The aroma of fresh paint brings hope of improvement for many individuals. However, just what is in the air? One thing that may be in the air is volatile organic compounds, otherwise known as VOCs, which many types of paint release during the drying process. Many families remain in their house as it is being painted, sleeping and eating close to the walls that are drying. Also, homes in tree-lined suburban areas such as Eaglemont tend to feature many windows, and the way that the interior painting project will go will be changed by that fact. Creating a safe and healthy environment begins with an understanding of what is going on in the air.
What Is in the Air While You Are Painting Your House?
Environmental agencies point out that the air inside the home can contain higher levels of pollutants than air outside. Painting, even by interior painters Eaglemont homeowners hire, is one of the most common activities in which indoor concentrations of VOCs increase. Some individuals suffer from headaches, dizziness, eye or throat irritation while or after painting.
Modern low-VOC and zero-VOC paints are much better than before, offering great coverage and durability and emitting very few fumes during the drying process. Thus, choosing such paints becomes one of the easiest ways to safeguard your family’s health.
There are certain individuals who need special care while their interior is repainted:
Air Freshening Is Just Half of the Story
Good ventilation will take care of fumes faster than any air freshener ever could. Opening windows and doors from different parts of the house creates a cross-breeze and pushes fumes outside. Setting up fans in front of open windows can help remove the old air even faster.
However, the disappearance of the smell does not mean that it is time to sleep in the room yet. Drying and curing times depend on humidity, temperature and the particular product used. It is all stated in the label and safety data sheet of the paint. Professional painters will be able to give you advice regarding each room individually.
Planning a Job Around Your Daily Grind
Painting a house that’s occupied is usually easier if you tackle rooms in a way that makes sense. It usually starts with bedrooms; that way they have a good long while to air out before anyone sleeps in them again. Then you can do kitchens and bathrooms, working around mealtimes, school pickups and work hours.
Protecting your furniture and keeping dust at bay makes the whole process a whole lot less hassle. You can move furniture to the middle of the room and cover it, or shift it to another room for a few days. And don’t forget to clean up as you go; it doesn’t take long for dust and tools to take over the whole house if you don’t keep on top of it.
Setting realistic deadlines goes a long way towards keeping everyone in the house from getting stressed out. And let’s be honest, an occupied house is going to take longer than an empty one; there are just some rooms that have to be usable at all times.
Light-Filtered Rooms and Big Windows
Lots of homes in Eaglemont are lucky enough to have north-facing windows, nice views of the bush and plenty of natural light, which, let’s face it, completely changes how colours look throughout the day. What might look lovely in the morning might look pretty blue in the morning, then warm and sunny by late afternoon.
One thing to do before you start is to test out some big paint swatches on several walls, so you can see how things are going to look. Take a good hard look at each one in the morning, midday and evening; that way you can avoid any surprises when it’s all finished. And don’t forget about open-plan spaces; you need to pick colours that flow well from one zone to the next.
And then there’s the problem of glare in rooms with big windows and very pale walls. A lot of people find it’s hard to live with. Using slightly deeper or softer tones can really help calm down that glare, without losing any of the brightness. And switching to a low-sheen finish can also make a big difference.
Finishes That Really Will Survive Family Life
The finish on your paint has a big say in how long it lasts and how easy it is to clean. If you’re painting living rooms or bedrooms, a low-sheen finish is probably your best bet; it hides imperfections pretty well. Hallways and kids’ rooms, on the other hand, might benefit from something a bit tougher, a finish that can handle all the fingerprints and scuffs that come with the territory.
Bathrooms and laundries, well, they’re a different story altogether. These areas have to put up with constant moisture and steam, so you need a paint that can handle that. Mould-resistant paints can help, but they can’t fix a ventilation problem on their own; that takes a proper exhaust fan and some decent airflow.
It’s also a good idea to keep a bit of leftover paint for touch-ups later on; it makes life a lot easier when you need to match the colour again. And don’t forget to label each tin with the room and the date; it saves a lot of guesswork years down the track.
The goal with any repaint is to end up with a home that’s bright and lovely, not to leave the people in it feeling miserable. Choose paints that are gentle on the air, follow the instructions and plan each room with care, and you’ll be enjoying that new colour from the very first day.
