Did you know that roughly 65 million households in the US have a dog, while around 46 million have a cat? Needless to say, pets are popular—but so are paint projects! Just last year alone, over 1.4 billion gallons of paint were used by Americans. So it’s reasonable to assume that there are pet owners who are also repainting their homes. If you fall into this category, you might be wondering if there’s anything you need to know; after all, painting your home is a pretty big undertaking that affects everyone in the household, including your pets! Here are four tips to keep in mind.
1. Toxic-Free Tints Are Key
While comparing your paint options, be sure to check the label and select a non-toxic product. Avoid paints that have VOCs (volatile organic compounds) as these can emit harmful fumes. Formulas made from natural ingredients like water, plant dyes, and essential oils are safe for humans and pets alike, but they often lack the potent pigments that make colors pop, so plan accordingly.
2. Consider Stain-Proof Colors
This is perhaps the most fun part of preparing to paint your home—selecting your color scheme! That said, pet owners might want to consider stain-proof colors. Colors like bright red, blue, and green tend to show smudges and stains, and since homes with pets tend to experience these types of damages more frequently, it’s in your best interest to opt for shades that are darker and able to hide them. Darker, neutral shades like charcoal or brown can work well here.
3. The Right Sheen Makes a Big Difference
Of course, it’s not just about the color of the paint—the finish matters too! Lower sheen finishes like satin or semi-gloss are great options here; while you don’t want fully reflective walls, you probably still want paint that’s relatively easy to clean if your pets are messy. It’s all about finding the right balance; you want to hide smudges and marks, but you also want them to be easy to address!
4. Maintenance Is Crucial
Interior paint generally has a lifespan of anywhere between 5 to 10 years, but this can vary depending on certain factors—and pets are one of them! Regular maintenance and upkeep can make a big difference; painted walls should be dusted and wiped down at least monthly. If you have a new puppy that loves to make a mess, or an older, stubborn cat who does as they please, you might find yourself spending extra time touching up and cleaning your walls. Nonetheless, taking the time to do so will ensure that no matter what product, color, and finish you’ve chosen, it’s there for the long haul!
About Platinum Painting
The Platinum Painting team has helped hundreds of homeowners (and pet owners) in the DFW metroplex with a wide assortment of both interior and exterior painting projects, and they’d be honored to assist you with your next grand undertaking! If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up a FREE in-home estimate, feel free to visit them online or give them a call today! Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 993-4237.