17 Feb How to paint safely

When you start a painting project, it’s easy to get carried away with the aesthetics – what colour would look best where, what style will carry a room, and so on.

However, the most overlooked, and most important, consideration is always safety. Because sometimes you’ll come up against problems that are beyond what you can handle, and in this case it pays to call in the professionals before these problems are compounded.

Watch out for mould and mildew

Your first job should be to inspect the condition of your existing paint, looking for chips, bubbles or warping. If you find signs of water damage, you could have stumbled upon a larger structural problem that goes way beyond the remit of a simple repaint job. If you suspect a major issue, call on the experts to survey the building correctly.

Handling mould and mildew

If the mould problem you encounter is superficial, then a quick sand or scrub will do the job. However, it’s always a wise move to wear goggles and a face mask as protection against any toxins that may be released.

If you’re tackling the grime with chemical agents, please check the labels carefully for safety instructions. Also be sure to dispose of excess chemicals in an ethical way, which doesn’t involve pouring them down the drain.

Preparing your workspace

Create a safe working environment before you start by removing obstacles such as furniture, electronics and wires. Cover your flooring with a drop sheet (canvas is best) to protect it from sand, dust and paint spills.

Step with care

Incorrect ladder usage is a common cause of injuries, mainly because we take ladder safety for granted. Before you leap up the ladder, be sure to take care of the basics: anchor the base securely, making sure locking mechanisms are secure and the ladder is extended fully. And wear covered shoes or work boots to prevent slipping.

Use your common sense

If it feels dangerous, it probably is, so don’t rush a job. Make sure you move carefully and methodically, avoiding obvious dangers such as balancing paint tins and roller trays on the top of your ladder. And don’t over-reach for walls or ceilings – use extendable handles instead.

Professionals are the safest choice

If you’re feeling uncomfortable, professionals such as Pelham Painters can help. We’re well-versed on safety protocols and utilise the latest equipment to make the job of prepping and painting simple and pain-free.