Have you just had painters in Kelowna redo the paint in your home but are unsure how to take care of your walls afterwards? Here are a few tips to help maintain your walls for years to come.

Dealing with dirt and grime

Interior paint normally gets dirty around the following areas: finger prints around light switches and door knobs; water and food splashes in the kitchen; water splashes in the bathroom; marks in hallways; and soot building up around lamps and other heating devices. Many people choose to paint over these areas but that’s an expensive option.

Make sure to monitor and properly clean those areas often so that dirt or finger prints do not accumulate so that they do not get permanently embedded into the paint. These marks will usually take place at hand height, so make sure to look there. To clean these areas and properly maintain your paint make sure to use a mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth, and only use more powerful cleaners if absolutely necessary as these cleaners can dull your paint. Try and stay away from abrasive cleaners as they can burnish almost all types of paint. Always make sure to rinse the surface after using a cleaner.

Mildew build-up

Mildew typically grows in damp areas of the house, so make sure to watch for mildew in the bathroom, laundry rooms, and kitchen. Make sure to never paint over mildew and remove it properly.

Make a mixture of a 3 parts water and 1 parts household bleach, and use a sponge or rag to wash the area. Always make sure you are wearing the proper safety gear when dealing with bleach: eye protection, skin protection like gloves, and a respirator. Make sure to rinse the area when you are finished.

Paint sticking/blocking

If painted services and areas are put back into service before the paint has had the proper time to dry, they can sometimes stick to other surfaces such as door frames and closet doors. Dark colored paints seem to stick/block more often than light colors, and glossy paints block more often than flat paints. This can also happen in warmer damp conditions.

To avoid this from happening, always make sure the paint has had the proper amount of time to dry. If you notice this beginning to happen you can rub talcum powder or candle wax onto the surfaces, which will stop the sticking.

For more tips on how to maintain your fresh paint job, or if you’re looking for painters in Kelowna to redo your interior paint, contact us today!