Paint Safety

As you tackle any painting project, it’s important to follow certain safety measures to protect yourself and your family.

Head to your local True Value hardware store for the all products and advice you need to be safe when you paint. Our Certified Paint Experts are always happy to help.

Safe Project Preparation

The majority of interior paint, stain and stripper fumes aren't just hazardous to one's health, they can also be extremely flammable. Always work in a well-ventilated area, open doors and windows and use an exhaust fan to disperse fumes. Never paint or use solvents, solvent-based paints, strippers, stains, caulking or clean-up supplies near an open flame or pilot light, including a furnace and water heater.

• When working with solvent-based, materials it is best to wear a respirator, a type of clean-air mask. When sanding, wear a proper dust mask to prevent particles from entering the lungs or, if possible, use a power sander with a sawdust collection bag.
• If it's avoidable, don't sleep in a freshly painted room for at least two days.
• Use canvas drop cloths instead of plastic on the floor. Cloth stays in place better and is less slippery than the alternative.

Electrical Safety

When painting or performing other maintenance that require work near electrical outlets, cover all exposed outlets with painter's tape and turn off the power to the room before you start.

Use Safe Products

Prime and paint using “low VOC" formulas. These products have lower levels of volatile organic compounds to protect your and your family.

• Wear protective gloves and clothing when priming or painting.

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Lead Testing

Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning in children and can also be harmful to adults. If your home was built before 1978, you should test painted surfaces such as window frames or doorjambs with a lead-testing kit. 

If a surface tests positive for lead, avoid scraping or using heat to strip. The only way to safely strip lead-based paint is to spray the surface with water and gently scrape off the loose paint. Discard the paint chips immediately and clean the area using a special vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter attached. It is recommended you hire a professional to complete these tasks.

Properly Clean and Dispose of Paint

Leftover latex paint must dry before you can dispose of it in the trash. Even if you have used all the paint from a can, allow the empty container to dry with the lid off before discarding. If you have less than 3/4 of the can left over, you can let the paint dry by leaving it in a well-ventilated area until it hardens, stirring once every few days. When leaving paint out to dry, be sure to keep it in an area that's away from children, pets and open flames. 

Clean brushes and rollers with non-toxic, citrus-based cleaners or turpentine – an environmentally friendly solvent made from the resin of coniferous trees.

Properly Store Excess Paint

Always store paint in a dry location where the temperature is above freezing. Replace the lid firmly and store the can upside down to prevent air from entering the container. 

If you have young children, purchase a lockable storage cabinet for all paints, chemicals and solvents.

Pat yourself on the back! From stripping and application to storing and disposal, you've taken important steps toward making any painting project safer. Consult the experts at your local True Value hardware store for additional tips and advice.

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