Wash the walls with TSP if you don't want to have to rinse them. Otherwise, wash them with ammonia or whatever you have on hand, but be sure to rinse and let dry well. Fill holes, sanding afterwards if necessary. Then you're good to go!

As I understand it, TSP needs to be rinsed. Powdered Dirtex does not.

How dirty are your walls?

If the paint has some age to it, definitely wash it. I like a scuff sand as well if the surface is anything but flat paint. Fix any digs and nail pops and picture holes, and then prime.

While I spend alot of time prepping my room before I paint (spackle holes, sand rough spots or gloppy paint dribbles from previous owners, etc) I have never washed walls and never had a problem with my paint. I'm getting ready to paint the den - now you've got me thinking maybe I should wash it down first! (I remember my mother spring cleaning every year and she would wash every wall in the house and she wasn't even going to paint!)

While I spend alot of time prepping my room before I paint (spackle holes, sand rough spots or gloppy paint dribbles from previous owners, etc) I have never washed walls and never had a problem with my paint. I'm getting ready to paint the den - now you've got me thinking maybe I should wash it down first! (I remember my mother spring cleaning every year and she would wash every wall in the house and she wasn't even going to paint!)

Good question, greywings, not sure how dirty they are: the hideous dark semi-gloss thick body paint hides dirt well I must say. I have TSP, but what is Dirtx? Is it safer than TSP?
Just Saying, I've never washed a wall in my life, much less when I paint. Oops! DH's email in response to my questions on this subject was pretty emphatic ie: DO! NOT! USE! TSP EVER!!!!!!! He usually does the prep and I paint, then the dogs rip off the masking tape.

Holly Springs, what grit of sand paper do I use to scuff the paint? And hom much do I scuff it--is it to even the surface or give it some tooth?

No wonder painters charge so much--this is a lot of work!

If the walls were previously painted, I do nothing - just paint with BM "Ben" paint. I painted over some fingerprinted, dirty walls as long as there is no thick goop on there I don't worry about it. I don't sand, either, especially since homes here tend to have knockdown drywall texture. I patch any holes and gently sand that area, that's it.

I only prime fresh drywall or most recently, kitchen cabinets when painting over top of layers of old paint. I did sand the cabinets lightly too.

Hey Baroo!

I've been retail paint for a decade now (NOT @ a big-box/chain!!).

In this case, mix a stronger batch of Dirtex solution, and wash you walls. This will help to slightly "etch" a shinier surface as well as clean.

When walls are DRY....
* Look them over carefully, and shave off any bad lumps, runs, etc.
* Fill, patch, & sand (to suit) affected spots.
* Brush-out a hazy-edged coat of primer over repairs.
* Do any desired re-texturing on these spots when spot-priming is dry.
* When spot re-text. is dry, roll-prime the walls.
* I like this method because repair spots are thirsty, & any re-text. holds well to primer.
* Lastly, priming the WHOLE wall AFTER texuring ensures NO variation in porosity when it comes to the finish-coats.

>>> Now you've got the IDEAL surface to hold paint!!

>>> DO NOT USE Ammonia!!! If any remains on the wall, it'll negatively affect adhesion.

Dirtex link below...

Faron

Here is a link that might be useful: Powdered Dirtex...

Thanks, Faron--you should write an idiot's guide to painting!!!

Do take the time to fill holes and scrape off old drips and bumps. My DH just spent over two hours prepping a 5x8 room that PO's had just slopped new paint on for forty years. I then spot primed the repairs and did the final coats. What a difference! The new paint looks great.

Yes, I always wash the walls. My parents always did, too. I want the paint to adhere because I'm not redoing it for a good number of years, and there is always going to be dirt/dust.

Thanks, Faron, for your directions!

" * Do any desired re-texturing on these spots when spot-priming is dry. "

What do you use to accomplish this task, Faron?