If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from: damage to the brain and nervous system; behavior and learning problems; slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. Adults can suffer from: difficulties during pregnancy; other reproductive problems, high blood pressure; digestive problems; nerve disorders; memory and concentration problems; muscle and joint pain.
It is a great temptation to start painting without spending time to properly prepare the surface, but this can be a big mistake. Shortcuts on surface preparation can cause even the highest quality paints to fail prematurely. In fact, experts maintain that inadequate surface preparation is the single greatest cause of paint failures.
Whether you are doing interior or exterior painting, good surface preparation requires that the surface be as clean as possible and in good repair. Paint performance depends on good paint adhesion, and paint adheres best to surfaces that are clean and sound.
When using latex be sure that the temperature is above 50 degrees F. It is difficult for latex to form a film at lower temperatures. With solvent-borne paint, be sure the temperature is at least 5 degrees above the dew point. If it isn’t, water may condense on the surface as it cools while the solvent evaporates, causing an uneven blushing effect.
When painting steps, start with the underside of each step’s overhang, then move on to the risers and the treads.
When power mixing, reduce the splattering by putting the container in a large trash bag.
Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good consition, and it is not an impact or friction surface, like a window. It is defined by the federal government as paint with lead levels greater that or equal to 1.0 milligram per square centimeter, or more than .5% by weight.
Never store paint where it will be subjected to subfreezing cold or extreme heat (over 100 F/ 37.78 C). Although most paints are formulated to withstand several freeze-thaw cycles, these conditions can ruin coatings by causing then to solidify.
Most exterior paints will cover about 400 square feet per gallon for one coat. But adjust for waste factors like the type of surface and equipment used. If the surface is rough or porous, add 20% to the total gallons figured. If siding is narrow (4 to 5 in.), add 10%. If on a corrugated surface, add 33%. Also add on a 10% waste factor if using brushes or rollers, add 20% for airless paint sprayers, and add about 40% for air paint sprayers.
Though it may seem like common sense to some people, one of the easiest ways to cover your furniture (if you have to keep it in the room) is to move it all to the middle of the room and cover it all with old sheets and/or drop cloths.
Using a power drill and paddle attachment mechanizes the job of stirring paint, but it can cause splatters. One way to solve the problem is to use a paper plate. Punch a hole in the center of the plate and push the end of the paddle attachment through the hole before chucking it into your drill. Then hold the plate down over the open can while stirring.
