As a pet owner, your home’s walls face unique challenges, from accidental scratches to fur and paw prints. When it’s time to repaint your home, you’ll want to make choices that not only enhance the look of your space but also stand up to the daily wear and tear of having pets. Here are some smart painting tips from Columbia Paint Company you should consider for a pet-friendly home.
Choose Toxic-Free Paints
The safety of your furry friends should always come first, especially when it comes to painting your home. Many conventional paints contain harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be dangerous for both humans and pets when inhaled. To create a safer environment for your pets, opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints. These paints are not only better for the environment but also reduce the risk of respiratory issues and skin irritation for your pets.
Always ventilate the space while painting and keep pets out of freshly painted rooms until the paint has dried completely to avoid any accidental exposure.
Consider Stain-Proof Colors
Pets are wonderful companions, but they can be messy. Whether it’s muddy paw prints, drool, or the occasional accident, your walls can quickly show signs of pet life. To keep your home looking clean and fresh, consider using stain-resistant or darker colors for areas your pets frequent the most. Darker shades, such as grays or earthy tones, do a great job of hiding stains, smudges, and pet hair, helping to maintain a clean appearance for longer.
Accent walls in darker colors can also be a stylish way to incorporate pet-friendly paint without sacrificing the look of your home.
Choose Lower Sheen Paints
When selecting paint finishes, it’s important to choose a lower sheen like satin or semi-gloss. These finishes are easier to clean than flat or matte paints and can withstand the regular wiping and scrubbing that may be necessary with pets. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are also more durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas where pets are most active, such as hallways, living rooms, and entryways.
Use semi-gloss for trim and baseboards to make them easier to clean and more resistant to scratches from claws.
Don’t Neglect Maintenance
Even with the best paint choices, regular maintenance is key to keeping your walls in good condition. Set aside time to clean your walls regularly, especially in areas where your pets spend the most time. Wiping down walls with a damp cloth can help remove fur, dander, and any surface dirt before it becomes a more stubborn stain. Also, consider keeping extra paint on hand for quick touch-ups when needed.
Place scratch pads or protective barriers in high-risk areas to reduce the likelihood of damage and make maintenance easier.
Painting your home with pets in mind doesn’t have to be challenging. At Columbia Paint, we carry a wide range of pet-safe, durable paints and finishes to help you create a home that works for both you and your furry companions.
NEW LOCATIONS! VISIT THE US AND EXPLORE!
We’ve moved from the Dobbin Road location to our new, roomy location just down the road:
Columbia Paint and Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
6822 Oak Hall Lane, Suite C2, Columbia, MD 21045
443-319-4001
Expect the same one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. We are a full-service Benjamin Moore dealer offering the best quality decorating products at the best prices. We have an ample supply of paint and paint supplies, wallcoverings, custom window treatments, fabrics, and now NEW flooring selections from Kaleen Rugs and Luxury Vinyl Tile samples.
And, of course, the same excellent customer service, knowledge, and customer satisfaction that you’ve come to expect.
ANNOUNCING OUR SECOND LOCATION:
Clarksville Paint & Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
12447 Clarksville Pike, Suite 1A, Clarksville, MD