Description: Tips for preparing and cleaning a surface for painting.

(NC)-The contaminants that are naturally present in all homes affect the ability of coatings to adhere to surfaces. So before painting any surface, it is essential to wash it, even if it looks clean.

For example, the process of cooking food leaves fat deposits on kitchen walls, cabinets and ceilings. Dust builds up on door tops and window frames. Further, each time we touch a piece of furniture, a wall or some woodwork, we leave behind a bit of natural oil from our skin.

Liquid bleach eliminates the spores that lead to mildew; it removes the discoloration and disinfects the area but does not remove grease. However, Dominique Pépin, member of the Colour Marketing Group and Senior Brand Manager at Sico, recommends trying sodium phosphate (T.S.P.) instead. "It's the ideal solution for removing dirt, grease, soot, wax and paint remover residue," she says. "This cleaner also removes mildew but it does not destroy the spores, which are its source."

Beware: Do not mix T.S.P. directly with bleach because doing so will create toxic odours.

Indoors, washing with T.S.P. may turn new, untreated wood green, brown or grey. It is preferable to use T.S.P. on hardwoods such as oak, ash or cherry. You can find more helpful painting and décor tips, by checking out the Sico Virtual Advisor at http://www.sico.ca.

- News Canada

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