How To Clean up From Interior Painting
There are few things more satisfying than enjoying a room that you’ve just finished painting. But a painter’s job isn’t finished when the last of the paint is on the walls—there is the matter of cleaning up when the job is done. But there is a difference between knowing how to straighten up a space and knowing how to clean up from interior painting the right way. Here is the latter.
Start Before You Paint
The Space
You win half the battle between you and a horrifically messy room before you even open the paint can. This victory comes from taking the time to prepare your space thoroughly for painting. Before you start painting, you should:
- Move furniture away from walls or remove it from the room entirely.
- Cover furniture that you cannot remove with plastic or other coverings.
- Cover the floor with a drop cloth.
- If painting the ceiling, cover walls and windows with plastic sheets.
The Paint
Another precaution you can take when it comes to avoiding messes is making wise paint decisions. While all paints have the potential to stain clothing and other surfaces (the purpose of paint is to make things colorful, after all), some paint stains are more difficult to remove than others. Oil-based paints are notoriously difficult to remove, while you can typically remove water and latex-based varieties with a little elbow grease. Fortunately, all our non-toxic* interior and exterior paints are water-based.
Taking Care of Spills
From Hard Surfaces
When cleaning spilled paint from wood, tile, or vinyl floors, start by mopping up as much of the excess paint as possible. Once you’ve mopped it up, wet paint should be removable with a rag and warm, soapy water. If the paint has completely dried, there are several tricks you can try to save your floors, depending on the surface.
- For hardwood, warm the paint with the low setting of a hair drier until it softens, and then scrape it up gently.
- On ceramic floors, apply a solution of vinegar and boiling water.
- On concrete floors, use a scraper and paint stripper.
From Soft Surfaces
As with hard surfaces, begin by removing as much of the excess paint as possible. Then, using a rag and warm, soapy water, dab the stain from the outside toward the inside. Avoid scrubbing, as this may set the paint more firmly into the carpet. Use the same principle if the stain is dry. A baking soda and vinegar solution is also helpful for removing older stains from carpeting.
Cleaning Brushes
Washing paint brushes and rollers properly is one of the most important parts of cleaning up after interior painting. Caring for brushes the right way ensures that you have them ready for the next project. If you are washing water-based paints from brushes, you can use soap and water, while oil-based paints may require paint thinners.
A coat of paint can change your whole space, and ECOS Paints is here to meet all your painting needs.
*Non-Toxic - Conforms to ASTM-D4236, specifically concerning oral toxicity, skin irritation and respiratory effects.