Hello,

So this is the first time I have painted so I have been reading all week. I have a few questions:

1. In terms of Wall Prep, I have walls that are stantdard water-based paint. I have some dark spots on them which look like dirt. A friend told me I can use 409 or another all-purpose cleaner as the solvent to clean it up and that I can just use some of those thick blue papertowels to wipe. He told me to just spray and wipe and not to let it soak. Is all of this correct? For some reason, it seems too easy.

2. When painting a popcorn ceiling, how do you do the trim work on the edges near the walls. I plan on rolling the ceiling with a thick nap roller and understand how it will roll even with the popcorn, but what tool do you use for the edges. I would think that the popcorn would mess with the stroke. Do I brush it? There has to be a better way.

Any ideas on either of these would be most appreciated. Thanks,

Chris

 

1. I would use a TSP sollution first to clean the walls. Then rinse/wipe with clean water/cloth.
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2. I would 'cut' in the ceiling edges by the walls by brush..by dabbing and spreading.. leaving a good 2" off the wall, then you can roller the ceiling as you plan.
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That's what Ive done. Works fine!

 

Thanks for the reply. One question about the TSP though. Can you use it on oil or water-based paint? I have some cleaning I need to do on the trim. Also, would you recomend the entire room, or just where I see stains/dirt, etc? Thanks.

 

Yes, you can use it on oil too, basically on anything. Its a good cleaning solution for most surfaces.
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When rollering the ceiling, I found that the cloth type thick nap rollers work better than the foam type.
You will be getting a fair bit of the popcorn on your roller during the job, but thats expected.
What kind of condition is the ceiling, by that,I mean are there alot of 'dark areas'..or 'smoke' stains up there, or is it pretty clean..just needing a fresh coat.
If its 'pretty dirty', you may need 2 coats on the ceiling...or a prime coat 1st, then the finished coat. Not a fun job.
Wear some goggles and a hat for sure, 'coz you will be getting popcorn on yourself.

 

Thanks for the reply. Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. The ceiling is not in bad shape, just needs a fresh coat. Thanks for the advice. Ill let you know how it turns out.