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Paint Quality And Safety Why It Matters Article
Paint Quality and Safety: Why It Matters
from:Paint quality and safety are important factors. If you are painting the interior or exterior of your home, paying close attention to the type of paint and the quality of it will make a significant difference in the results. Your goal should be to purchase within your budget, but a paint that will last longer while still looking fantastic. You can accomplish this by investing a few extra minutes in your paint selection.
Lead Based Paints
In the United States, lead based paints are no longer legally allowed to be sold. Unless you are buying secondhand or you are buying from a less than reputable company, you will not find lead based paints on the market to purchase. This is a good thing considering lead is highly dangerous if breathed in over a period of time. It has been linked to a number of mental disorders and developmental delays.
What you do need to be careful of is removing lead based paints from your home. If your home is older, you should take paint removal serious. Chipping, peeling or cracked painted areas can be highly dangerous. It is important that these areas are properly cleaned (the lead paint removed) and repainted. If you have children in your home, where lead paint is located, doctors recommend they are tested for lead paint poisoning each year (especially if they are under the age of six.)
Quality Paint
The next important consideration you have with paint quality and safety is the actual quality of the paint. The quality is not dependent on the thickness of the paint, though this can be part of it. Rather, you want a paint that is durable and that will hold its look for as long as possible. Here are some things to look for.
Paint fading. Look for a product that will not fade over time. Many manufacturers offer paints that promise to not fade.
Cleaning the paint: If you are painting a high traffic area, such as a hallway of bedroom, you likely want a paint that can be washed from time to time. Think about those sticky hands, and fingerprints. There are some paints labeled as "scrub-able" which are ideal just for this need.
Paint quality is often dependent on price. The cheaper the paint is, the less quality it is. This does not mean you need top priced paints. Rather, choose a middle of the road or better paint price to get good quality.
Many times, you can save money by buying off brands of paint and still get good quality. Take some time to compare your options before selecting. Paint quality and safety are two factors you should focus on when buying paint for your home. This only takes minutes but can make a big difference in the finished quality.