By Higgins Coatings

Have you recently completed paintwork at your strata property? Once the paint dries, it’s essential to properly care for your newly painted walls and ceilings to maintain their longevity. The wear and tear of everyday life can quickly take its toll, leaving surfaces dull and tired.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your investment and keep your property pristine.

Allow for appropriate drying time

Before moving furniture or equipment back into place, it’s vital to allow enough time for your painted surfaces to dry completely. Most acrylic paints are touch-dry in 20 minutes, but warmer temperatures and higher humidity can accelerate the process. In contrast, oil-based paints can take up to a week to dry and harden under normal conditions. So, you need to factor these drying times into your painting maintenance plan when choosing paint.

When time is of the essence, providing adequate ventilation and airflow can help fast-track the drying process. Opening windows and doors or using fans to promote air movement helps to remove excess moisture from the air, speeding up the drying process and preventing paint from pooling or dripping. These steps can significantly reduce your freshly painted surfaces’ drying time.

Protect your paintwork

It’s crucial to protect your paintwork by maintaining painted walls and keeping your space looking clean and professional. Wainscoting is a popular method for protecting the lower portion of your walls from damage from foot traffic, furniture or equipment. These panels can be painted to match your existing surfaces and are a great way to add visual interest to a space.

Protective finishes are also a favourite method of safeguarding freshly painted surfaces. These paint coatings, including sealants, top coats and clear coats, and are often used in high-traffic environments where walls require regular cleaning and disinfection. They are also helpful in high humidity or areas exposed to extreme moisture, as they can prevent peeling and water damage.

A critical watch-out when choosing a protective finish is to consider the specific needs of your space. For example, if you need a finish that is resistant to extreme heat, consider a clear coat for superior weathering. Whatever finish you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and maintenance to ensure your walls stay protected and look great. 

Clean frequently for ongoing upkeep

Regular cleaning is also essential to maintaining painted walls. There are two types of cleaners that you can use to keep your surfaces looking fresh: water-based and solvent-based cleaners. 

Water-based cleaners are generally safer and more environmentally friendly. Most are ideal for cleaning walls, ceilings, and other surfaces that need a little cleaning. Solvent-based cleaners, on the other hand, are more powerful and effective at removing stubborn stains and dirt. Use these cautiously and in well-ventilated areas to minimise the risk of inhaling harmful fumes.

Whichever cleaner you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch or damage painted surfaces. By doing so, you can help to preserve their appearance and extend the longevity of your paintwork.

Prepare for touch-ups with preventative maintenance

To maintain the appearance of your commercial property, it’s always better to be proactive. This means taking steps to prevent problems before they occur, such as regularly cleaning, inspecting painted surfaces, fixing any cracks or holes, and addressing any underlying issues that may cause damage to your paintwork. 

It’s also a good idea to consider hiring professional contractors with the experience, tools and expertise to perform preventative maintenance. They can identify potential issues and provide recommendations for long-term maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run.

Maintain your painted walls to protect your investment

Painting your property can add value to your building, but the clincher is to ensure that your newly painted walls and ceilings last by maintaining them properly. Following these essential steps, you can better maintain painted walls and ensure your building remains a vibrant commercial space for years to come.

Your paintwork is an investment that needs protecting to ensure the ongoing appearance of your building and reduce future expenses. Learn how to keep your paintwork looking fresh for longer with our  handy guide to painting maintenance.