DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I'm just about to refresh the paintwork in my lounge. It's brilliant white and I'm just going to give it another coat. The existing paintwork is still in good nick. A mate told me not to bother sanding it but just to give it a good wash down with a strong sugar soap solution. He reckons the sugar soap will provide a good key for the new coat. He said not to rinse the sugar soap - just let it dry. Is this right? Or should I rinse off with clean water and let it dry before re painting?

Hi Dadwood, if you are going to use sugar soap then you will need to wash it off afterwards otherwise the new paint will not adhere properly. I would always give it a light sanding too, just a light one as this will remove any small bits that may be in the last coat of paint. Then before giving it final coat wipe surface down with a tackcloth to remove the tiny bits you can't see but will propbably see after you have finished painting.

Thanks for the advice theshedman, I will certainly do as you've recommended.

Dont see need to sugar soap a wall unless washing off paste. Should only need a light sand to de nib and bumps and nibs. Matt should take to matt without any issues.