Hiring a house painter is a sensible way of making sure the job is done safely and effectively. However, you may be concerned about the environmental impact of the task. Fortunately, there are many ways in which house painting can be done without harming the environment.
Use eco-friendly paints
Firstly, ask your painter to use eco-friendly paints. Traditional paints can include harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds, which can cause health problems if you inhale them. This can be a particular problem if you have children or pets. Instead of these, you can use paints made from natural materials such as clay or chalk. These will be much safer to use on your house and will ensure that the air quality remains good.
Avoid lead
You should also ensure that the paints do not contain any lead. This is unlikely with modern paints, but older paints could still contain problematic amounts of lead. This can be harmful to the environment if the paint flakes off, as the lead can get into the water and air, which can then cause problems with human health. Make sure that your painter uses lead-free paints which will not damage the environment.
Avoid solvents
Paints are not the only hazardous substance used in decoration. Solvents such as turpentine can also cause problems if they are inhaled. They can also burn if they come into contact with your skin. Added to this, they can be difficult to dispose of, as they can be harmful if they get into the water system. Instead, you can ask your painter to use natural cleaners. Soap and water will usually do the job, especially if you use soaps specially designed for use with paintbrushes.
Use eco-friendly drop sheets
Finally, make sure any drop sheets are kind to the environment. It is important to cover up your carpets and furniture to ensure that they are not splattered with paint, but these sheets should not just be put into a landfill. Try to make sure that your drop sheets are reused whenever possible. Use sheets that are either recycled or which are biodegradable and will break down when you dispose of them.
Don't be afraid to ask your painter what precautions they are taking to protect the environment, and to make any requests you feel are necessary. You can then be sure that your home decoration does not come at the cost of environmental harm. Contact house painters near you to learn more.
