It is an exciting process to go through in getting your property painted. It is the equivalent of giving your property a face-lift. It will leave you and your building feeling refreshed, clean and like new. Although it can sometimes be a nuisance to have your personal or work space feeling like a worksite, the end product is always rewarding.
The most important part of a paint job is how you care for the paint coating after completion. The maintenance of the interior and exterior of a building post paint works is essential to keeping your property looking like new for longer.
The cost of re-painting a home is an expense that most people would not want to include in their budget more often than is necessary. Keeping a newly painted finish properly maintained can extend the life of the painted surface and add a few extra years in between repainting. Here are our tips on maintaining and taking care of your paint job.
Interior paintwork maintenance
- Recommended time to clean after a paint job is 2 weeks after application of the final top coat – this is to remove any dust which has been collected.
- Majority of paints used on interior walls are washable.
- This means they can be periodically cleaned with a milk soap water solution. Using a sponge and mild soap solution lightly scrub the areas that have any light stains or marks. Note that very old and stubborn stains are difficult to remove and should not be continually scrubbed hard as this could result in permanent damage to the paint work.
- To prevent stubborn stains ensure any stains are cleaned up straight away to prevent drying up and becoming permanent.
- Frequent cleaning helps maintain the look of the paint job and it is recommended to clean and wash walls once a month.
- For areas prone to dirt and marks, e.g. Children’s rooms, it is recommended to get a single coat of paint done every two years or so.
- It is essential that you frequently check your walls for any signs of peeling paint as this can be the first sign of more serious problems such as water damage or seepage problems. As soon as you notice any problem areas it is essential to get the professional advice from a painting contractor and attend to and damage immediately to prevent more serious problems.
- Any areas exposed to sunlight, especially windows and door frames, will lose shine over time. It is recommended to apply a single coat every two years to keep them looking fresh.
Exterior paint maintenance
- Ensure you regularly inspect the exterior of your property to ensure you are on top of any changes or irregularities. Whilst gardening or pottering around the yard, be sure to do a visual inspection of your exterior. If you notice any issues such as peeling paint or any other problems that are calling out for repair, be sure to have a professional contractor look at the issue and recommend how to move forward before the issue worsens.
- All window sills and door frames need to be checked for bubbles and fading. These features may need to be sanded back and re-painted with one coat to maintain that brand new look every two years.
- After you have checked for any problem areas or repairs it is important to note how dirty the exterior is. It is essential to occasionally wash down your exterior as dirt begins to collect. The more frequently you do this, the less the build-up. Annual washing is often stipulated as a condition of warranties provided by paint manufacturers and painting applicators.
- Please note that high-pressure washing can actually damage your paint finish. It is recommended to carry out normal pressure washing with your garden hose and a soft brush to loosen dirt. This will brighten your paint finish considerably.
- Be proactive in your exterior maintenance. This will ensure your paint job lasts more years and will decrease the need for frequent re-painting. Failure to undertake proactive maintenance, particularly the failure to annually wash exterior surfaces may void the warranty provided by the paint manufacturer and painting applicators.
