Show All
Show Answers
Show Open Questions
Show Most Popular

Topic: Interior painting

Jul 9, 2014
Mar 18, 2020

Please do yourself a favor and don't beleive "paint and primer in one". All that refers to is painted surfaces that have minor stains or a large color change. There is a reason that every paint store carries numerous primers. That being said, I echo the thoughts of the previous participants and say to use an oil primer that is specifically a stain blocker. These smell very bad but the smell will dissipate quickly and can usually be recoated in an hour.

Aug 26, 2017
Mar 18, 2020

I would echo what Steven says. Generally, flat paint is not washable. If you look at the cleaning instrctions, it will talk about being "scrubbable". This means you have to scrub a layer of paint off to get the dirt out. That is why the Magic Eraser works for a while. Ultimately, if you can simply use a degreaser and a rag, do it. If not get ready to paint with a "washable" flat or matte finish. Benjamin Moore also makes a very washable matte finish called Scuff-X.

Aug 21, 2019

Andrew Hagar answered:

Oct 4, 2019

Mr. Clean erasers work by using a very fine abrasive to remove either the offending dirt or the material that the dirt is in.  Think of them as a very fine grit sandpaper that is usually very gentle.  However, when used on paint, they will affect the finish causing it to spot on the wall.  The only way to repair this is to paint over it with the original color in the original finish.

Apr 28, 2019
May 1, 2019

Good afternoon,

The picture of the door looks to have polyurethane applied. If this is the case, that’s most likely an oil based finish. If you are trying to apply a latex base interior paint it will not work unless the finish is completely stripped off.

With out physically seeing this myself I can only speculate this to be the issue. The proper tradesmen to contact would be a Painter.

Apr 28, 2019

Christine Mundy answered:

May 1, 2019

Thank you for inquiring with Ferris Home Improvements but unfortunatley this is not in our scope of work. Feel free to contact us with any questions or future projects. Have a great afternoon

Aug 26, 2017
Jan 1, 2018

I would have to agree with the Mr. Clean pads. The best way would be to paint over it only if you have the same flat paint...but I know sometimes it gets lost or dries out. So the eraser pad should do the job.

Aug 26, 2017

Danielle Stone of Lunt Marymor PRO answered:

Oct 20, 2017

As others have said, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work quite well without compromising the integrity of the wall finish.

Aug 26, 2017
Oct 11, 2017

Magic erasers by Mr. Clean tend to work really well without causing any paint discoloration. 

Apr 6, 2017

Mary Nolan answered:

Sep 18, 2017

As with the previous comments, you can use sandpaper to smooth out some of the damage, but be sure to rub the scratches along the grain of the wood. Next, apply mineral spirits (these are solvents made from paint thinner and petroleum) over the sanded area. Spread on wood filler with a Spackle knife to the damaged parts and allow it to dry as per the filler’s directions. After the wood filler has dried, lightly sand the area once again and brush away any dust before priming and painting your door.

While the image shows damage to the inside of your door, your pet may try scratching on the outside of door and its weather stripping in an attempt to be let inside. In order to prevent future damage to that part of your door, you can add a piece of vinyl lattice that matches the color of your doorframe. Cut the lattice to the length of the doorjamb. Place it over your foam weather stripping. Check to see that your door continues to close properly. Use finishing nails every foot to tack the vinyl lattice securely in place. A small amount of spackling will cover up the nail heads. Now the lattice will protect your weather stripping from further damage.


The right type of door for your home can make a huge difference. We install ProVia doors and they offer DuraGuard Series Storm Doors, which are ideal for keeping pets safely inside with their non-removable stainless steel screening.  

Best of luck with your dog and your door repair! 

Aug 26, 2017
Aug 27, 2017

Typically flat paint is not cleanable, unless your flat paint is Sherwin Williams Duration or Emerald in which case you can use some warm water and a sponge.

If it’s not one of those two products you really don’t have many good options.  You can try cleaning it with warm water and a soft sponge, but be very careful not to remove the paint from the wall.  You can also try touching up the dirty areas by feathering the paint in, and as a last resort you can repaint the wall.

Flat paint typically isn’t the most live able finish, but it does provide you with the richest appearance.  Sherwin Williams Duration or Emerald gives you the best of both worlds.  Duration is my companies go to interior wall paint, I highly recommend it.

Apr 6, 2017
Jun 27, 2017

I would concur with the above answers.  If you are able to fill with wood putty and paint that would prove to be the most cost effective option.  If you would like to go further, determine the brand of the door and I'm sure you could find a replacement sash.  I am like you, I love my dog like my children, continue to be patient and show your bowser the love he deserves.

Are you a building professional?

Why not answer these questions like a pro?

Sign up free