When children are young, it sometimes seems like you can chart their growth by the height of the fingerprints on the walls. Even orderly, clean-conscious adults, however, will eventually accumulate fingerprints around light switches, thermostats and other frequently touched items. This leaves nearly everyone, whether a renter or a homeowner, wondering, “How can I remove fingerprints off my walls?”
Unfortunately, some paints are not washable, and even light scrubbing will remove the paint faster than it removes the fingerprints. In many cases, repainting is the only good way to restore the clean, clear beauty of a wall. By the time a wall has a noticeable amount of fingerprints, it usually also has some scuffs, dings and fading, and the time and money spent on repainting it is well worthwhile.
When your paint is relatively new and the marks are contained within a small area, it is often possible to remove fingerprints from walls with some careful effort. Here are some wall-cleaning tips that can work in a variety of settings. Remember, though, always to test the procedure first in an inconspicuous area to make sure it works.
Ammonia and Water: Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, with a mixture of 1-2 cups of ammonia in warm water. Scrub very gently, using a circular motion. Dry the wall quickly.
Baby Wipes: These can often break down and remove the oils in fingerprints, gently removing them from a painted wall.
Magic Eraser: Again, use a gentle circular motion. These are good for removing a variety of scuffs and fingerprints from painted walls.
Read these tips if you are thinking about hiring a painting contractor.
If scuffs and fingerprints have your walls looking worn, A.G. Williams would be happy to help you erase the past and revitalize your home. Our interior painting services are considerate, efficient and professional, and we guarantee you’ll love the results!
A.G. Williams is an expert painting contractor, proudly serving Connecticut and New York, including North Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Cos Cob, Riverside, Armonk, Briarcliff Manor and more.