Is painting your home interior among the things hindered by having the kids underfoot, whether due to a pandemic or summertime? Well, now is the perfect time to paint since kids are back in school. Reasons to paint when the children aren’t around can range from safety to sanity issues. After all, the children’s degrees of rambunctiousness are factors that can’t always be reasonably ignored.
Health Reasons Kids, and Interior Painting Don’t Mix
The most common type of poisoning is caused by lead-based paint. Doctors say that most chemicals in paints contain lead, which can harm infants and young children between the ages of 6 months and six years.
If a young child touches or inhales paint fumes, the paint could trigger allergic or asthmatic attacks. The development of a child can be severely harmed by exposure to lead. Lead is easily absorbed into children’s bodies, injuring their bones, brain, and other developing organs.
The kidney and stomach can also suffer severe side effects. Paints are typically made with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), though less harmful low-VOC and no-VOC paints are available today. VOCs generate toxic fumes that can weaken children’s immunity systems.
Babies are most susceptible and should not be home during painting projects until the paint has dried. VOCs can also trigger eye irritation and reactive airway diseases. Younger children, adults, and elderly individuals with a history of respiratory tract ailments or allergic coughs should also stay away during painting. Everyone’s safety from the potentially harmful effects of toxic fumes depends on keeping areas well-ventilated during painting.
Choose Kid-Proof Paints
When it comes to painting, there are other things to consider besides safety. One of those is the type of finish produced by the paint. Glossier finishes are easier to clean and are, therefore, more kid-friendly. Experts recommend 100% acrylic latex paint in a glossier finish for interior painting as a kid-proof option.
Safe Prep for Painting
There are other aspects of painting besides applying the paint itself, and you may be able to take care of those when everyone is home. For instance, the walls may need to be patched. You may decide to wait until after the kids go to bed before patching nicks and holes in the wall. Outlet covers and switch plates need to be removed. If you are pretty sure there will be no little hands tampering with the work, painter’s tape can be applied before kids get back to school. Taping off the woodwork will help you make the most of the opportunity to apply paint when the kids return to school.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it the perfect time to paint your home when kids are in school?
Painting your home while kids are in school offers several advantages. Firstly, it minimizes disruptions for the family and the painting process, as children won’t be around to hinder the workflow potentially. Secondly, it ensures a safer environment by reducing the risk of exposure to fumes and materials for young ones. Finally, it allows for a smoother and faster project completion without working around family schedules.
2. How can I prepare my home for painting while my kids are at school?
Preparation is key to a successful painting project. Start by choosing your colors and purchasing supplies ahead of time. Clear the rooms to be painted of furniture and personal items, or move them to the center of the room and cover them with drop cloths. Ensure all surfaces are clean and make any necessary repairs. Schedule the painting during the school week to maximize productivity and minimize disruption to your family’s routine.
3. What safety precautions should I take if painting while my kids are in school?
Safety should always be a priority when undertaking a painting project. Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans to circulate air. Choose paints with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) to reduce harmful emissions. Keep paint and supplies out of reach of children and pets, and clean up thoroughly at the end of each day. When the kids return, keep them away from wet paint and freshly painted areas until completely dry.
4. Can I still undertake a painting project if my child is home for online schooling or during school breaks?
You can still proceed with your painting project, but additional planning will be required. Please set up a safe and comfortable space for your child to continue schoolwork away from the painting area. Discuss the importance of staying clear of work areas with them. Consider scheduling painting activities around your child’s school schedule or during weekends. Alternatively, smaller projects or hiring professionals could ensure the work is done quickly and safely with minimal disruption.
Contact us at Franklin Painting Today
At Franklin Painting, professional painting teams consistently deliver flawless interior and exterior results. We can be the ones who paint while the kids are back in school, which is even less hassle for parents. Painting projects are like children in that they come in various sizes. We are happy to handle painting projects of many different sizes and scopes while the little ones are away at school, though some aspects of our work can be done when the kids are home with you. Contact us at Franklin Painting today to make an appointment! Call Franklin Painting at 877.646.7774 or 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.
