WAYS OF DEALING WITH PAINT SPILLAGES ON DIFFERENT SURFACES

Accidents happen, and when they involve paint spillages, they can be frustrating. You may have all the right preventative measures for spillages, but something could still go wrong…

When you are painting for a client, and you end up spilling paint; you have to know how to get rid of it, fast and effectively. The sight of paint drops or smudges on carpeting, tiles or hardwood floors is not pretty, and it may cost the job. It is fundamental to remove any spillages without compromising the quality of the surface.

The tactics you use to deal with and remove paint spillages will depend on the surface and the type of paint.

Soluble Paint Spillages

On carpeting

If you are painting a ceiling with emulsion and you end up with a paint spillage, it is possible to remove it. The fortunate thing about emulsion of course is that it dissolves in water, so you can try a clean-up job with water first. The solubility of emulsion will allow you to get it out by wetting the carpet. Rubbing the carpet spot with a damp cloth will remove most of the paint. It is important, however, to rub cautiously to avoid magnifying the spot. If the carpet is waterproof, then it is best to wait for the paint to dry because it will sit on top of the fibres.

On Hardwood Floors and Tiles

If the spillage is on a hardwood floor or tiling, you can use soapy water to remove it. These surfaces shouldn’t give you much of a challenge. Soluble paint tends to forms a cake when it dries. If you notice an emulsion spillage a little late and it has fully dried, then remove the cake first with a sharp edge (like a knife) then mop with soapy water.

Caution is necessary when dealing with wooden floors because of the varnish coating or wax that may be present. Paint removers may alter the condition of the varnish. Spillages on laminate floors are not hard to take care of because the paint can peel off.

Oil-based Paint Spillages

On Carpeting

Oil-based paint is tricky when it spills on a carpet because it will seep through the bottom of the fibres due to its low surface tension. Spilling lacquer paint on certain carpets will require specific techniques of cleaning. Oil-based paint can be hazardous, especially when it comes into contact with certain cleaning products. Thinners, for instance, may cause fires.

As a professional, you will need to use your knowledge of the solvents that work with particular oil-based paints, as well as knowing what effect certain solvents will have on various surfaces. Using a thinner on a carpet may cause damage to the fabric. Hardwood floors can also be very sensitive when it comes to particular solvents, and tiles may corrode as well.

The size of the spillage will also determine how you deal with it. A large spill can cause a lot of damage if you do not apply the right measures. Spillages have the potential to spread, especially on laminate, concrete, and hardwood flooring. For oil-based paint spillages, you should ensure that the area has proper ventilation before you start the clean-up. Ensure that you have the right cleaning products in case of an accident before you begin any paint job, whether commercial or residential.

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