How to Fix Soiled or Dirty Paint
Remove debris from dirty painted walls with this quick how-to guide – and make sure your space is showing the beautiful color you want it to.
DEFINITION
What Is Dirty Paint?
Accumulation of dirt, dust particles or other debris on the surface of the paint.
CAUSES
What Causes Dirty Paint?
- On exterior surfaces, dirty paint is often caused by soil that splashes onto your siding, by air pollution or by car exhaust.
- For interior surfaces, airborne dust and household dirt are common causes.
How to Fix It
STEP 1
First Cleaning
Wash the surface. If it comes clean, repainting may not be necessary.
STEP 2
Deeper Cleaning - Interior
On interior surfaces, remove stains, dirt and marks with a soft cloth or sponge and with water or a general-purpose household cleaner. For penetrating stains and marks, try a) a mild detergent first, or b) use an abrasive cleaner with water. Always test in a smaller area before applying to the entire surface.
STEP 3
Deeper Cleaning - Exterior
For exterior surfaces, remove dirt a) with a scrub brush and detergent solution or b) by pressure washing and a thorough rinsing. While dirt accumulation cannot be eliminated entirely, satin, gloss and high-gloss paints are more resistant to picking up dirt than flat paints due to their smoother finish.
Paint Products for This Project
There are a lot of great Sherwin-Williams products to protect your high-traffic areas from excess dirt and grime. For great hide and durability on interior surfaces, consider our SuperPaint® Interior Acrylic Latex. One of our most durable exterior finish products is Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex (a premium self-priming paint). Or consider Emerald Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint to keeping your exterior looking clean longer with minimal maintenance.
