Surface Prep: Cleaning
- Small Projects
General Cleaning
-
Mix the appropriate cleaning solution and water in a plastic bucket. TSP substitute is best for a surface that is to be painted.
-
Fill a second bucket with clean water only. Be certain to use a new sponge for each bucket to avoid contamination.
-
Use the sponge to dampen the surface lightly with clean water.
-
Apply the cleaning solution to the dampened surface making certain to keep the surface wet. Scrubbing with a stiff plastic bristle brush or non-woven scrubber may be required on severely stained surfaces.
-
Rinse the surface thoroughly with the clean water. It may be necessary to repeat the rinsing to remove all cleaning solution residue.
-
Wipe away any excess water using a dry, lint-free cloth.
Removing Mildew
-
Mix 1 part household bleach to 4 parts water in a plastic bucket.
-
Fill a separate bucket with clean water only using a new sponge for each bucket. Dampen the surface with clean water prior to cleaning.
-
Apply the bleach and water solution to the dampened surface.
-
Repeat Step 3, keeping the surface wet with bleach and water solution for stubborn stains. Use a stiff bristled brush or non-woven scrubber on heavily stained areas.
-
Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to remove any excess bleach and water solution, and if necessary wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove any excess water.
Tough Stains
-
Follow the label instructions for mixing a solvent-based degreaser in a bucket with a new sponge.
-
Fill a separate bucket with clean water and a new sponge.
-
Dampen the surface with clean water prior to cleaning.
-
Apply the solvent-based degreaser solution, scrubbing any stubborn crayon, grease or oil stains. Keep the stained areas wet with the cleaning solution for 5-10 minutes for best results.
-
Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to remove any excess cleaning solution. If necessary, wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove any excess water.
-
- Large Projects
General Cleaning
- Make certain that all vents, windows and doors are closed prior to cleaning the surfaces.
- Using a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle or a pressure washer, spray the area, working from the top down in a side-to-side motion, completing a section at a time. Allow 24-48 hours to dry.
Removing Mildew
- Wet the mildewed area with water using a garden hose or a pressure washer.
- Be certain to saturate all areas surrounding the working areas with clean water to prevent the absorption of bleach into the soil and vegetation. Cover any delicate shrubs or other plants with plastic sheeting or canvas drop cloths to protect them.
- Using a pump sprayer, apply a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part bleach to the mildewed area, allowing this solution to remain on the surface for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with pressure washer or garden hose and allow to dry for 24-48 hours.
Removing Chalking
- Wet chalky areas with water using a garden hose or a pressure washer.
- Using a pump sprayer, apply a solution of TSP Substitute and water to the surface.
- Scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush (wire on masonry) saturated with the solution. Rinse the surface thoroughly with a strong stream from a garden hose or pressure washer. If chalk remains, repeat the washing. Once dry, some chalk may remain. If chalk remains on the surface, a bonding primer may be required.
- If Chalk wash-down is present on brick, the stains can be removed by scrubbing with a stiff brush and detergent. Rinse with a garden hose. If the brick is slightly discolored, rub a piece of brick of similar color over the area.
Removing Efflorescence (Mineral leaching on masonry)
- Using a wire brush or scraper, remove any loose or peeling paint from the damaged area.
- Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water in a 5 gallon bucket or pump up sprayer.
- Wet the area with a water-dampened sponge or garden hose, then apply the vinegar solution with a sponge or a pump up sprayer. Using a scrub brush, lightly scrub the area.
- Allow the vinegar solution to remain on the surface for a couple of minutes, and then rinse the surface thoroughly with a hose or sponge. Allow the surface to dry for 24-48 hours.
