (a darker paint coating sponged over a lighter base in a textured pattern) does wonders.

It is a must to use a quality primer prior to painting. The primer seals patches. Otherwise, repairs can bleed through the finish. Even after all this work, you may find that you are not expert enough to achieve a flat, even wall surface.

There are other refurbishing considerations. Walls that are in really bad shape can be restored by installing wallboard or drywall over the plaster.

However, there is an even easier solution. There are special wall coverings available that will conceal cracks and imperfections in existing walls. These are easier to apply than the installation of new wallboard. If you are fairly adept at hanging conventional wallpaper, it is probable that with careful attention to detail, you can handle the project. It is important to follow manufacturer's directions carefully.

There are several manufacturers of this type of product. Flexi-Wall Systems markets two such products that can be applied over cracked plaster, concrete block and old paneling. The products, Faster Plaster and Plaster in a Roll, are made of fabric that's impregnated with gypsum and are installed like heavy commercial wallcovering.

Faster Plaster is like a heavy-duty wall liner, which can be used as a bridging material to camouflage defects. It can be painted or act as an underliner for wallpaper. It is easy to cut around doors and windows, so there is no need to remove baseboard molding, door and window casings, electrical switch and outlet boxes, as there would be if you installed new wallboard. It will adhere to almost any interior surface, including painted surfaces. It forms a lightly textured plaster surface which can be smoothed, if desired, by skimming the liner surface with joint compound. The product is durable, fire-resistant and keeps cracks from reappearing.

Plaster in a Roll is a finished wallcovering that is available in warm, natural textures in a choice of three decorative weaves. It can also be applied to almost any rigid surface, hiding cracks, patches, mortar joints or minor irregularities.

For information, write Flexi-Wall Systems, P.O. Box 89, Liberty, SC 29657-0089, or call the toll-free number at (800) 843-5394.

Another paintable wallcovering is made in Sweden and marketed under the name Tassoglas. This is a fiberglass wallcovering offered in 17 different textures, varying from basket weaves to linen, grass cloth and burlap. It is paintable and repaintable.

Tassoglas reinforces the substrate and protects the wall surface. It easily bridges cracks, hides roughness or minor imperfections. For further information and availability in the United States, contact Tasso, 1020 N.W. Sixth St., Suite H, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, or call their toll-free number at (800) 888-2776.

From one of our readers: I read your response to a reader who wanted to know how to perk up their dingy and dull black slate fireplace hearth. I'm sure your suggestions will work. However, I had the same problem and have an easier solution. I simply use Scott's brand Liquid Gold. Although it is marketed as a wood cleaner and preservative, I have used it successfully on my hearth for over eight years. I have given this tip to many friends who have been surprised at the results.

Only one word of caution -- after the initial application (I suggest spraying it onto a rag and wiping it directly on), wipe again with a clean, dry cloth to get any excess off, as it can be a bit slippery underfoot if it is in a traffic area.

Send e-mail to copleysd@copley news.com or write to Here's How, Copley News Service, P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112-0190. Only questions of general interest can be answered in the column.

Top / Subscribe / Letters to Editor / Contact Webmaster / Staff Directory
Please mail any comments to Newsroom@S-T.com