How to Care for Your Newly Painted Surfaces

Simple tips to keep your newly painted surfaces looking fresh and flawless for years

You’ve just had your home freshly painted, all the furniture is back in place and it looks amazing! Assuming your newly painted walls haven’t already been attacked by little monsters, you’ll want to keep that flawless finish looking fresh. Here’s how to care for your newly painted surfaces and maintain that pristine look for years to come.

1. Give the Paint Time to Fully Cure

Even though your walls may feel dry, paint needs time to fully cure—anywhere from a few days to two weeks, this is especially true for wooden surfaces such as windowsills, bannisters and skirting boards. During this time, avoid heavy cleaning or pushing furniture too close to the walls to prevent smudges or dents while the paint hardens.

2. Dust Regularly to Keep the Finish Fresh

Dust can build up on newly painted surfaces, dulling their appearance. Gently dust your walls, trim, and skirting boards using a soft microfibre cloth, feather duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment - a soft one! This simple step helps keep everything looking fresh and clean.

3. Clean with Care

When it’s time to clean, stick to mild soap and water, and use a soft sponge or microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, as they can damage the finish. For tougher stains, try a gentle cleaner, but always test it on a small, hidden area first.

4. Touch Up Small Areas When Needed

Scratches and chips are bound to happen in busy areas, because - family life! Keep a small amount of the leftover paint for easy touch-ups. When touching up, use a small brush and carefully blend the paint into the surrounding area to maintain that flawless look.

5. Be Mindful of Furniture Placement

When moving furniture, leave some space between the items and the walls to prevent scuffs, especially soon after the work has been done. Adding felt pads to furniture helps protect both your painted walls and your furniture from damage.

6. Protect Exterior Painted Surfaces

Exterior surfaces may need a bit of extra care due to weather exposure. Regularly clean dirt and grime from exterior paint, and inspect for signs of wear. A little upkeep now will keep your exterior looking fresh and help the paint last longer.

Keep Your Fresh Paint Looking Great for Years

At Yes!Decor, we want your newly painted surfaces to stay as beautiful as they were on the day we finished. With a bit of regular care and attention, you can keep your home looking fresh for years to come. And if you need advice or help with touch-ups, we’re always just a phone call away!