Whether they’re painting the outside of your house, your deck, your garden furniture or any other outside object, painters need to protect their health and keep the things they’re not painting safe. Here are some things pros do to make that happen.

Wearing Protective Gear

Painters don’t want any sort of paint on their skin because it can be surprisingly difficult and time-consuming to wash off. Some types of paint, especially oil-based ones, are dangerous to breathe in and get on the skin. These paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, which can cause headaches, breathing problems, and dizziness. Some of these chemicals are carcinogenic. Other chemicals preserve the paint or make it easier to spread. These chemicals can cause rashes if they get on the skin. Painters need to be careful about the kind of paint they use and follow any instructions it comes with.

No matter what type of paint they use, painters need to wear gloves, a coverall, safety glasses and a respirator mask, especially if they’re spraying the paint. Earplugs are also necessary if they’re using a sprayer.

Disposing of the Paint Properly

The one good thing about exterior paint jobs is that there’s plenty of ventilation, but when they finish their work, painters need to dispose of or store leftover paint safely. Leftover paint can be stored in a cool, dry area, but if oil paint is no longer usable, sanitation workers may need to come and dispose of it safely. Latex paint can be tossed out with the trash.

Trimming the Shrubbery

Plants need to be trimmed, especially the foundation plants that might get in the way during the job. Trimming should be done well before painting.

Using Protective Coverings on Shrubbery and Other Items

The way to protect plants and hardscaping from splashing paint is to cover them with tarps or drop cloths. Throwing a tarp on the walkway or a patio is one thing, but delicate plants can be crushed beneath the weight of a heavy canvas drop cloth. One solution is to cover the plants with a sheet of lighter material such as an old shower curtain liner that you no longer use. Another idea is to find something that can hold a heavy tarp safely above the plants while protecting them, such as an upside-down tomato cage.

Talk to Us About Exterior Painting Safety

Exterior painting can bring new life to everything from your house’s facade to a set of garden furniture. If you want to learn more about exterior painting services, get in touch with our professionals at Cornerstone Paint Partners of Springfield, MO.