Looking After Inside Paintwork

Throughout the living areas and bedrooms of most homes, you will normally find walls and ceilings finished in 'Flat' or 'Low Sheen' Acrylic. The higher the gloss level, the more cleanable the surface. For this reason, flat is usually restricted to the ceilings, and low sheen is usually used for walls. In higher demand areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, semi gloss finishes are usually used. In very high demand areas, such as over timber doors and frames, skirting and internal balustrades, full gloss enamel will give the best performance. Most water-based paints appear to dry out quickly after application, but in fact it takes around a full week under normal climatic conditions to cure and develop full washability.

So, if marks appear on your newly painted wall within a few days of it being finished, you should resist the temptation to wash it straight away. Instead, give it up to a week to cure then wash it down to your satisfaction.

Where a special paint effect has been used, such as Dulux Suede Effects, extra care must be taken in cleaning the surface, as the slightly textured finish can marr (leave a whitish mark) if handled poorly.

Ease of cleaning will be greatly enhanced if the Dulux Matt Clear, specially formulated for application over Dulux Suede Effects has been used, as it seals the surface without hiding the beautiful paint effect.

Cleaning 'Flat' and 'Low Sheen' Paint Work

For a start, walls and ceilings can be made to look like new if you follow these few simple directions for the removal of dirt, scuff marks, etc.

1. Don't use rough abrasives, stiff scrubbing brushes or harsh caustic preparations. These will 'gloss' or polish the surface resulting in obvious highlights, which can only be rectified by repainting.

2. Instead, use warm water to which a small amount of mild detergent has been added.

3. Apply the solution to the affected area with a soft cloth, or a soft bristle brush where the marking is particularly stubborn.

4. Clean off the stain in a gentle, circular motion. Then remove all residues with a clean, soft cloth rinsed with fresh, clean water.

5. Having thoroughly cleaned the affected area, you should then proceed to wash down the whole wall or ceiling to eliminate any chance of patchiness.

Generally most marks will come off if using this method. Some persistent marks may remain, particularly if of a greasy type, such as black fingermarks around light switches. In such cases, a stronger cleaning agent is required, one that has been formulated with solvents for dissolving greasy marks. One such product is Selleys Sugar Soap.

The problem with most latex paints is that they are sensitive to solvents and will soften on contact.

If, however, Dulux Wash & Wear 101 Flat or Low Sheen is on the wall, then you can confidently use Ajax Spray n' Wipe to remove greasy marks. The Dulux Wash & Wear 101 range has been specially formulated to reduce stain penetration and is inherently more resistant to softening by solvent based cleaning agents.

Cleaning 'Gloss' and 'Semi Gloss' Paint Work

In the service rooms of your home, such as bathroom, laundry and kitchen, all surfaces are prone to a build-up of film composed of cooking fats, soap, household dust and so on.

In relatively short periods, this film will dull the most successful paintwork. But careful and periodic cleaning can greatly extend the life of your painted surfaces. Simply follow these easy directions:

1. Don't use abrasives or caustic-based cleaning compounds as these will scratch or eat into the paint surface you are doing your best to maintain.

2. Instead use warm water, with a little detergent added.

3. Apply to the affected area with a soft cloth and be sure to wash down the whole surface as well. Where necessary, use a soft bristle brush and a little more elbow grease than you might safely use on 'flat paintwork'.

4. Wash the whole job down with clean water and allow to dry.