Do I Need to Sand My Walls Before Painting an Old Orange Peel Texture?
Asked by NinjaTurtle94
I'm looking to refresh the interior of my home, which hasn't been painted since the '80s. The walls have that orange peel texture, and I'm wondering if I should sand them down before I start painting. Is that necessary, or can I just clean them and paint over them? Any advice would be appreciated!
Answers
Sanding is generally a solid step for better paint adhesion. Just remember to test for lead, especially in older houses. If you're okay with the texture and just want a fresh look, cleaning with TSP and applying a primer like Zinsser 123 should work well before your topcoat!
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You might not need to sand if the old paint is still sticking well. Just give the surfaces a good wash with TSP, and you should be good to go. If there are areas that need repair, consider using a spray-on orange peel texture afterward to blend it all nicely before painting.
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If you're not a fan of the texture, that could be a reason to sand it down or maybe apply a skim coat. But if it's just cosmetic and the texture doesn't bother you much, a light sanding can help the new paint adhere better. Just make sure to clean the walls first—getting rid of any grime will make a big difference when it comes time to paint!
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