Consumer Tips

Painting can be a messy project if it’s not handled properly. Drips and accidental paint spills can do major damage to flooring, clothing, furniture and even skin. As a general rule, you want to clean up a paint spill as soon as it happens. Unfortunately, this can’t always be done, and a dried paint stain must be dealt with. This guide explains the two most common types of paint used in house-hold applications, and the best methods to remove them.

Types of House-hold Paints

Before you handle a paint stain, you’ll need to understand the type of paint that caused the stain.

Oil Paint:  Oil-based paints are typically used for exterior applications because they grip the surface that they are covering better than a latex paint would. Oil paints take more time to dry than other types of paints due to the additives, sometimes as long as 24 hours. These additives give the paint a glossier finish, but make it very difficult to remove.

Water-/Latex-Based Paint:  Water-based paints are best for interior applications. This type of paint dries rather quickly because the moisture in it evaporates. While water-based paints aren’t as durable or as shiny as other paints, they are very easy to clean up after. Typically, only soap and water are required to do the job. Latex paints tend to last longer than other paints, having a better resistance to cracking and a better color retention.

Paint Removal

Oil Paint Removal: Oil based paint is difficult to remove from a surface, but it’s not impossible. Normally, the use of chemicals is required. Turpentine, acetone, kerosene, and other varieties of chemical paint thinners do a decent job of removing oil paint, but they can also strip the surface of its original color, particularly in clothing. Test the surface you’re trying to remove the paint from prior to emptying a container of paint stripper on it.

Once you’ve purchased a chemical paint remover (which you’ll find available in pastes, liquids, sprays, and other forms).

• If the oil paint landed on a wood surface, sand off as much of the paint as you can, then use the paint stripper to remove the rest.
• If the oil paint landed on a carpeted surface, you can try pulling as much of the excess paint out first , then using the paint thinner to remove the rest.
• To remove oil paints from the skin, wash with soap and water first. If that doesn’t remove the paint completely, use baby oil, a combination of olive oil and salt, a homemade sugar scrub, or even mayonnaise to gently strip paint from your skin.

To make the job even easier, heat up the oil paint on whatever the surface may be, then scrape what melts off. Finish the job with the chemical paint remover of your choosing.

Always remember to wear protection when using chemical strippers to avoid any health-related issues.

Latex Paint Removal:  Luckily, there are a few ways to clean up a latex paint spill. If the paint spill is still wet on any kind of surface, soap and water will usually remove it.

• To take latex paint off of most surfaces, remove as much of the paint from the surface first, then use the soapy mixture to gently dab the surface clean. If the paint is on clothing, soak it in water first and then machine wash regularly.
• If the latex paint has dried on a surface, scrape as much of the dried paint off. Use pliers, putty knife, or another type of scraping device, taking care to avoid scratching the surface. Then, soak the area with a mixture of water and dish soap, scrubbing after a few minutes to begin removing the caked on paint.

If you’re struggling to remove latex paint with soap and water, you can find water-based latex paint removal products in a home improvement store. These solutions are mixed with water and then blotted on the paint stain. When you’re shopping, check the type of remover before you make a purchase – there are a variety of options available specifically designed to work on certain surfaces.

Remember, paint stains are preventable! Trust experts, like those at CertaPro Painters of North Raleigh, to tackle your interior or exterior painting project mess free.

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Moving is a hefty project that can end up costing you a fortune if you don’t go about it the right way. Whether you’ve moved many times in your life or this is your first big move, these tips can help make your move as cost-efficient and simple as possible.

• Get rid of clutter. Moving is a great time to clear out the items you no longer have a need for. As your packing, think about everything that you’re putting into boxes or loading up onto a moving truck. Is it something that you use often, and will continue to use? If so, pack it up. Consider getting rid of items you forgot you had, or rarely ever use. They’ll take up valuable space on the truck and quickly clutter up your new space.
• Pack way in advance. Waiting until the last minute to pack can create a nightmare of a situation for you. Setting goals weeks in advance can help motivate you, and avoid a disaster the day of your move. Once you’ve made settlement on your new place or signed a lease, mark your calendar. Fill in various dates with goals to have certain rooms packed by. This will help keep you focused on your end goal – your new space!
• Skip the expensive packing materials. Use old clothing or pieces that you’re going to get rid of to wrap delicate items your packing. Purchasing bubble wrap can be expensive and greatly increase your costs of moving. Similarly, pack up items in things that you already own, like laundry baskets and luggage. Then, you can more accurately purchase the amount of boxes you’re likely to use. When you’re packing boxes up, fill in all of the empty space. This means you’ll have to use less boxes, thus spending less money on them. You’ll also help protect the items packed in the boxes by preventing shifting from occurring.
• Keep your boxes organized. Number each box that you pack up, and keep a notebook of all of your numbered boxes and their contents. It also helps to categorize your boxes, whether it’s by labeling them with colored tape, or simply writing the name of the room the box belongs to on each of the box sides.
• Make your necessities accessible. Pack other items you know you’ll need right away, like towels, toiletries, and kitchen utensils, in a clear plastic container. Place this box in the moving truck last, or take it with you in your car so you’ll have easy access to the items as you need them. Similarly, pack an overnight back with a few sets of clothes and other necessities. This will make your first night in your new home more bearable.
• Hire a professional. Professional moving and shipping services, like those offered at Good Greek Moving, provide unbeatable service and make moving as easy as possible for you. Hiring a professional means you’ll get the most out of the space on your moving truck, your items will be handled with care, and you won’t risk injuring your back lifting heavy boxes and furniture.

Moving is an exciting time! Make it as easier on yourself and your wallet with these tips.

Living in a small home or apartment can be challenging when it comes to furniture. Space is limited, making it vital to choose only functional furniture pieces that you need. Jarons has put together a guide to choosing furniture for small living spaces. Read on to figure out which furniture pieces will best suit you and your living quarters!

Create hidden storage in everyday furniture pieces. That ottoman that you use to rest your feet on and convert into a table when you entertain can serve another purpose! Utilize it for storage, to stow extra linens or pillows inside of. Use a bench in your dining room or kitchen to sit on, and store extra place settings inside of it. Find ways to utilize all of the space in your home, including the void spaces in your furniture pieces!

Utilize multipurpose pieces. Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, an ottoman can serve as a table when you entertain, or a bunk bed could have a mattress on top and a desk underneath. When you’re cramped for space, these pieces of furniture will help you remain functional while also saving space.

Arrange furniture away from the walls. Placing tables and couches flush against a wall can make a space feel smaller than it truly is. If you’re arranging furniture in a small home or apartment, create a unique space in the center of the room by arranging the furniture away from the walls to give the room volume.

Use your walls for storage. Make the most of your floor space with plenty of shelving. Whether you like to organization of a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or prefer the clean lines of simple shelving, line your walls with storage space. Avoid cluttering your shelves, as this can make a small room feel cramped.

Take advantage of color. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Akron suggest a simple way to make a small space appear larger – match the color of your furniture to the color your walls. The furniture will seemingly disappear into the walls, making the space appear more open!

Invest in nesting tables. If you’re tight on space but want the extra table room, nesting tables are the perfect solution. Another option is to utilize an end table that is equipped with a drawer and small shelving underneath. This end table has a pull-out tray and lower shelf storage, perfect for small spaces.

Make the most of your small living space with these furniture tips from Jarons! Check out our selection of functional furniture today.

At Jarons, our customer’s safety and satisfaction is always a priority. Furniture tipping has become a growing epidemic in the United States. On average 40 children are taken to emergency rooms daily with injuries caused by furniture tipping. A majority of these injuries are caused by heavy furniture items, including desks, bookcases, and dressers.[i] Jarons, along with a number of businesses are recognizing the dangers that furniture tipping poses to children. Some retailers are recalling products that are known to be a tipping hazard.

Furniture tipping is preventable. When purchasing new furniture, keep your child safe by following these tips:

• Secure cabinet doors and drawers with child-proof bumpers that prevent children from opening them. This will inhibit their ability to climb onto open drawers or doors, which can cause the furniture to tip.
• Affix heavy furniture, including bookshelves and televisions, to walls with L-brackets to prevent them from tipping. These anchoring devices are inexpensive, and can withstand the weight of the furniture should your child decide to climb it.
• Store televisions on a low stand with a wide base, and ensure the television does not exceed the weight limit of the stand. If necessary, mount the television to the wall.
• Avoid top shelf teasing – don’t punish your child by taking away a toy and storing it on a high shelf. In this way, you are challenging the child to try to find a way to access their toy, which can bring them to climb up furniture.
• Ensure that electronic cords are tucked away so that children cannot trip or pull on them and cause the electronic to fall.[v]

If your child is injured in a furniture tipping accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Naftulin & Shick. Often there are financial and emotional damages caused by a furniture tipping injury, and Naftulin & Shick are experienced in dealing with these types of cases.

Protect your child from a furniture tipping injury with these furniture safety tips.