I'm renting a place and I've noticed big colored marks on the walls of almost every room. I've tried cleaning them for about an hour, but nothing seems to work. My landlord said I can repaint if I need to, as long as I match the existing color. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some advice on how to tackle this. Is painting over these marks a good option? What steps should I take?
3 Answers
First, it's a good idea to find out what the marks are from! If they’re tough stains, you could use a stain-blocking primer like Kilz. If a Magic Eraser doesn't do the trick, you might need to paint over the area. Just keep in mind you may need to paint the entire wall to make it look seamless. Also, check your lease agreement regarding painting; usually, wear and tear is considered normal, but if you've changed colors, you might need to revert it back before moving out!
You can definitely paint over the stains, especially since your landlord is okay with it! Just make sure you use the same paint as what's already on the wall. If the landlord has leftover paint, ask for it! Before you start painting, give the area a quick sand and wipe it down to remove any dust. If you feel overwhelmed, focus on one room at a time. It might help to get the exact color name from your landlord and tackle one wall first. Using painter's tape around the edges can help keep things neat if it's your first time painting.
For sure, a Magic Eraser could help with light marks since it’s mildly abrasive. But if that fails, painting is your next best bet. Just remember, blending a new paint job might require covering the whole wall for it to look uniform. Check your lease about painting rules, because if you're required to return it to the original color, you might want to consider that before you dive in.