Painting & Touching Up 3 pages
POLICY
To ensure that consistency of surface color and finishing is maintained throughout the property
PROCEDURE
The Hotels ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems stipulates that paints used within the Hotel
be as environmentally friendly consistent with protecting the surfaces to which they are applied. All paints
used within the hotel are to be water based acrylics.
Paint finishes and applications or otherwise specified
High Gloss Acrylic Door frames and other metal painted surfaces
Enamel Acrylic Door frames and other metal painted surfaces – public areas
Semi-Gloss Acrylic Doors and walls where high usage/wear and tear are expected
Satin Acrylic Walls and external surfaces
Flat Acrylic Ceilings and other large areas where wear and tear is not expected
Paint Colours
Paint colours and finishes are to be in accordance with the current schedule of finishes located in the
Engineers office. No alternative colours or finishes are to be applied without the approval of the Chief
Engineer in consultation with the Interior Design consultant.
Drop Sheets
Drop sheets are to be used to prevent damage to floor and other surface finishes. Drop sheets present a
trip hazard. Where drop sheets are in use, the area is to be isolated using barrier tape and bollards.HOW TO SAFELY CLEAN UP AFTER PAINTING
Easy to Use Cleaning System
This system is based on the use of 2 containers in which brushes, roller sleeves and other equipment are
first washed then rinsed.
By rotating the containers the solids in the paints are separated from the liquid making it easier to dispose
of each component. This system will work well for both water based and solvent based (alkyd or oil)
paints.
For solvent based paints use mineral turpentine or another paint solvent recommended by your local
paint stockist.
Water-based paints
1. At the end of each job, wipe or squeeze excess paint onto an absorbent material such as old rags,
shredded newspapers or cardboard boxes.
2. Allow to the paper (etc.) to dry and dispose of it with your household waste.
3. Wash brushes and rollers etc. in a 20 litre or similar sized container (bucket).
4. Transfer the washed items to another similar container filled with water for a second rinse.
5. Place lids on the containers (or cover in some other secure manner) and let stand overnight.
6. By morning the paint solids in the first container will have settled to the bottom of the container. The
clear water from this container may now be poured onto the garden or any grassed or open area
where it can be absorbed into the ground. Avoid areas near rivers and lakes.
7. Now you need to dispose of the residue paint solids at the bottom of the first container. Scrape out
the bottom of the container onto absorbent material such as old rags, shredded newspapers or
cardboard boxes. Allow to dry then place in a plastic bag and dispose of with the household waste or
take directly to the nearest council landfill.
8. If you have more painting to do the second container can now be used as the first wash. Use this
rotation system until the job is completed.
Solvent-based paints
Follow the same procedures as for water-based paints with these exceptions:
1. Use mineral turpentine or another recommended solvent instead of water to clean your brushes and
rollers etc.
2. Allow the first container to stand for at least 24 hours as it will take this long for the paint solids to
settle and give a clear solvent above.
3. Do not pour the clear solvent onto the ground - use it to top up the second container or decant it and
keep for future use.Caution
Never allow waste or chemical solvents from washed paint equipment to enter household or storm water
drains or sewers. The waste may find its way into the natural waterways where it can reduce Oxygen
levels and threaten the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Planning Ahead
It’s a good idea to keep a container of “dirty turps” on hand for cleaning purposes. Kept in a secure
container in a safe place you will be able to reuse the solvent time and time again. But remember not to
shake it up as this will disturb the paint solids which will have settled to the bottom of the container.
Tip for Dealing with Spills
If water based paint is accidentally spilt clean it up as best you can with a cloth or a newspaper. Then
wash down with water. By cleaning up as much of the spilt paint as you can before washing down you will
save water and give yourself less work to do.
Moving from One Work Site to Another
A plastic pail with a tight fitting lid is ideal for the short term storage and transport of brushes and roller
sleeves. Fill this pail about half way with water so that brushes etc. are covered. This will save you having
clean brushes and rollers whenever work is interrupted.
Wrapping a paint brush in cling wrap will prevent the paint drying on the brush for at least an hour or so
while you take a lunch break