To clean painted lining paper, the recommended method involves washing it with sugar soap, although this can make the paper quite wet. A practical solution to mitigate this is to first apply a coat of white emulsion paint, which helps absorb surface dirt before washing.
Preparing to Clean Painted Lining Paper
Cleaning painted surfaces, especially those with lining paper underneath, requires care to avoid damage. Lining paper can become easily saturated and potentially lift or tear if it gets too wet.
The primary method suggested for cleaning painted lining paper is using sugar soap. However, sugar soap cleaning inherently involves introducing moisture, which can be problematic for paper.
Addressing the Moisture Issue
Getting lining paper quite wet is a known issue when washing with sugar soap. To address this and potentially reduce the amount of washing needed, consider a preparatory step:
- Apply a coat of white emulsion paint to the surface.
- This initial layer of emulsion is intended to absorb surface dirt.
By absorbing some of the dirt beforehand, the subsequent washing with sugar soap may be more effective with less effort and potentially less moisture penetration into the paper.
The Cleaning Process
Based on the recommended approach:
- Prepare the Surface (Optional but Recommended): Apply a coat of white emulsion paint to the painted lining paper. Allow it to dry completely. This step helps absorb surface dirt.
- Prepare Sugar Soap Solution: Mix sugar soap according to the product instructions, typically with warm water.
- Clean Carefully: Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently wash the painted lining paper with the sugar soap solution. Avoid saturating the paper. Work in small sections.
- Rinse (If Necessary & Carefully): Some recommend rinsing, but given the risk of getting the paper wet, this step requires extreme caution. Use a barely damp cloth to wipe away residue if needed, drying immediately.
- Dry: Allow the surface to dry thoroughly.
Important Considerations:
- Always test the cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the paint or the lining paper.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the painted surface and the paper beneath.
- Ensure good ventilation while cleaning.
Cleaning painted lining paper can extend its life and refresh the appearance of your walls without the need for immediate repainting or re-papering.
