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Must-have safety gear for all your DIY projects

While it may be tempting to get stuck right into a new DIY project, it’s important to equip yourself with the correct safety gear to protect yourself and your home. Luckily, Resene ColorShops have safety equipment available so you can get what you need at the same time as your paint.

“First up, get yourself some good overalls,” says Resene paint expert Jay Sharples. “You don’t want to be getting paint on your best clothes.” There are several types of overalls available, including bib types and full length options that cover your arms, as well as disposables.

On a building site it’s a requirement to wear safety footwear, but shoe protectors are also a good idea. These will not only protect your shoes but will stop you from treading paint onto flooring. Drop cloths are also essential for protecting floors from paint or stain splatters.

Wearing a mask when painting is a good idea and it’s essential when sanding or removing flaking paint.

“You’ll need to wear a mask as you don’t want to be breathing in any particles. Older homes have the possibility of having lead-based paint,” says Jay. Lead paint was widely used in New Zealand before 1965, and particularly before 1945 − so lead exposure is a particular risk on older homes such as villas and bungalows. Lead paint is a serious health hazard and exposure to even small particles can cause serious health issues. To prevent the build-up of sanding dust particles, wet sanding is advised wherever possible. If you’re concerned that lead paint may be present in your home or you live in an older home, pick up a lead-based paint test kit from your local Resene ColorShop, or take in a flake and Resene ColorShop staff can test it for you.

If you suspect there is lead-based paint in your home or anytime you are sanding, always wear a good quality, properly-fitted toxic dust respirator, as well as goggles or protective eye glasses. Never allow lead based paints to get into garden soil or anywhere near pets or children. If your home has excessive amounts of lead paint, you may need to call in a Resene Eco.Decorator to remove flaking paint safely.

When starting a new painting project, head to your local Resene ColorShop – you can purchase all your safety gear and paint supplies in one trip!

Wearing shoe protectors is the best way to protect your footwear as well as prevent you from walking wet paint onto floorboards or carpet.

Eye protection is also essential if you are painting a ceiling to prevent paint getting in your eyes ‒ and a cap or hat will stop you getting paint drips in your hair. When you’re painting outside, remember to wear sunglasses as fresh paint can be extra glary. When painting a ceiling, make sure to use the correct ladder for the job, as many accidents occur when a ladder is too short and the painter tries to overstretch. If buying a new ladder, look for one with slip-resistant feet and good safety locks. When using the ladder, make sure it’s placed firmly on flat ground, and that safety locks are engaged. Always distribute your weight evenly on the ladder and face the centre while walking up and down. Make sure you keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times.

“Ear protection is also good if you’re doing any sort of sanding or using power tools. They help protect your ears – and also stops you hearing the kids!” jokes Jay.

Even though Resene’s range of waterborne paints such as Resene Lumbersider and Resene SpaceCote are low odour and low VOC (volatile organic compounds), it pays to reduce skin contact with paint and stains to avoid irritation. You may wish to wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect your hands, particularly if you are using Resene cleaning products such as Resene Moss & Mould Killer or are using a Resene Woodsman or Resene Colorwood stain.

“I know from experience it’s very difficult to get stain off your hands!” says Jay.

If you do get stain or paint on your skin or nails, use soap but avoid excessive washing. Keep your skin clean to avoid chemical build up, but never use solvents such as turpentine to remove paint as it will de-fat the skin and may cause dermatitis.

A good pair of gloves will help protect your hands from stains and irritation.

Resene paint expert Jay Sharples kitted out in a pair of Resene overalls to protect his clothing, a safety mask, gloves, glasses and ear protection.

When cleaning, painting or staining indoors, make sure your home is well ventilated and your windows are open. Asthmatics or allergy sufferers may find paint fumes triggering, so it’s best to use a low odour, low VOC paint from Resene’s range of Sensitive Choice or Eco Choice approved paints.

A blue butterfly symbol on the label indicates the product has been approved by the National Asthma Council Australia as a low irritant product. Resene paints such as Resene Zylone Sheen Zero, Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom and Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom are Sensitive Choice approved, and some of these products also contain added Resene MoulDefender to inihibit the build-up of toxic mould.

Always store Resene products safely and keep children and pets away from open tins of paint. If any product gets into your eyes, flush with water continuously for 15 minutes before seeking medical advice. If paint is swallowed, seek medical advice immediately.

Top tip:

Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom is a flat finish waterborne enamel paint with added anti-bacterial silver and MoulDefender, ideal for areas prone to getting wet and steamy. This product is Sensitive Choice approved and provides additional deodorising and sanitising protection, making it ideal for food preparation areas and rooms that come in contact with skin and water such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.