How to Paint Scuff Marks on Walls

Painting walls

Scuff marks get left on walls in a number of ways. Kids, pets and furniture are just a few of the potential culprits. And there is no doubt that scuff marks are an eyesore: They stand out so much because they are darker than the painted wall surface they have defaced. Since it is not an option to get rid of the culprits, it is the scuff marks that need to go. With a little cleaning, wall primer and paint, your walls will look good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Primer
• Abrasive cleaner
• Cleaning rag
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Run a cleaning rag under warm water, wring out the excess water, and pour a little abrasive cleaner (like Comet or Ajax) onto the damp rag.

2. Rub the cleaner and the rag over the scuff mark to remove it as much as possible. Rinse out the rag with warm water. Wash the cleaner off the wall and allow it to dry.

3. Paint the surface with a high-quality wall primer, like Kilz or Behr interior primer. Allow the primer to dry according to the instructions on the label.

4. Paint the primed area with paint that matches the color of the rest of the wall. This may require two coats of paint.

5. Allow the paint to dry between coats to determine if two coats are required to cover the scuff mark. Recoat the area if extra coverage is needed.

Tips & Warnings

• The scuff mark may come off completely if you simply use an abrasive cleaner on it.