Do admit it is horrible. Try cleaning a small section, if it shows much difference, then carry on cleaning. You better give a white coating first, otherwise the new paint will not show the true colour you expect.
It is absolutely essential to wash walls down prior to painting, especially in a kitchen. There will be an imperceptible film of grease from cooking. This will not only make the coat of paint fail to adhere properly but the grease is likely to bleed through. You don't need to sand matt or eggshell surfaces. Wash the walls with sugar soap and rinse well. That way you are assured of a good job. Use quality matt emulsion as cheap stuff is false economy as you will get patchy results. Paint around all the edges with a brush and use a roller for the big areas. Rollers give a better finish. As you are going lighter you may need two coats. It depends how light and the quality of the paint.
Yes you can wash the walls and sands also if there is any holes etc, washing walls is not effected for colour, but ofcource it will see very nice, because all the dirt will go off before painting, and after painting its looks good.
I've just moved into my first house and the kitchen is a horrible turquoise. Should I wash my walls before i paint? I've never done this before so i need a little help :) Also should i sand my walls?
I want to paint it a lighter colour.
