Keeping Your New Paint Job Like New
There’s nothing quite like a fresh new paint job to improve the look of your home. Painting your house is a big task, and it can be a major investment of money and time whether or not you hire a professional or painted it yourself. After the paint job is finished, it is wise to protect it to extend its life.
Even though fresh paint feels dry to the touch, it actually takes weeks for it to dry. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that the paint is dry when it is still very wet. You must have patience, and once it is fully dry, you should maintain and protect it. Consider the following tips:
Interior paint maintenance tips
- Avoid fading paint. Be sure to use a high-quality paint and there shouldn’t be a problem in fading, even in bright sunlight. Or, fight fading paint by blocking incoming sunlight with shades or curtains.
- Treat stains and spots immediately. Stains will happen, and treating them right away will ensure easy removal. You can wash spots with water and a damp sponge.
- Watch out for mold. For warm, humid rooms like the bathroom and basement, there are special paints available that prevent the emergence and growth of mold.
Exterior paint maintenance tips
- Pressure wash. You should pressure wash the exterior of your home about every five years, especially if there is mildew present.
- Inspect for mold and mildew. Look out for these as well as excess dirt from weather conditions.
- Avoid the use of TSP. You shouldn’t use tri-sodium phosphate for maintenance cleaning, as this chemical has a tendency to de-gloss the paint.
Keep your paint job looking beautiful by properly caring for the interior and exterior of your home. You will protect your investment and have a beautiful looking house for years to come!