A fresh coat of paint can transform the look and feel of a home. But without proper maintenance, that new-look finish can quickly wear away.
Here are a few tips from the Wichita area’s leading residential and commercial painters to help you keep your painted walls looking new. Click https://www.alvarezpainting1llc.com/ to learn more.
Water damage can be one of homeowners’ most frustrating issues when painting their homes. It can damage the look of your home and even cause structural problems if it needs to be addressed more quickly. In addition to causing cosmetic damage, moisture can lead to drywall problems, mold and mildew growth, and other issues that are a pain for any homeowner.
The first step in addressing any moisture problem is to get the area as dry as possible. This can be done by opening windows, using a dehumidifier (a handy gadget that sucks moisture from the air), and speeding up the drying process with fans. Once the area is as dry as possible, you can repair the damage and paint the wall again.
One of the biggest reasons why paint flakes, peels, or chips is due to water damage. This can be caused by various things, including a leak in the roof or siding, an overflowing bathtub, or simply the weather in your area. Whatever the reason, the result is usually the same: a peeling or flaking paint job that can be a major eyesore for your home.
In addition to water, painting may be damaged by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays break down the paint molecules, leaving it weak and prone to cracking and chipping. A good way to combat this is by using high-quality, UV-resistant paint and reapplying it regularly.
Another thing to watch out for is out-of-plane distortion in a painting exposed to moisture, as this is a sign of water damage and should be dealt with by a conservator. Finally, paintings with water-sensitive gesso ground layers can become soft after moisture exposure, so it is important to consult with a conservator as soon as possible.
A home’s exterior is essential to the overall curb appeal and protection it provides. A well-maintained exterior can last a long time and protect the interior of your home from the elements, but sometimes it is necessary to repaint. The best way to prevent a future repaint is by being proactive and regularly checking for signs of moisture or damage.
While mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, they are scientifically distinct fungi. Both can cause damage to surfaces and health problems, but they require different environments to grow. Fortunately, it’s easy to distinguish mold from mildew based on color, texture, and smell.
Mildew is white or gray and dry or powdery. It usually rests flat on a surface and has a musty or foul odor that strengthens as it grows. Mildew is found in damp areas and often thrives in warm temperatures.
Mold can be trickier to recognize and identify because it can come in various colors, shapes, and textures. It can also produce a foul odor as it grows because of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).
Both mold and mildew grow in moist conditions, but they require different things to live and thrive. For example, mildew grows on surfaces that provide food, like wood or fabric, and can be wiped away with standard cleaning products. Conversely, mold can eat into wood and other materials, causing substantial property damage and necessitating professional mold remediation strategies.
To avoid mildew:
- Keep fabrics and clothing dry.
- Wash or dry clean clothes and fabrics before storing them, especially if they are untreated with a mildew inhibitor.
- Store them in an area that has good air circulation.
Conversely, mold can grow on various surfaces, including wood and leather. It can also produce potent allergens that trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive people and can cause breathing issues and infections like hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
To prevent mold:
- Eliminate moisture sources by fixing roof and foundation leaks and resolving indoor humidity.
- Use a dehumidifier in humid rooms and increase ventilation.
- If there is an area with persistent mildew, sponge it lightly with thick suds of detergent or soap and wipe it with a clean cloth. If the mildew is on a fabric, such as an upholstered chair or mattress, you can try wiping it with a cloth or sponge soaked in 1 cup of denatured alcohol to 2 cups of water.
When dirt and dust build-up on paint surfaces, they can cause dulling and fading. It’s best to wipe down walls with a soft cloth or feather duster every few weeks and use a mild cleaning solution if necessary. Avoid harsh chemicals, as these can damage both the surface of the paint and the wall itself. Always test a new cleaning solution on an inconspicuous wall part before using it on all surfaces.
Scratches and dents are often caused by furniture and doorknobs that rub against the wall. To prevent scuffs and scratches, add chair rails or wainscotting to the wall where the furniture will sit, and use padded hangers on doorknobs. If a wall has been damaged, touch it immediately with a color that matches the rest of the wall.
A repair pen can fill the scratch with a hardening lacquer if it is shallow. For deeper dents, the technician will likely have to remove the dent and sand the area before repainting it.
A light polish can also help to smooth and protect the paint surface. Polish should be applied with a clean microfiber cloth, which can be removed according to the package directions. A wax can be added to the consistency for an extra layer of protection.
Mold and mildew can permanently stain paint if cleaned slowly, but regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent this from happening. The same goes for dings and scratches—try to spot them as soon as they happen and get them repaired before they spread. Keeping leftover paint in a cool, dry place and clearly labeled for the appropriate room can make this process easier.
As the name suggests, high-touch areas are prone to collecting germs. They come into frequent contact with people’s hands and can spread them around the building, causing illness among staff or visitors. Door handles, knobs, and light switches are all common examples of these types of surfaces, which need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
This is especially important for commercial spaces that are open to the public, such as hotels and hospitality venues. A clean and hygienic environment is a must for guests, who are often in and out of rooms daily. The best way to keep these areas fresh and clean is to use a durable coating, such as BEHR’s Ultra Spec SCUFF-X. This scuff-resistant paint is perfect for high-touch areas and has won many industry awards for its effectiveness.
The foyer is one of the most popular places to use this type of paint, as it’s a visible entrance to the home or business. It can set the tone for the rest of the space, with light colors bringing in natural light or moodier dark tones to create a welcoming atmosphere. It can also protect the walls from scuff marks and scratches caused by shoes, umbrellas, and other items.
It’s not uncommon for the surfaces in a family room to become dirty or worn down due to heavy usage. This area must get regular cleaning and touch-ups to ensure the best results from a new paint job.