Painting your home can be an incredibly exciting undertaking, but it can also present unique challenges, especially when you have pets. Their safety, comfort, and the potential for mishaps are all factors that you’ll want to carefully consider and account for. With that in mind, here are some essential tips to help ensure a successful interior painting project while keeping all of the furry friends in your home safe and happy.
1. Pet-Friendly Paint Is Key
When selecting your paint, look for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or zero-VOC options. These paints emit fewer harmful fumes, making them safer for both pets and humans. Always check labels to ensure the paint is non-toxic and safe for indoor use; the ingredients should be listed. You should try to avoid oil- and latex-based paints as they often contain VOCs; however, paints that are made from natural ingredients like water, plant dyes, essential oils, and other similar components are safer for you and your pets alike.
2. Choose Your Colors Wisely
Picking a color is often the most entertaining part of the whole painting process, but if pets are in the picture, you’ll want to put some extra thought into it. Remember, bright colors like red, blue, green, yellow, and all their hues and shades tend to show smudges and scuffs very easily. On the other hand, darker colors that hide these marks might be better suited for spaces where pets frequently hang out.
3. Keep Your Pets Safe During the Painting
Pets can be curious and may wander into a freshly painted area if given the chance, potentially getting paint on themselves or even ruining your ongoing work! It’s best to keep pets totally away from the room being painted; you can use baby gates or closed doors to keep them out. You might also go as far as to create a safe space for your pet during the painting process; somewhere quiet and away from the commotion can help them become accustomed to the temporary change in routine.
4. Don’t Neglect Cleanup
After painting, make sure to clean up any spills or splatters promptly; it is a messy process, after all, and there are bound to be some! Pets are often drawn to strange smells or colors, so it’s best to keep brushes, paint cans, and any other supplies well out of their reach and properly disposed of. Also, be sure to pick up any tarps, uncover light fixtures and outlets, and move back furniture before reintroducing your pet.
Of course, you’ll also want to take steps to maintain your paint – meaning you should clean your walls often, touch up areas of damage, and repaint as needed to ensure that things remain fresh, functional, and of course, pet-friendly!
About Platinum Painting
Our team here at Platinum Painting has proudly served homeowners in Arlington and all across the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering expert assistance with a wide assortment of interior, exterior, commercial, and residential painting projects. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please visit us online or give us a call today; we’re very pet-friendly! Telephone: (817) 983-7280.