When you see the effort and joy of painting it, you should take care of the painted furniture - this way you can enjoy your beautiful painting work for a long time.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your painted furniture.
Key points:
During the hardening of the paint, which can take up to 3 weeks: Wipe the dust off the paint surface regularly to avoid the paint surface getting dirty. When you want to wipe, do it with a damp cloth, use clean water or a very mild detergent and only a damp cloth - not wet!
Protective Finishing coating can also add additional protection to necessary surfaces. Use protective felt or cork paws for heavy decorations and avoid placing rough or scratchy decorations on a freshly painted surface.
So you have prepared the furniture perfectly, followed the instructions on the paint can and put your heart and soul into the painting project!
When you're done, how do you ensure that the paint surface also stays in top condition?
Here are four key areas to be aware of:
1. Hardening
All paints need to harden to achieve peak condition and durability. This is practically a continuation of the drying process and the hardening of the paint takes up to 3 weeks. It is important that the surface is treated especially carefully during this period, when the paint surface is still fresh. Put your newly painted furniture in 'use ban' for 24 hours before carefully putting it into use.
2. Cleaning
For painted furniture, it is a good practice to dust regularly, as this avoids thicker dust deposits, which then require more vigorous scrubbing (which can press the dust onto the surface).
When you need to wipe dust off a painted surface, it's always best to use a damp (not wet) cloth and a mild detergent.
Many chemicals in cleaning products and antibacterial cleaners or wipes will damage the painted surface.
This can lead to the paint surface feeling sticky and even causing cracks. Always avoid, for example, a disinfectant or a cleaning agent containing such.
3. Heavy wear
On surfaces that are exposed to heavy wear, such as table tops or cabinet tops, it's really good to use some kind of protective pads! This prevents scratching, long-term contact with water, hot cups, alcohol, make-up, etc. strongly coloring or excessively hot dishes,
You could also consider applying a topcoat to protect the painted surface in such a situation.
The matte Tuff Top Coat resists heat better than paint, while the satin, glossier Finishing Coat also adds a little extra protection.
4. Heavy decorations
Over time, heavy objects such as TVs, lamps, large pots or vases can stick to painted surfaces - especially if they were placed in place when the paint was fresh.
To minimize this possibility, it is recommended to put protective felt or cork pads on the bottom of the objects. Placing rough or scratchy decorations on painted surfaces should also be avoided for obvious reasons.
Treat, use, store and clean your painted furniture with appreciation
Whether your furniture is antique furniture or furniture with sentimental value or furniture painted yourself - appreciate your beautiful painting work and take good care of the surface of the painted furniture.
That way, your wonderful painting work won't go to waste. Normal signs of wear and tear are part of everyday life, and the intended use of the furniture affects the durability of the paint surface.
It's a different thing to paint a side table that is used for decoration, than a kitchen table, where you do more than just eat. You can keep a cloth or tablets on the table under plates and glasses/cups - you should always use pans under hot dishes.
If you are wondering if the paint on the dining table top will withstand wear and tear, you should be realistic and think about your own use and consumption in everyday life, just like your own family.
When you paint a table top, for example, you can't cover the table with a cloth the next day - the paint is still fresh. The newly painted surface will harden for another three weeks, so protection until then is very important.
If you paint a garden chair, don't cover the chair with cushions the next day - the paint is still fresh and cannot dry under the cushions.
