Indoor Painting: How to Paint Indoors Securely

Painting is an activity which almost all people will undertake at some moment during their lifetime. The tools and equipment are available at hardware and home improvement shops across the nation and around the world. But how many consider whether painting indoors, particularly, is risk free?

Paint, even those that are water based, can be a chemical that emits fumes that is often the first thing that people should be are aware of when starting with an indoor painting task. But, many people forget or ignore the dangers that come with fumes from paint. In this article, we'll go over the things you need to be aware of while painting indoors to ensure you're able to do it safely.

Indoor painting precautions

The following are some things to keep in mind in painting outdoors. Although this isn't an organized list for indoor painting, it is important to consider ventilation as a top priority on the list of precautions. All of these factors must be considered before beginning a painting project.

Proper ventilation

A proper ventilation system is essential for painting indoors. Paint is made up of substances that emit fumes, which pose a risk to anyone, especially children, who breathe in for longer period of time. If you can, you should open your doors and windows to increase air circulation. If you're not able to provide adequate ventilation, be sure to take frequent breaks to lessen the effects of exhaust fumes. If you are feeling dizzy or light-headed, take a break and breathe in the fresh air. For furniture or other items, put them outside so that air circulation is not an issue.

There are other things to take into account while painting inside. Is the room that you're painting equipped with ceiling fans? If yes, turn it on to boost the circulation of air. If there's no ceiling fan, consider using a stand-alone fan (put it on an oscillate) to aid in circulation.

If you're painting in the winter months and need to open a door or two to let air in, make use of an electric heater that can be placed in a portable location to prevent the space from becoming too cold.

However, even the best ventilation won't completely eliminate the danger that comes with exposure to fumes from paint. Therefore, ensure that you remove yourself from painting every now and then. This will ensure that you're breathing some fresh air.

If ventilation isn't possible, choose a water-based paint that is low in VOCs to limit the negative effects of the fumes. When working in an unventilated area, you should take frequent breaks to minimize exposure.

Protective equipment

Since paint is a chemical base, but it's not the only negative side effect. Glasses and gloves (or goggles) are recommended to protect yourself from irritation caused by accidental or unintentional contact with the eyes or skin. If it does come in contact with your eyes, immediately flush them with water.

Alongside wearing glasses and gloves, a protective mask for your face can be used to keep you from inhaling the fumes released by the paint. These items of protection can reduce the chance of injuries caused by the chemicals present in the paint. After your painting project is completed, make certain to properly dispose of them to ensure that the paint residue doesn't stay in your home.

Also, think about wearing a respirator mask (available at most paint stores and stores for home improvements) in the event that you plan to paint for a long duration. The additional layers of filtration that are included in the respirator mask provide additional protection (something an N95 standard mask doesn't offer).