20+ Cleaning Painted Wood Surfaces UK. However, like any surface exposed to the elements, painted wood on the exterior of your home easily collects dirt, grime and mildew that ruin the look of your home. If you're restoring a wood surface—whether it's a treasured piece of old furniture or a door that needs a fresh look—you'll probably want to strip off the old paint and start clean.
Rubbing the surface with mineral spirits is crucial for avoiding problems when sanding and staining later, because the mineral spirits remove the stripper from the wood, he explains.
Trisodium phosphate (potent cleaner) is used to clean the wood. (for maintenance cleaning finished surfaces that are not going to be stained or top coated, use a one cup per gallon log wash solution). Apply wax with a clean, soft cloth. How to clean an acrylic or oil paint palette.