Important Safety Measures for Indoor Painting Projects

While painting may seem to be a straightforward task, there are many considerations to keep in mind and steps to complete before applying paint. In addition to masking surfaces and choosing the correct paint colour, there are many important safety measures for indoor painting projects that need to be considered. As a leading provider of materials, hand tools, and hardware, the team at Country Lumber knows that safety is often overlooked when completing interior painting projects. That is why we have compiled a list of safety tips to help you get the job done right while minimizing the risk of injury or property damage.

Learn about the different types of interior paint sheens to choose the best option for your project.

4 Safety Tips for all Indoor Painting Projects

The following preparation and precautionary measures should be taken for every interior painting project to ensure that everyone involved stays safe:

1. Remove as Many Obstructions as Possible

Before painting a room, it is best to remove any large items such as furniture. This will help to protect these items from paint splatter while removing potential obstacles and tripping hazards, making the process easier and safer. Should any paint be spilled during the project, be sure to clean it up immediately as it can become a slipping hazard or cause damage to your floor if left alone.

2. Keep the Space Ventilated

If you have ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous when dealing with paint, it was likely due to fumes. Paint fumes are an invisible hazard that can be potentially dangerous depending on the exposure level. To minimize the hazards posed by paint fumes, ensure that the room(s) being painted are adequately ventilated by keeping all windows and doors open.

3. Be Careful with Paint and Tools

In addition to fumes, paint can be harmful if it is left on skin for a prolonged period or if it gets into a user’s eyes. Should paint get into your eyes, they must be rinsed immediately to minimize irritation. Any rags that have been exposed to oil or paint thinner can also be a potential fire hazard if they are left alone, so they must be disposed of as soon as the project is complete.

4. Exercise Caution with Ladders

Ladder injuries are among the most recorded when it comes to interior painting projects. Before using a ladder, ensure that it is set up properly, in good condition, and can support the weight of all individuals using it. Failure to take these precautions can result in serious injuries.

To learn more about paint project safety or to inquire about our products, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or the details of your project.

Types of Interior Paint Sheens

A new coat of paint can make a world of difference to the look and feel of your home, especially if you choose to go with a different colour. While all interior paint products are intended to perform the same job, the sheen of the paint can drastically affect the results. As a leading provider of hand tools, hardware, and paint products, the team at Country Lumber knows how difficult it can be to select the perfect paint solution for your home. That is why we have compiled some information on the different types of interior paint sheens to help you make an informed decision.

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6 Common Interior Paint Sheens

Though paint sheen is largely based on preference, some options are a more common choice for certain areas of the home over others. The most common types of paint sheens include:

1. Flat

This type of paint has no sheen at all because it does not reflect light. Flat paint is more forgiving of flaws in a surface as it masks imperfections by allowing more pigment to come through, though it can be more difficult to clean than glossy sheens. A flat sheen is often used for ceilings and walls for low-traffic spaces.

2. Matte

Matte sheens are similar to flat, though they do have a slight shine. Matte paint provides excellent depth of colour and has a smooth feel after proper application. Unlike flat paint, a matte sheen can withstand more frequent washing, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas including walls, living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

3. Eggshell

Eggshell features a low amount of shine while being easy to clean. While it reflects more light than flat and matte sheens, it is not nearly as shiny as semi- or high-gloss sheens. Eggshell paint is a popular choice that is suitable for high-traffic walls in dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.

4. Satin

Satin paint is a medium-gloss option that grants depth to trim and other surfaces while remaining easy to clean. Satin paint is also great for high-traffic walls, doors, and cabinets, but is more susceptible to showing flaws such as lap marks or other instances of user error.

5. Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint is luminous and reflective, making it a great choice for highlighting details within your home such as trim and kitchen cabinets. While it is easy to clean, it is also extremely difficult to apply without cosmetic flaws.  

6. High-Gloss

This option offers a mirror-like finish that reflects light exceptionally well, especially for lighter colours. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and stain resistant, but also the most difficult to apply properly. If you will be applying semi-gloss or high-gloss paint throughout your home, it is often best to hire a professional.

To learn more about our selection of paint and other products for your project, get in touch with the experts at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or services.

Interior Painting Tips for DIY Painters

Painting the interior of your home can do a lot to freshen up your living space. Although many people will elect to hire a professional to paint their home, others will elect to do the work themselves in order to save money and have better control over the work being done. If you are planning to paint the interior of your home, it can be useful to know some interior painting tips for DIY painters. At Country Lumber, we provide solutions to make work easier for people looking to get started on painting their home’s interior.

Interior Painting Tips

Most people know to move furniture to the centre of the room, cover everything with drop cloths, and tape over any wall fixtures that they do not want painted, but there are some tips and tricks that most DIY painters might not be aware of. Some tips for painting your home’s interior include:

Use a Primer

A primer can help to save you money, as it is typically a very cheap first coat. In most cases, you will need to apply numerous coats in order to have your paint look right. A primer can help to limit the number of coloured coats needed, often saving you work and money – especially if you are painting a light colour on top of a dark colour.

Paint in the Proper Order

Following a specific order when painting a room can help you avoid needing to repaint certain areas. Most professional painters follow a specific order when painting a room. Start with the ceiling, and then move on to the trim. Once that is done cut in the edges of the walls and then finish up by painting the walls with a roller.

Paint in Large Strokes

It is easier to avoid streaking and unevenness by painting in large strokes with the roller. Paint full strips of the wall with every stroke, and then overlap the next stroke with the previous one so that you do not miss spots and so that the coat is applied evenly.

Use a Paint Pen for Touch-Ups

Paint pens can be loaded with the paint colour being used in order to touch up missed spots or paint that gets peeled off when tape is removed. These pens are worth investing in, as they can be used for up to a year after they are loaded with paint.

Use the Same Paint as What has Been Used Before

If you have oil-based paint on your walls currently, make sure that you only use oil-based paint to cover it up. Likewise, latex paint should be used on walls previously painted with latex paint. If the wrong paint is used, it can result in the paint not adhering to the wall and the paint will peel.

If you would like to learn more interior painting tips for DIY painters, or if you would like to learn more about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.