When the time comes for a fresh new look for your home, starting a new painting project can be time-consuming but fulfilling once the colors are looking vibrant again. Such an undertaking doesn’t come without its risks, however; you could end up lose more time, money, or even safety without the right precautions. Below are some of the top tips for what not to do when painting your home, which will get you on the right track before the project begins.
Don’t Neglect To Do Your Homework
Getting the right paints and tools for your home surfaces is only part of a good foundation. What surfaces need sanding or other preparations besides paint to be improved? What are the right temperatures and humidity levels in which to work? Paint can be prone to cracking or not settling well if the surface isn’t ready for it, and since each painting project is unique, the things to watch out for vary. It pays to know ahead of time what your home needs before it gets a new look.
Don’t Rush
While this may be the most obvious step to take, jumping too quickly into a painting project could mess up the exterior or interior objects before you’re done. Move furniture and decorations out of the way; cover up floors so they don’t accidentally get painted, as well. Furnishings like doorknobs and electrical outlet panels can go if desired. Everything you need to get the job done, from the actual paint and brushes to paint thinners and tape, should be kept close by. Also be sure to tape off any areas with mold or that you don’t want to paint.
Don’t Forget To Ventilate
The EPA warns that painting without ventilation or access to fresh air can cause various health problems, from eye and lung irritation to severe nervous system damage. Every area to be given a new coat needs space for the vapors to escape, even if that just starts with an open window and a face mask. It’s a good idea to use fans blowing air outside, and to always read the instructions given with the paint you choose. The EPA also notes that water-based paints typically contain fewer chemicals, and that exterior paint should never be used inside. The more fresh air there is in a given location, the better.
Don’t Forget The Current Walls
Depending on how your walls currently are, you might have to do a little extra work. If there’s wallpaper installed, take it off first; painting over it can make for a sloppy-looking job if the paper peels or the paint wears off. If a ceiling could also use a new paint job, consider whether the different surface has different paint and brush needs. If there’s dirt, mildew, or other similar buildups on the surface, the completed product will suffer for it unless they’re cleaned first.
Perhaps most important to consider is the presence of lead in the home. An estimated 75% of homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint, so depending on how old your home is, it might still be there. Take special care to watch for this poisonous element before you dive in.
Don’t Ignore Professional Touches
Some jobs require professional help, whether to deal with the lead mentioned above or to tackle projects you can’t perfect alone. If you’re preparing a home for sale, getting a pro to handle the work may make that for sale by owner sign a little more attractive. You may end up deciding to hire someone for the entire project.
Some mistakes can be easy to make, so being careful and being smart will spare you danger and frustration in the long run. Your home can turn out more beautiful and valuable with a well-done paint, so take the right steps to avoid problems during the process.