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Design DilemmaCleaning Tips
adrianlowery

How to clean smudges / marks off newly painted matt walls?

adrianlowery
7 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

So having just very carefully painted the walls of our new loft with matt emulsion (Dulux Trade version of F&B's Wevet)... the builder came round and put his greasy paw prints all over it. I'm reluctant to start wiping it because, as it's just freshly painted I thought the wiping itself might take some paint off and leave marks, even if it brings off the smudges. Thought there might be a clever / best way of doing it? If I do have a go with some slightly soapy water and a clean sponge and visible marks or streaks are left, can I just paint over them with the small roller? Will the new patch of paint be visible against the 'old'?

Featured Answer
  • Daisy England
    7 years ago
    I stopped using Dulux because of the wet/dry join visibility. I've found that Johnstones paint doesn't do this, so I'm guessing that it'll show painting new on old.
    As a thought try a Magic Eraser. I've found these very useful for marks. You can get them now from the £ shops too. Worth a try.
    It's so annoying when things like this happen. Good luck.

    Comments (11)

    • Stephen Edwards
      7 years ago

      If you've only just painted, then wiping down and repainting if necessary would be my choice.

      adrianlowery thanked Stephen Edwards
    • adrianlowery
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Thanks both - will give it a go once builder has made his final visit.

    • Lauren
      7 years ago

      i'd second the magic eraser method.

      adrianlowery thanked Lauren
    • Danielle Garber
      7 years ago

      Baby wipes are normally pretty incredible at getting rid of most marks and it shouldn't remove too much of the paint with it.

      adrianlowery thanked Danielle Garber
    • PRO
      Inkmill Vinyl
      7 years ago

      Magic eraser is really good for marks but best on white paint. If your paint is a colour it can fade it. Test on a non visible area such as behind some furniture first.

      adrianlowery thanked Inkmill Vinyl
    • adrianlowery
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      thanks all

    • PRO
      Oisin Butler - Painting and Decorating Specialist
      5 years ago

      Paint marking easily is a bit of an issue, especially with medium to darker colours. I've put up this blog to cover it https://oisinbutler.ie/matt-paint-mark/

    • Anthony (Beano)
      5 years ago
      I’ll save you a whole load of pain for the next time, crown scrubbable Matt emulsion! Heads down the best wipeable paint I’ve ever had!
    • Sarah
      5 years ago
      If you paint over with dulux then it probably will show (we have this issue in certain lights on our landing). If it comes to it and you need to paint then use a small roller and try to feather the edges as the roller runs out of paint, so that the line isn't so sharp.
    • Noidea
      5 years ago

      No tips, but I feel your pain. The joiners/builders we have had never seem to worry about leaning against stuff when their hands are grubby! I had someone to hang some pictures and didnt realise until after he'd gone that he;s left fingerprints on the walls!

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