One. Can I directly live in an old house after applying latex paint?
No.
Whether it's a new house or an old one, once repainted or renovated, it's not directly habitable. This is because, regardless of how environmentally friendly the construction materials are, they contain trace amounts of harmful substances like formaldehyde, which need to dissipate. Therefore, direct occupancy can have adverse effects on health due to these toxic gases.
Two. How many days after applying latex paint can I move back into a renovated old house?
After applying latex paint to an old house, it is recommended to wait 7 days before moving in, provided that the indoor environment is well-ventilated. This waiting period allows for the volatilization of any potentially harmful substances that may be present in the latex paint. For added safety, it is advisable to use professional testing equipment to check for formaldehyde levels before moving in.
Steps for painting with latex paint on old walls:
1. Clean the old wall surface and ensure it is smooth.
When applying latex paint on old walls, it is necessary to first level the wall surface. For walls with peeling paint or cracks, we should first use professional tools to level the wall surface and ensure that the wall is free of loose particles, unevenness, and other defects.
2、Applying putty and sanding
Applying putty typically involves two coats to level the surface, using putty powder with fine grain and firm texture. After the putty is completely dry, it is smoothed with fine sandpaper. To ensure good adhesion, the wall surface should be thoroughly cleaned after sanding.
3、Apply the first coat
When applying the base coat, ensure even coverage. If the wall surface absorbs paint unevenly, you can add a small amount of water to achieve a more uniform coating.
4、Repair Putty
After sanding, patching work needs to be performed. When patching, it is important to ensure that the surface is smooth. Before applying the topcoat, apply a second coat of primer with slightly more water to prevent color variations due to differences in absorbency between this surface and other wall surfaces.
5、Apply surface coating
When applying surface paint, avoid adding excessive water, as this will affect the paint film thickness, texture, and hardness. It is recommended to use high-quality tools. The roller's nap should not be too long, but it must be fine, to achieve a more perfect paint film. When applying the paint, pay particular attention to corners, the middle areas between coats, and the direction of paint application.
6、Maintenance
When the latex paint film has not reached a certain hardness, some basic maintenance should be performed. It is best to avoid any scrubbing or contact with the wall surface within 8 days.