How To Clean Matte Paint Walls Like A Pro
Have you ever noticed a smudge on one of your matte paint-finished walls or a dirty spot that just seems to catch your eye every time you enter the room? We hear you. It can be quite bothersome. And if you have matte paint on your walls, those pesky spots can be even more noticeable because of the paint's limited sheen and gloss.
It's important to remove those spots without damaging the beautiful paint job on your walls. That's why I'm here to share some helpful tips to make your matte paint walls look as good as new!
By using a gentle and simple solution of soapy water, you can effectively clean your matte paint walls without causing any damage. It's important to take care of your home and keep it looking its best.
What Is Matte Paint?
Matte paint refers to a wall finish with minimal gloss and sheen. Matte is the type of paint that offers the least amount of reflection.
As a result, it contrasts dramatically with paints with a gloss or satin finish.
There are several advantages of painting walls with matte paint, hence why it is one of the most popular types of paint. It will help you achieve coverage and cover up minor imperfections, such as lazy brushwork.
How To Clean Matte Paint Walls
Instructions
To wash your walls, all you have to do is:
- Gently rub a damp cloth against the wall's surface, focusing on any dirty areas. If these stains are fresh, you should be able to get rid of them with minimal effort.
- Pour warm water into a bucket and add a mild soap detergent. Gently stir the water so that the detergent is mixed in. Dip a sponge into the water and wring out any excess water. Carefully rub the soft side of the sponge against the stain. Don't use the abrasive side, as this can remove the paint.
- Wash the sponge in clean water and gently rub the dampened area of the wall. If the stain has been removed, use a towel to dry the wall by patting it.
- If the stain remains, you might need a different cleaning agent. Your best bets include WD-40, vinegar, or toothpaste. Just bear in mind that the success of these methods varies. Not to mention, if you incorrectly use the products, you could add to the staining.
- If none of these methods has proven successful, two options remain. The first option is that you repaint the stain. Luckily, matte paint is quite generous regarding repainting, so this touch-up shouldn’t stand out too much. The second option is that you contact a professional who can either try to remove the stain or paint over it.
Equipment
For this method, there are a few items that you will need. The exact list of equipment you need will vary depending on how successful your attempts at removing the stain are. For instance, if you’ve removed the stain simply by using a damp cloth, you won’t have to use any other cleaning solutions.
Here are the items that you may need:
- A damp cloth
- A bucket
- Water
- A sponge
- Mild soap detergent
- WD-40
- Vinegar
- Toothpaste
The last three items on this list should only be used if you’ve failed to remove the stain with soapy water. To use a non-gel toothpaste, simply apply it to the site of the stain.
Leave it to sit for a few minutes before rubbing the wall with a dampened cloth.
Meanwhile, cleaning vinegar or WD-40 should not be applied directly onto the matte paint wall. Instead, you should apply them to a cloth before attempting to clean the stain.
How Can You Keep Matte Paint Walls Clean?
The best way of keeping your walls clean is to prevent staining from occurring in the first place.
Here are some tips that will help you to maintain the appearance of your matte walls better:
- Use a duster and hoover attachment to get rid of any first or dust from your walls. When using a hoover, it’s recommended that you use the soft brush attachment.
- Try to keep your hands off the walls. If you’ve got kids, this is easier said than done. Yet, you should try to discourage kids from touching the walls by properly educating them.
- Keep cleaning supplies nearby so you can easily clean any messes. Speed is of the essence when it comes to stains. After all, fresh stains are much simpler to clean than old ones.
- Before you clean your walls with any products, conducting a patch test is a good idea. This means testing the product on an inconspicuous patch of wall. If the product damages the matter paint or alters its color, it’s best to refrain from using this product on the remainder of the wall.
- If you’re repairing any patches, make sure that you choose the same color. Even just a slightly different shade can cause this entire patch to stand out like a sore thumb.
- Try to keep pets and children away from the wall. These rarely make a good combination.
- Don’t place a dining table against a matte paint wall. If you do this, food and drink stains will likely occur on the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matte Paint Hard To Clean?
Yes, matte paint walls are considered fairly difficult to clean. Generally, it is considered less forgiving than glossy paint when it comes to stains. Therefore, you should act quickly when you stain your matte paint walls.
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Is Matte Paint Good On Walls?
Yes! Matte paint is a phenomenal choice when it comes to walls. The reason for this is that matte paint creates a smooth and seamless look. The smoothness of this paint finish results in an incredibly elegant appearance.
Final Thoughts
When you observe a stain or blemish on your matte paint wall, your first instinct may be to panic. But the good news is that you can easily remove these stains by following the above advice.
This way, you can make your matte paint walls appear flawless!