January 14, 2015
10 Safety Tips for Painters
Giving your home a fresh new coat of paint can do wonders for its ascetics. However if you are not an expert with a brush and roller, you might hesitate to take on such a job. Painting the interior or exterior of your home can be a daunting task especially if you are not equipped with the proper tools and safety equipment. When you are armed with the proper tool and following these 5 tips you too can make the task of painting your room or kitchen a breeze.
1. Properly plan your project
Before you go all out and grab your nearest brush and roller with any paint you can find, it worth taking the time to first plan out your project. Start of by getting all your tools in place like brushes, rollers, paint trays and drop cloths. By organizing everything you need before you start you can save yourself valuable time and headaches. Having left over paint is far better than running out of paint half way through the job.
2. Ladder Safety
When painting a room or the outside of your home you often need to climb on a ladder to paint those top areas. Before climbing on your ladder you should always read the instructions that are printed on it. Also make sure that you use the right ladder for the job.
- Before climbing on your ladder makes sure that the steps are clean and free of dirt to avoid interfering with your footing.
- If you are planning on using an extension ladder make sure that both the legs and top rails make proper contact with the surfaces.
- You should also check that the spreader bars are locked into place firmly.
3. Remove any hardware
Although this does not seem like a safety tip it can greatly improve the quality, speed and ease of your project. Hardware that can be removed will include door knobs, hinges, electrical outlet covers and switch plates. Place everything neatly in properly labeled plastic bags with their screws so that you can easily find and assemble them later.
4. Power Tools
Power tools like sanders, washers, and spray painting tools can be a painter’s best friend but only if they are used properly. When using these tools make sure that you read the instruction manuals and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also make sure that you have the proper eye protection before operating these tools.
5. Using the right tape
Many painters make the mistake of using the wrong tape, like masking tape. Although masking tape has its purpose it surely does not need to be on your wall or fixtures. When left on objects for too long it becomes very hard or even impossible to remove cleanly. There are special tape made just for painters that can easily be removed once the project is finished.
6. Protective Equipment
As we mentioned in tip no4 protective equipment and clothing can protect your eyes, skin and lungs. Common safety equipment includes eye goggles, safety gloves and a respirator. If you are planning on sanding you should always wear a dust mask.
7. Making Use of drop cloths
If you have ever tried to do D.I.Y painting of a room you will know that it can be a messy business. For the best protection of your valuable belongings you can use canvas, but plastic and even bed sheets may also work. However paint may seep through when you are using bed sheets which defeats the purpose of your painting project.
8. Working with solvents
Sometimes painters need to use pure solvents for thinning their paint and cleaning their brushes. Although these solvents are not dangerous they can impact your health if they are not used properly. Before using these solvents, make sure that there is proper ventilation in the room. You should also remember top put on protective eye gear.
9. Be prepared for spills
No matter how hard you try to work neatly, paint spills and splatters will happen. A good idea is to have a roll of paper towel and a supply of rags at hand. If you are going to use oil based paints use a rag dipped in paint brush cleaning solvent.
10. General safety
Painting is not commonly a dangerous practice but it always pays to follow good safety practices. Always keep others out of the area and never let children play with the paint. After your job is done make sure to leave the room absolutely clean.