Table of Contents
What Is TSP? Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is a powder you mix with warm water and use to wipe down your walls before painting. It is essential to paint preparation, acting in three ways to improve your paint’s adhesiveness.
What does TSP do before painting?
When prepping for a paint job, TSP can clean and de-gloss painted surfaces and remove peeling, flaking old paint. Inside the house, TSP works well on the stubborn sort of grease-meets-dirt gunk typically found after pulling an old stove or fridge away from the wall.
What can I use instead of TSP for paint prep?
If you are looking for a more natural trisodium phosphate substitute, borax can be a fine replacement. It doesn’t require all the safety measures of TSP and is inexpensive, easy to use and it won’t hurt the environment. Borax can kill fungus and strip away dirt and grease on porous surfaces such as wood and cement.
Can I use Dawn instead of TSP?
Mix a cleaning solution in a bucket. About 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent to one gallon of warm water makes an effective cleaner to remove grease, tobacco smoke and grime. Borax or ammonia with warm water will also work.
Do you have to paint after using TSP?
Easy application: You might expect that using such a powerful cleaning agent would entail a complicated procedure, but once diluted, TSP can be applied simply with a brush or sponge, or via a sprayer. If the surface is previously painted, you should expect to repaint after cleaning with TSP (see next).
Do I need to wash walls with TSP before painting?
Sanding and proper preparation of the surface is a must, and wiping the area with a solution of TSP and water will help break down a bit of the glossiness of the previous coat. Always be sure to completely rinse TSP from the walls (and let the walls dry) before you paint; otherwise, the new paint won’t adhere properly.
Can you use TSP on drywall?
Trisodium phosphate is a strong detergent — so strong that it can cause skin burns. There’s no doubt that it will get your walls clean, whether they’re plaster, drywall, masonry or wood, but it’s too strong to use as an all-purpose cleaner.
Can you use vinegar instead of TSP?
Vinegar. Vinegar is an excellent solution for natural from trisodium phosphate cleaners. It is a superb wall degreaser suitable for cleaning cabinets before painting.
Can I use Dawn to wash walls before painting?
Most wall surfaces that appear to be in good condition don’t need very much in the way of cleaning. Then mix up a bucket of cleaning solution comprised of one to two cups white vinegar and a half-tablespoon of a good grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn®. Use at least two gallons of water.
Is Krud Kutter like TSP?
Krud Kutter® Pre-Paint Cleaner TSP Substitute cleans and de-glosses surfaces prior to painting. It is a ready-to-use, spray on-wipe off formula that cleans and de-glosses surface so paint adheres better. Use on all paints, varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane, or as a wall preparation prior to wallpapering.
Can I use simple green instead of TSP?
Simple Green is an environmentally safe alternative for TSP that is also not an irritant. It is a liquid cleaner that can clean an array of surfaces and material. Because it lacks phosphate, it isn’t as effective for cutting grease as TSP.
What is the best wall cleaner?
Wash walls with oil-based paint using warm water and dish soap. Skip the white vinegar for walls with oil-based paint. The acid in vinegar can dull and damage oil-based finishes. Use dish soap, baking soda, and warm water, but keep your sponge a little damp while you’re scrubbing the dirt away.
What products contain trisodium phosphate?
Additional popular foods containing trisodium phosphate include lunch meat, ham, and other processed meats, rice syrup, canned soups, pizza dough, cake mixes, cheese sauces, and baked goods.
Can you pour TSP down the drain?
The most accessible way to dispose of TSP in the home would be to pour it down the toilet so it gets treated properly. This is even safe on septic systems. Never dispose of used degreasing rinsates like TSP into lakes, streams, storm drains, or open bodies of water.
How do you use TSP before painting outside?
Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly with water. To remove mold, mildew, algae, and lichen, mix 1 quart household bleach and 2 ounces TSP detergent, or a phosphate-free substitute, with 3 quarts water. Spray on with a garden sprayer. If necessary, cover the area for about an hour to prevent it from drying out.
How do you clean a ceiling with TSP?
Apply vinegar or TSP liberally to the ceiling. This will keep the solution from dripping onto your face. With your hands gloved, apply the cleaning solution to the area with beading. Dip and re-wring your cloth or sponge when one side has become completely soiled.
Can I use TSP after sanding?
TSP is a grease cleaner that has been used for years in woodworking and furniture painting. It is a great product to use before applying paint, so it is a great option to use to clean up wood after sanding. Similar to mineral spirits, you should dust the sawdust off and then wipe things down with a rag and TSP.
Do I need gloves for TSP?
2 TSP requires care when you work with it. Always use eye protection and waterproof gloves when handling or cleaning with TSP. Also wear full skin protection, including long sleeves and long pants. Safety precautions apply to both dry and mixed or diluted forms of TSP.
