How to Safely Discard Leftover Paint and Paint Cans

Most of us would likely agree that it’s better to have too much than not enough of something. When it comes to a large painting project, this principle can certainly a valid one. But the downfall to buying too much paint is that you will likely end up more paint than you need, which leaves you in a somewhat an inconvenient position. After all, you can’t just toss out fresh, liquid paint in the garbage can. And you definitely don’t want to pour them down the drain or in the nearby creek. You see, oil-based paints are considered a hazardous household waste, and thus require specialized steps for safe, regulation-approved disposal.

Continue reading to learn your options for safe and responsible paint can disposal, then share your knowledge with everyone you know!

Commercial Painting Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531
Commercial Painting Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

What To Do With Old or Leftover Paint

Contact the County to Discard Fresh Paint

As mentioned, oil-based paints are deemed hazardous, so they cannot be thrown away in the regular garbage. If you have leftover cans full of liquid, oil-based paint, contact your local government’s office for instructions on proper and acceptable procedures for your county. For all other types of paint, you can either let the paint harden, make the paint harden, or donate a fuller can to a resale store near you.

Let the Paint Harden Naturally

If you only have a tiny bit of paint left in the can, simply let the remainder dry by leaving it uncovered for 24 to 36 hours. Check that it is entirely dry by inserting a toothpick or paint stirrer into the paint. If it comes out clean, the paint is dry enough. If it won’t puncture the surface, the paint is fully dry. Once the paint is entirely dry, you are safe to toss it in your own garage but place them in a plastic bag first just to be safe from residual splatter.

Manually Harden the Paint

If you have a little to moderate amount of liquid paint left in the can, you can implement a few strategies to expedite the hardening process. The most effective method is to use a waste paint hardener, which can be purchase online or at any local home improvement store. You just mix it in and wait for the paint to cure. You other option is to find your own solid debris and use it to thicken up the leftover paint, such as saw dust, newspaper, and similar absorbent materials.

Donate Your Full Cans of Paint

There are several places that will accept your full cans of leftover paint. Check with local resale stores or place a listing online for free paint. Ask your neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers to spread the word that you have free paint. Churches, rec centers, schools, and daycares, are another great consideration for donating leftover paint.

Do you have a large-scale or commercial painting and drywall project in mind, but you are not sure where to get started? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 when you need the most trusted and qualified commercial general contractors for commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.

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What to Consider When Choosing Interior Paint Colors

If you’ve been there before, you know that choosing an interior paint color for your business or income property can take an obscene amount of time. But it really doesn’t have to! By learning a few short-cut strategies for choosing the perfect paint colors, you can cut your selection process time in half. And with these helpful tips, you can also say good-bye to paint color “trial and error” from now on!

Continue below to learn which factors to consider when selecting interior paint colors, plus who to trust for superior commercial drywall and painting services in Central Indiana.

Commercial Painting Drywall Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531
Commercial Painting Drywall Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

Short-Cuts to Picking a Paint Color

Whether for your business, income property, or real estate development, you want to come back from the store with the perfect paint color selections that will deliver the look and feel you’ve envisioned for your space. But in order to do this efficiently, you will need to learn some useful shortcuts for selecting a paint color. Below are some tips for achieving this.

Consider the “Tone” of the Space

Start by considering the type of mood you envision for the space. If you are looking for a restful, serene ambience for lobbies, hallways, restrooms, meeting rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms, consider choosing softer tones like blues, grays, and taupe colors. But if you want a more vibrant feel for spaces like breakrooms, kitchens, or children’s’ playrooms, you might do well to consider brighter tones like yellows and reds. By defining the mood first, you instantly narrow down the selection of paint colors for the intended application. But be sure to also consider lighting when making your selection.

Find Details in Décor

Use the details you find in the surrounding décor to help you match a proper paint color. Perhaps you have a favorite painting or eye-catching bookcase, or maybe an area rug or awards collection? Use these favored items or focal points to help you decide on a palette for the room.

Match Your Furniture

If your interior space is already furnished, use the color schemes and textures of your furniture to help you find the right paint color for the walls and trim. However, if your space is not yet furnished, the best tips for choosing a paint color is to hold off! Wait until you have chosen your furnishing so that you can use them to narrow down your paint selections.

Test Your Color

Always test your paint color once you have chosen it. Take a small test sample with you and test it on a small corner or area of your space. Allow it to dry completely to achieve its true color, and then see how it looks with the surroundings. Generally, home improvement stores sell samples for a few dollars, while others might offer it for free.

Trust a Professional

Especially for commercial offices, landlords, and real estate developments, trusting a professional commercial drywall and painting company is the safest way to achieve the best possible outcome in terms of color schemes, finishes, and craftsmanship. The appeal and interior ambience of your business, regardless of industry, plays a large role in your overall success. Take the time to choose your interior and exterior paint colors with the help if a licensed and insured commercial contractor in Indiana.

Are you ready to spruce up your commercial property for the spring season with a drywall renovation and fresh paint job? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for commercial drywall and painting in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work with clients all throughout the state.

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Top 4 Tricks of the Trade From a Pro Commercial Painter

Whether you are the owner of a new or existing business, nothing can render a more instantaneous look and feel of a commercial space than a fresh paint job. However, painting a commercial office or building is a monumental effort that requires a technical set of equipment and resources, as well as a commitment to fine-tuned craftsmanship. Without these implemented factors, your commercial space could wind up looking like a job done by nephew’s little league team. For level 5 commercial painting and drywall finish, it is important to hire a professional team that can guarantee outstanding results within a convenient time frame and set budget.

If you are simply touching up a spot or two, or perhaps interested in painting a focal wall, then continue reading to learn the top four tricks of the trade from a pro commercial painter. These tips will have you painting like a professional before you know it!

Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531

How to Paint Like a Pro

The top painting professionals in the commercial remodeling industry rely on these top four tips and tricks to ensure the finished job is brilliant and flawless!

❶ Prevent Bleeding Paint With Proper Tape Adhesion

When it comes to painting anything with the border, or anything near other things that are not to be painted, painters’ tape is a vital necessity. However, painters’ tape is practically useless unless you know how to properly apply it. Be sure that you press the tape securely against the surface to ensure ultimate sealing and adhesion. Otherwise, even the tiniest of gap or ripple in the tape line will allow paint to bleed through. And even the tiniest of bleed will make your job look unprofessional. The best way to ensure proper tape adhesion is to use a tool such as a putty knife or scraper. Also, never use masking tape; it just doesn’t work as well as blue painter tape.

❷ Sand All Surfaces Before You Apply Primer

Sanding the surface intended for painting is a vital step that should never be skipped. Even if your walls already feel smooth, and there doesn’t seem to be any apparent surface blemishes or anomalies, a thorough sanding will make you are finished paint shop look like it was done by a professional. If you want the best results, be sure to sand away all rough spots in surface blemishes before applying your primer. Also focus on removing left over joint compound from drywall installation, as well as any residual spackle or rough spots around nails.

❸ Use Drop Cloths and Tarps

Even if you just painting one focal wall, it is always wise to lay down tarps and drop cloths before getting started. You would be surprised just how far paint can splatter right underneath your nose without you having the faintest clue. Oftentimes, people who forget or neglect to lay down tarps before painting tend to find random paint splatter on furniture, carpets, ornaments, crown molding, and more, without any idea of how it happened. They are cheap and they are easy to lay down and stowaway, so be sure to use them no matter how minor your paint project is assumed to be.

❹ Choose a Tinted Primer

Everybody knows that one of the most important steps to painting anything is to first apply primer, even when it comes to doing your nails. However, what many people do not know is that professional commercial painters like to use tinted primer because it renders a more lustrous and brilliant result. Tinted Primer is also great for surfaces that already have existing paint on them, as it does a good job preventing flash spots (random dull spots) and an even color. Tinted primer is a must for bright paint colors like orange and yellow, which typically require more coats than nudes and duller colors.

Are you looking for a professional commercial painter to freshen up your business’s look and feel? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for reputable commercial drywall and painting in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and industrial clients throughout the state.

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