Preparing for the arrival of a baby can be exciting and daunting. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, projects and other tasks must be done before your baby’s arrival. When designing your new baby’s nursery, you may wonder if it’s safe to paint the room. Your doctor is the only person qualified to tell you whether painting while pregnant is a good idea for you and your baby.
If your doctor gives you the green light to paint your interiors, a few precautions are in order. Follow these safety tips any time you decide to paint your home.
1. Ensure Good Ventilation
When painting any interior space, it is always critical to prioritize ventilation and good air circulation. Even if you use low or no-VOC paint products, breathing in paint vapors is a bad idea. Time your project for a day when you can open your home’s windows and doors. Set up one or two oscillating fans throughout the painting process to keep the air moving. Taking regular breaks to go outdoors for fresh air is a good idea. If you feel weak or dizzy, stop and seek help if necessary.
2. Stay Off Ladders
Pregnancy can wreak havoc with your center of gravity. Scaling a ladder is a bad idea even if you feel perfectly stable and balanced on the ground. Rather than risking your safety on a ladder, paint exclusively from the floor. Use extension poles for your rollers, or enlist someone else’s support to tackle the higher parts of the room.
3. Get Assistance with Preparation Work
It’s essential to prepare surfaces before applying new paint. Paint will not adhere to dirty or damaged surfaces. The preparation work for interior painting involves repairing drywall, sanding, removing mold or stains, and cleaning all surfaces. These jobs can be physically demanding. It is even riskier if the prep includes removing lead paint from walls. Have someone else handle the prep work. If you suspect lead paint is involved, hire a professional contractor certified in safe lead paint practices to test for and remove old paint.
4. Don’t Rush the Job
Even if you feel you are running short on time, rushing an interior painting job is never a good idea. Rushing leads to mishaps, injuries, and a poor paint finish. The golden rule regarding painting is to take your time. You might want to tackle each wall individually, giving yourself plenty of time to rest. If painting more than one room, you should break the paint job into smaller projects.
5. Choose Your Paint Products Carefully
Choosing paint formulas that are safe for you and your baby is essential. Choose a baby-safe paint product. Paints with a high VOC content should be avoided as they contain harmful chemicals. Consult with your local paint supplier, and ask for their recommendations. Use only the safest products available, and follow all safety precautions when applying paint.
6. Avoid Spray Painting
Spray painting poses a danger because particles can be easily inhaled. The chemical odor can be quite strong, and spray cans are often full of harmful chemicals. It is best to avoid spray painting during your pregnancy.
7. Thoroughly Ventilate Rooms After Painting
Children, individuals with breathing problems, and pregnant women should avoid freshly painted areas for 2 or 3 days. Even after the paint looks dry and doesn’t smell, it can still emit vapors for several days. Ventilate freshly painted areas for at least 48 hours for your safety.
In Summary
Painting while pregnant can be done safely if you’re in good health and feel up to the job. Follow these precautions to ensure your health and safety:
- Talk to your doctor before beginning any painting project
- Wear protective clothing, gloves, and masks
- Open the windows and doors
- Use a fan to help keep the air moving
- Take frequent breaks
- Avoid eating or drinking in the room being painted
- Stay off ladders or scaffolding
- Work with a partner
Hire a Professional Paint Contractor
Painting while pregnant can be a time-consuming and tiring project. The best way to protect you and the developing baby from harm is to hand the job over to someone else. Contrary to popular misconceptions, a professional paint job is often more cost-effective than a DIY approach. The Painting Pros offer interior and exterior painting services without hassles or worries. You can feel safe knowing that our expert team is doing the work. The Painting Pros was the first company in the Los Gatos area to be “Certified Green.” The certification is awarded to companies that “adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, employees, communities, and the planet.” We’re also a lead-safe company, meaning that we follow lead-safe practices, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Call The Painting Pros at 408-418-9912 or contact us online for a free consultation and estimate. We serve San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Los Altos, and other nearby communities. We look forward to working with you.