What You Should Know About Working With Oil-Based Paints

  • 3 minute read

Home based do it yourself projects are a great way to save money because you will not have to hire out contracted workers. However, if you want your renovation project to go well, you need to understand how to use the tools and products you chose. This is especially true when you work with oil-based paints in your home.

How to Apply it Properly

When it comes to painting your home, technique makes all the difference. This is why having prior knowledge can make a large impact on the outcome of your home. For oil-based paints, you want to first make sure that they can be used on whatever surface you are painting. Both furniture and walls respond well to oil-based paint, particularly when used outside. If you are working with wood, it is always a good idea to sand the surface first to smooth out any imperfections. After applying the primer and waiting for it to dry, you can get out the paint. Oil-based paint is typically thicker, so you need to try to spread it out as much as possible. Additionally, you need to take into consideration the drying time, which should be labeled on the paint can.

Health and Safety Risks

Oil-based paint also comes with its fair share of health and safety risks that can be easily minimized. During the painting process, it is a good idea to work in an area that is well ventilated to avoid the collection of fumes from the paint that can make you lightheaded or even give you headaches, irritation, and many other side effects. Oil-based paints also attract mold. Additionally, drying oil-based paints can present an ignition hazard if exposed to an energy source. Once you are aware of these risks, you can make effective adjustments to protect you from the negative side effects associated with oil-based paint.

Clean Up

Different types of paint have different solvents used to clean them up in the event of a spill. For oil-based paint, you cannot use water to clean it up because the oil and water work against each other. Instead, you need to use a paint thinner or turpentine to clean up spills. After you get the bulk of the paint removed, then you can follow up with soap and water. The key is not to let the spill sit because it becomes more difficult to remove with time.

Using oil-based paint is a great way to have long lasting coatings on wood, furniture, or other surfaces. Although they may seem difficult to work with, once you understand what you need to do, you can enjoy a nicer product in the end.

About IA Drywall Inc.

IA Drywall Inc. has proudly served Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for over a decade, offering top-quality drywall, painting, and insulation services. Our licensed and skilled team is dedicated to providing reliable craftsmanship for residential and commercial projects

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