Interior painting is one of the top home improvement projects in the world. According to Angi, every homeowner should have their home painted every four to six years to keep it well-maintained. After getting a professional service done, though, you’ll want to make sure the paint stays beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips to ensure your painting project stays looking great.
The Key Factor
Before we get to the tips, it must be mentioned that one of the key determinants of the durability of your interior painting is the surface preparation work that was done. Professional painters know how important it is to prepare the surface to be painted properly. Proper surface preparation ensures that paint can bond with the surface and create a long-lasting, durable finish.
1. Excessive Moisture
A high-quality paint can tolerate quite a bit of wear and tear and even some moisture exposure. However, to ensure the longevity of your interior paint, you do want to take some precautions regarding moisture exposure. Excessive moisture can weaken the bond between the paint and the subsurface.
Humidity control, repairing leaks, and ensuring that large amounts of water are not used to clean the surface can help mitigate the risk of excessive moisture. Ensure your home is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build-up. Excessive moisture can cause paint to peel and bubble. It can also contribute to premature wearing of the paint. Controlling humidity in your home can help to protect the painted surfaces.
2. Paint Maintenance
Dust and debris can build up on walls and ceilings, which can prematurely age paint. Dust and debris may contain pollutants or chemicals that can adhere to painted surfaces. Over time, this accumulation can result in surface discoloration, causing the paint to appear dingy or stained. Dust and debris can also break the bond between paint and the subsurface.
Clearing away dust and debris before it has a chance to accumulate is an easy way to keep your paint looking new for longer. Walls and ceilings should regularly be cleared of dust and debris using a soft brush or duster. Frequent dusting will make it easier to keep your walls and ceilings debris-free. Keeping dust and debris at bay will ensure the longevity of the paint.
3. Harsh Cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners shouldn’t be used on a painted surface for several reasons. Cleaners often have abrasive ingredients. These abrasives can damage the protective coating of the paint and leave scratches behind. Abrasive ingredients are not the only thing you should avoid.
Chemical cleaners can change the color of the paint by stripping away pigments. Cleaning fluids can cause paint to fade and discolor. Cleaners that are not color-safe can also strip away the paint’s finish. To preserve your painted surfaces, only a damp sponge with minimal amounts of soap must be used to clean for everyday cleaning. Baking soda can be mixed with water for tougher cleaning jobs.
4. Leave Space
One of the quickest ways to mark a painted wall is to butt furniture up to the wall. Leaving a little space between the wall and furnishings will ensure that furniture does not rub against the wall and damage the paint. If the space is tight, consider using furniture bumpers where the furniture meets the wall. Small protective padding can go a long way in protecting your walls.
Furniture rubs are one of the most common forms of damage. Leaving enough space to avoid the problem is the easiest way to preserve the paint. When moving furniture or other goods, ensure enough space to avoid hitting the wall. Use furniture pads when moving furniture to avoid damage to the walls and the furniture.
5. UV Protection
Protecting interior painting from UV damage requires some preventive steps. Dark-colored paints are more susceptible to UV fade. That doesn’t mean you can’t use dark-colored paint in your home, but you must take certain precautions to protect the paint from fading. Over time, the sun can cause faded spots on paint that are more noticeable in darker colors.
Simply closing the blinds or the drapes during the hours when the sun is the strongest can help protect the paint from fading. Use window treatments to control the amount of sun in the room and where it is directed. Most quality paints have UV protection built-in, but you still want to err on the side of caution when it comes to sun exposure.
6. Touch Ups
No matter how careful you are with your new interior paint, there is always the potential for damage. Periodic touch-ups in between painting projects can help. Professional maintenance can help to keep your interior painting fresh and new for longer. Pros can match the color perfectly and make the minor repairs blend seamlessly.
Regular touch-ups can extend the intervals between full repainting projects. You can postpone the need for a complete repaint by addressing minor issues as they arise. Touch-ups are an easy way to extend the longevity of your paint and keep your home looking great, especially in areas where it’s hard to follow the rest of the tips in this article. Contact us today to learn if this solution makes the most sense for your home!
7. Quick Cleanup
Quickly wiping away potential stains is essential in keeping your interior painting looking fresh. Acting quickly when something is spilled on the wall can prevent permanent staining. Some liquids and chemicals can cause discoloration and potentially affect the paint’s bond.
Some substances are natural abrasives like sand and mud that can cause micro scratches in the paint. Other innocuous substances, like water, handprints, and tape residue, can cause staining. Removing any substances on your painted surfaces is the best way to avoid staining and other potential issues. Call a professional to touch up the area if you didn’t get the stain in time.
8. Kitchen Tips
If your kitchen is painted, this room needs extra attention when it comes to ensuring the longevity of the paint. Cooking can lead to grease build-up on unprotected painted surfaces. Therefore, painted surfaces in the kitchen need special maintenance.
Backsplashes can help to protect painted surfaces. Regular cleaning with a mild baking soda and water solution can help keep grease and other debris from building up. Food splatters should be addressed immediately to avoid staining. As with the rest of the home, kitchen walls and ceilings should be dusted regularly to avoid build-up. Ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated when cooking to avoid staining.
Taking the necessary steps to protect your painted surfaces will ensure you get the most value from interior painting. Adopting a proactive approach to maintenance can contribute to the long-lasting beauty and integrity of the painted surfaces. Regular care and attention help preserve the appearance and protect against premature wear and damage.
The first step in ensuring your interior painting will deliver the longevity you want is to connect with a professional with the right expertise. Our team uses high-quality paints and the right techniques to ensure your results are long-lasting. Call Raydian Painting today to learn more about our interior painting services and what will affect the longevity of your paint job. Let us put our many years of experience to work on your home. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream results!
