Paul Cristofani's Green Tips

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Green tip #1: Don't dump it.
Completely dried latex paint can be disposed of in your landfill. Dry the paint by spreading it out on a disposable substrate, or mixing kitty litter into containers of wet paint at a 1/1 ratio. Oil based paint, whether dried or wet needs to be disposed of with Household Hazardous Waste (See tip 7).

Green tip #2: Prevent lead exposure.
As of April 22, 2010 all contractors in remodeling trades who work in homes built before 1978 are required to take the EPA's course to use lead safe practices in any home where lead paint is being disturbed.  Lead exposure is a serious health issue, especially for pregnant women and children under 6 years old.  Please insist that your contractor follows these simple and easy processes to ensure your family's health.

 Green tip #3: Seal it before you store it.
To properly close a can of paint for long- term storage, make sure the rim is clean of paint, and use a rubber mallet if possible to close the can tightly.  A hammer is more likely to dent the can and prevent a good seal.  Most paint should last 3 years or longer when stored in a climate controlled environment, but if the best you can do is store paint in an unheated garage, try and store it along the outside of a wall that gets heated.

Green tip #4: Mark it before you store it.
Before storing paint cans, use a marker to record where each paint can got used.  in a few years, this will help you find out what this rouge can of paint is for.  Earthscapes painting can provide each customer with a pdf file or paper document explaining each product, finish, color, and color formula for each substrate we coat for you.
 
Green tip #5: Re-use old paint.
It is a great way to prevent good product from filling up our landfills or using our tax dollars at a hazardous waste processing facility.  High School Drama departments, places of worship, and the Habitat for Humanity are some examples of places that might be able to use old paint product. Earthscapes periodically hosts re-used paint sales. Check back on our site often to see when the next sale is.

Green tip #6: Keep wet paint out of the trash.
One of the main reasons liquid latex paint can't be disposed of in your trash is because trash trucks compact their haul and puncture the cans. As a result, wet latex paint gets all over the inside of the truck, and often leaks out of the truck and gets on the road.

Green tip #7: Dispose of your old paint safely.
Bring it to the Boulder county Household Hazardous Waste facility : 720.564.2220

Green tip #8: Follow label instructions.
Most exterior paint contains ingredients to act as a mildicide or fungicide. These have minimal impact on humans when applied according to manufacturers directions, but can cause serious (and often immediate) health issues when used improperly, especially indoors.

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Earthscapes Painting and Staining
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