Choosing to paint your home may leads to questions. Painting contractors in Alamo are available to provide answers. As a homeowner, you may be concerned about the contractor being trustworthy or fitting with your budget. You may be concerned about chemicals used in paints or additives that are in them. Some will notice TSP and wonder what it is, with the contractor use it and is it necessary.
Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is an additive. Most painters use it to clean painted surfaces prior to beginning to paint. It is very safe for use in the home. In fact, you may notice it in your laundry soap or even in some foods. It mixes with warm water and is rinsed away.
If you wonder why TSP is used, it helps to cut the grease and grime that attaches to walls and cabinets during daily use. A baby throws spaghetti sauce and leaves a stain. Grease splatters leave a film on the wall. If someone smokes in the home, nicotine lingers. It can also help clean up water damage and soot from a fireplace. If this residue isn’t removed, it could affect the way the paint sticks to what is being painted. TSP is made for this purpose.
You may look at your walls and not realize how dirty they are. TSP, as a degreaser, removes grease from kitchen surfaces. Once the grease is on the surface, you can forget about paint sticking properly. And, you’ll have to clean it and repaint to make it stick. Using TSP can help alleviate the prospects of extra painting.
Dust and dirt can cling to walls even when you don’t realize it. As a cleaner, TSP can clean the dust and dirt away so the painting contractor in Alamo will be assured of a clean surface and will feel confident there won’t be a problem with the paint adhering to the walls.
If you painted a surface and it is too glossy, TSP can help de-gloss the paint. It works on high-gloss, semi-gloss and some satin finishes in the same way so new paint will stick. Painters in Alamo will sand the surface prior to using TSP. They will also rinse the surface and allow it to dry before they begin applying a new coat of paint.
TSP can also be used with chlorine bleach if you have mildew in your bathroom. Painting contractors in Alamo know what chemicals are safe to mix TSP with and how the mixtures will affect different surfaces. It is best not to use TSP as a general cleaning aid as it can stain metal and damage grout.
If you choose to use TSP, be sure to follow these safety precautions, as with any chemical additives. Wear long sleeves and pants, gloves and eye protection. Keep TSP with other chemicals and out of the reach of children. If TSP falls on plants, remove it immediately. If you are using a painting contractor in your Alamo home, you can rest assured that they will use TSP properly and ensure your home is safe for your family.