A car could have the most beautiful paint in the world, but if the inevitable smudges and debris aren’t cleaned away now and then, the benefit of the paint is lost.
The same is really true for your interior paint.
No matter how hard you protect it or how sparkling clean your home may be, paint will eventually collect smudges and scuffs. And, if you have kids or pets, well, you know how that goes.
So, how can you keep your paint looking its best between repaints? We have a few practical tips!
Picking the Right Paint Sheen – What Do You Need from Your Interior Paint?
“Sheen” refers to the level of gloss a paint has. Flat or satin interior paint, for example, has almost no gloss at all, while high-gloss is bright and shiny.
Each paint carries its own set of disadvantages and advantages, making it essential that you knowledgeably pick the right sheen for the right application. Flat or satin is very easy to apply and is forgiving of imperfections, but it absorbs light and is easily scuffed and marred. For that reason, it most often is used on ceilings where foot traffic tends to be pretty light for obvious reasons.
Higher-gloss paint requires a carefully prepared surface and is a little harder to work with, but it delivers a hard, rugged finish. It’s ideal for surfaces like trim that stand up to the bumps and scrapes of life.
A middle-ground, like eggshell or semi-gloss, is perfect for most walls. It offers the best of both worlds in an attractive finish.
All of this is to say, it’s crucial that you choose the right paint for the needs of the surface. And, if washing and scrubbing is going to be a part of your paint’s life, it certainly needs to be a rugged, glossier product.
How Can You Clean Interior Paint?
- Remember to start as gently as possible! Warm water and a sponge should remove most scuffs.
- If needed, add gentle detergent to the solution.
- Have you tried a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser?
- Test your cleaning method in an inconspicuous place first, just to make sure your paint reacts well.
- Got a tough spot? Try making a paste out of baking soda and water, applying it to the blemish, then wiping it clean.
Sometimes the Best Option Is to Paint!
Walls eventually get tired, making a fresh coat of attractive paint the very best option. Talk to your painting company about your needs, goals, and household, helping them to make the very best suggestions possible for your home. You won’t regret it!