10 Things You Didn’t Know About… Paint

1. Baby oil as paint remover?

It's true, dab baby oil on your skin to remove paint. Some even suggest oil based products like mayonnaise or Vicks vapor rub. Also, when using oil based paint, apply a large amount of lotion to your hands before starting your project. The lotion will make your hands that much easier to clean when you're ready to finish up.

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2. Inhaling paint fumes can cause major health issues.

The hazardous chemicals, VOC's, in paint have been linked to birth defects, cancers and damage to the central ­nervous system. Men who are constantly exposed to high-VOC paint fumes may be more prone to fertility problems.

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3. Paint may also make you lose your memory?

In Denmark, they've identified a neurological breakdown associated with long-term effects of paint inhalation called Painter's Dementia.

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4. Learn your VOC lingo and breathe easy

"VOC" refers to paint's percentage of volatile organic compounds (VOC). These are chemicals given off by paints that may cause or further respiratory illnesses, and give paint those strong fumes that make you super lightheaded.

Photo Credit: Benjamin Moore

It's a complex lingo similar to the whole fat free and low fat labeling system. Environmentally-friendly paint comes with three labels; Low-VOC, No or Zero-VOC and Natural. Low VOC contains less than 50 grams per liter. No-VOC contains less than 5, and Natural contain none.

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Tip: Concerned about what your paint job may do to the environment? Check the paint canister for the Green-Seal of approval.  Green-Seal is a nonprofit that has been helping keep home painting projects eco-friendly since 1989.

Photo Credit: Green Seal

5. That lightheaded feeling is no good!

be sure to have good ventilation system when painting, or take numerous breaks.  Painting in a room for too long with no ventilation may cause you to blackout!

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6. Cover it, store it, use it again

To extend the life of your paint, cover the opening with plastic and seal it tightly. Next label it, turn it upside down and store it away in an area with a pretty stable temperature.

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7. Paint color can be deceiving

After hunting through tons and tons of color swatches, you'd think your paint job will turn out exactly the way you want. Colors appear much lighter on a bigger surface, so you'll probably need to choose a shade or two darker than your first instinct.

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Tip: Many manufacturers offer something in between the tiny swatch sample, and a gallon container.  Martha Stewart's paint has a large swatch option complete with suggested color pairings.  Other manufacturers offer small sample cans.  They only cost a few dollars, and can prevent you from investing in a color that isn't quite right for your home.

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8.  Think about painting for the long run

The more intense the color the more likely it is to fade, especially if it is constantly exposed to sunlight. This means touch-ups will be more necessary and more frequent.

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9. Maintain the right temp. for the fastest drying time.

Paint dries quickest at a temperature of 70 degrees. 

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10. Invest in the good stuff

Price does matter when it comes to paint. Bargain paint should run you anywhere from $5-$15, middle range should be $20-$30, and expensive high quality paint should be anywhere between $40-$60 a bin.

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