How to care for and maintain painted furniture
When you see the effort and joy of painting it, it's worth taking care of your painted furniture - this way you can enjoy your beautiful painting work for a long time.
Here are some tips on how to care for your painted furniture.
Key points:
During the paint curing process, which can take up to 3 weeks:
Wipe dust off the paint surface regularly to avoid staining the paint surface. When you need to wipe, do so with a damp cloth, use clean water or a very mild detergent and only a damp cloth - not a wet one.
We recommend mild or diluted cleaning agents or clean, warm water for daily cleaning of painted surfaces.
It is not recommended to use strong, bleaching or otherwise corrosive detergents or abrasive cleaning tools to clean painted surfaces.
Protective Finishing Coating can also add extra protection to surfaces where needed. Use protective felt or cork pads for heavy decorations and avoid placing rough or scratchy decorations on fresh paint.
So, consider your own use and consumption habits for the painted surface and choose the paint and coating according to your own needs.
So you've prepared the furniture perfectly, followed the instructions on the paint can, and put your heart and soul into the painting project!
Once you're done, how do you ensure that the paint surface stays in top condition?
Here are four key areas to be aware of:
1. Hardening
All paints must cure to achieve peak condition and durability.
This is essentially a continuation of the drying process and the paint can take up to 3 weeks to harden. It is important to handle the surface with extra care during this time, when the paint is still fresh. Put your freshly painted furniture on 'off-limits' for 24 hours before carefully putting it back into use.
2. Cleaning
It is a good practice to dust painted furniture regularly, as this will help to avoid thicker dust deposits, which then require more vigorous scrubbing (which can push the dust into the surface).
When you need to wipe dust off a painted surface, it is 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 quickly make the paint feel sticky and even cause cracks. Always avoid cleaning products containing disinfectants or similar.
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 underlay!
This prevents scratching, prolonged contact with water, hot cups, alcohol, makeup, etc., strongly staining or excessively hot dishes,
You might also consider applying a Finishing Coat to protect the painted surface in such a situation.
The matte Tuff Top Coat is more heat resistant 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 a good idea to place protective felt or cork pads on the bottom of objects. Placing rough or scratchy decorations on painted surfaces should also be avoided for obvious reasons.
Care for, use, store and clean your painted furniture with respect
Whether your furniture is antique, sentimental, or self-painted - appreciate your beautiful paint job and take good care of the surface of your painted furniture.
This way, your beautiful paint job won't go to waste. Normal wear and tear is part of everyday life, and the intended use of the furniture will affect the durability of the paint surface.
It's different to paint a side table that is used for interior decoration than a kitchen table that is used for more than just eating. You can keep a tablecloth or placemats under plates and glasses/cups on the table - it's always a good idea to use trivets under hot dishes.
For example, a kitchen table is used in a completely different way than a sofa. We recommend a topcoat for painted surfaces that are subject to heavy wear and tear to protect the paint surface.
If you're wondering whether the paint on your dining table will withstand wear and tear, it's worth being realistic and considering your own use and consumption in everyday life, just like your own family.
You can add a matte finish, 'Tuff Top Coat', to protect the paint surface of a heavy-duty dining table.
For example, when you paint a table top, you can't cover it with a cloth the next day - the paint is still fresh. The freshly painted surface will take about three weeks to harden, so until then, protection is very important.
If you paint a garden chair, please do not cover the chair with a cushion the next day – the paint is still fresh and will not have time to dry under the cushions.
