What should you not do while painting? (2023)

What should not be done while painting interior walls?

Don't: Remove all the lighting. After all, you'll need proper lighting to see what you are doing. Also don't tape over windows as you'll need to ventilate the space. And, if possible, don't use plastic to cover the floor as it can prove slippery.

Use a light touch: Applying too much pressure on your strokes can lead to easy mistakes and paint dripping from your brush. Use the right type of brush: It is well worth investing in a high-quality angled sash brush.

Usually it is necessary to keep windows wide-open and to use exhaust fans. Fans should be used while painting, and, for some paints, for 2 to 3 days afterwards. These simple steps can help reduce potential problems for resi- dents, neighbors and painters.

It can be dangerous to use old paint. Paints made prior to 1978 may contain lead and expired oil-based paints can emit harmful fumes that are toxic. Even latex paints made prior to 1990 may contain mercury which is dangerous to you and your family.

Running the air conditioner or furnace while painting does not provide effective ventilation. A standard HVAC system simply recirculates indoor air, thus spreading paint fumes throughout the entire house as the system ductwork disseminates air to all rooms.

If you have central air, make sure to turn the air conditioner on to the highest setting and let it run until new air has been pumped into the house, pushing out the paint fumes. If you have central air and you do not want the air conditioning on, you can always flip on the fan and leave the air off.

Oftentimes, though, beginning artists paint the subject first and then don't know what to do with the background. To avoid that problem, paint the background first.

How toxic is breathing in paint?

Breathing solvent paint fumes for too long can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This can happen in a poorly ventilated space or when large areas are being painted or stained. These paints can even be deadly if they are inhaled on purpose, or "huffed", to get high.

The main hazard in standard painting techniques is accidental ingestion of pigments due to eating, drinking or smoking while working, inadvertent hand to mouth contact, or pointing the paint brush with the lips.

The chemicals present in paint fumes can cause both short- and long-term health effects. While painting, and as the paint is drying, some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, eye watering, dizziness and breathing problems. Other immediate symptoms include throat and lung irritation and vision problems.

According to a study done on Exposure to Airborne Particles and Organic Solvents among Painting Workers, long exposure to paint fumes can cause loss of lungs function and serious pulmonary problems.