When you plan to renovate your home, you don’t want to harm your health or the environment in the process. One thing to keep an eye on while renovating is the painting process. You can potentially bring harmful chemicals into your home if you aren’t careful. Nowadays, it’s much easier to find eco-friendly products so that your health and environment remain top of mind. Here are some of the best eco-friendly painting tips:
Buy eco-friendly paint. Many companies offer environmentally friendly paint now, and they only cost a few dollars more per gallon. Look for products with low (or no) VOCs. You will significantly diminish your exposure to toxins and improve the overall air quality indoors when you use these types of paint. Plus, they are safer around pets and children.
Use eco-friendly brushes. Aside from buying eco-friendly paint, you can take it a step further and use natural brushes as well. There are plenty of high-quality paint brushes made from natural and sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled aluminum, and vegan bristles. Using recycled tools is one of the easiest ways you can go green while painting your home.
Know how much paint you will need. It might take a little bit of measuring but try not to buy more paint than you need. There are paint calculators out there that can be of help, but generally, one gallon of paint can cover about 400 square feet. When you have an idea of how much paint you’ll need, you can eliminate waste.
Store paint in a cool, dry location. When you’re not using your paint, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dry area to help it last longer. Basements, garages, or utility closets are good options if there is no moisture in the room. You can always reuse leftover paint, whether it’s in another room, mixed with other paint to create a new color, or used on furniture. If you aren’t going to reuse your paint, consider donating it.
Properly get rid of old paint. It’s crucial to dispose of paint correctly. Donate unused paint to parks, schools, or other community organizations so they can make use of it. If there isn’t enough left to donate, air out the paint can. After it is completely dried, throw it away. You should never pour paint down a drain. Not only can this damage your plumbing system, but the paint could ignite.
The Chicago house painters say homeowners should remember the hazards involved in choosing conventional paints and recommend shopping for eco-friendly products. Not only will you keep you and your family safe from toxic chemicals, but you’ll also be helping the environment and others.
