Cleaning The Major Paint Types
The type of paint will determine the technique and product you deploy for cleaning walls. To keep this blog version of our newsletter short and to the point we will focus on the most common types of paint encountered in homes.
- Matte Paint – The most common residential wall paint is Matte which has no shine or sheen and, unfortunately, is less forgiving when cleaning as well. The main advice with this type is to use a damp cloth that is flat cotton or nylon but avoid anything “fuzzy” – even microfiber. Good luck because it’s likely if you get very aggressive you’re going to have issues.
- Matte Enamel – Matte enamel is like matte paint, but is far more durable. It’s easier to clean and usually holds up well, giving it a great advantage. You can safely use a foaming wall cleaner such as Zepp Foaming Wall Cleaner from Lowe’s
- Satin Finish – Satin finish is somewhere between matte and gloss and produces a low, sheen. It tends to show imperfections more but is safe to clean with foaming wall cleaner.
- Eggshell – An eggshell finish has a shine that’s not as overbearing but not as smooth as satin. It can be cleaned with soap and water (carefully) and foaming wall cleaner.
- Semi-Gloss – Semi-gloss, commonly used on trim rather than walls has a hard finish and is easy to clean with soap & water, magic erasers (carefully), and foaming wall cleaner.
- Gloss Paint – Matte paint and gloss paint are the most common interior wall paints. It’s the easiest to clean with soap & water, magic erasers (carefully), and foaming wall cleaner.
