Furry and feathered friends tend to steal our hearts, making themselves worth the trouble when they wreak havoc in our homes. If you have a cat, dog, or bird, it’s good to know how to repair paint damaged by pets. Caring for a pet can mean actually putting up with anything for love. Fortunately, the following DIY tips for repairing pet damage can help you avoid sacrificing the condition of your home for the love of Fido, Garfield, or Pretty Bird.
Kinds of Pet Damage on Painted Surfaces
Washing walls can often do the job when your pet has caused superficial damage to paint. Discoloration often proves to be more challenging, though. Scratches and gouges demand a whole new skill level of paint damage repair. With the right supplies, however, repair work is usually doable.
The most common types of pet-related paint damage you can usually repair yourself include the following:
- Areas soiled by pets brushing against walls
- Walls near a bird cage stained by droppings
- Gouge marks on doors and door frames where pets claw to get in or out
- Trim damaged by a dog’s chewing
- Claw marks caused by pet’s scratching or climbing
Removing Superficial Pet Damage
Anytime you set out to remove pet soil from a wall, it’s a good idea to first clean a test area to be sure no damage is done to the paint. When paint has a sheen to it, most discoloration can be washed away. Semi-gloss interior paint is typically used for doors and trim, and these areas can usually be scrubbed vigorously. Satin and eggshell sheens can also be washed but with greater care.
Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to wash painted walls. Don’t use a dripping-wet sponge. If gentle scrubbing is needed, perform the work slowly to avoid damaging the paint. Rinse and repeat as needed on stubborn spots. Cleaning pet stains off of painted surfaces is never a wasted effort. If stains are too stubborn and repainting is required, wall surfaces always need to be cleaned first, anyway.
Scratch and Gouge Repair
A course sanding block or sandpaper and then spackle, primer, and fresh paint can usually repair pet scratch marks on walls. Deep gouges require wood filler and sanding followed by primer and paint. Sometimes it’s necessary to replace pieces of trim. Professional painters sometimes provide minor carpentry repair services for pet-damaged trim before painting.
Tips to Prevent Pet Damage on Paint
Prevention can help avoid pet-damaged paint. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Install a metal kick plate on doors where your dog scratches to get in or out
- Supply your cat with a handy scratching post
- Place bird cages away from door and window trim
- Install a pet door so cats and dogs aren’t tempted to scratch the door
- Provide puppies with plenty of chew toys
- On interior walls, use satin paint
- On doors and trim, use semi-gloss paint
Some of our painting experts at Franklin Painting know well how to repair paint damaged by pets because they’re pet-lovers, too.
Our interior painting, exterior painting, faux painting, and other services are all backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
Restore your pet-damaged home to like-new condition by contacting us today at Franklin Painting.
Call us today!
Franklin Painting
877.646.7774
Contact us Online
Frank Campanelli, the esteemed founder of Franklin Painting LLC, has been leading the company since 1986. He takes immense pride in the stellar reputation his dedicated team has built by consistently delivering top-notch service to each customer.
