Vaughan Handyman: 5 Interesting Facts About Paint!

Did you know that people have been using paint for almost 30,000 years? Sure, early cave paintings are not what most people consider decorative painting, but it was the start of something bigger. Modern painting services in Vaughan have primitive humans to thank for the eventual creation of an entire industry. While you might not realize it, paint has an interesting past, and there is so much you likely do not know about the common household material.

1. Paint Colours Affect Mood

According to several studies and reports, paint colours can affect a person’s mood. For example, greens and blues can help people relax, relieving stress and anxiety, so experts recommend using these colours in bedrooms. Also, oranges and reds can invigorate the senses, helping you wake up and focus, which is why professionals recommend such vibrant colours in offices and living rooms.

In the 1980s, inspired by the research scientist Alexander Schauss, prison wardens at a handful of institutions painted holding cells pink to calm male prisoners. According to Strauss’s findings, the colour had a soothing effect.

2. Lead Paint Is Dangerous

While common knowledge today, lead paint is dangerous. The material is toxic and can significantly damage the brain and other vital organs. Despite what the world now knows, lead paint was a popular material until its banning in 1978. 

Many homes still have lead paint somewhere on the property. If your home was built before 1978, it should be inspected for lead. Always hire a professional service to inspect and remove lead paint.

3. Spray Was Invented in 1949

While it is easy to imagine that spray paint has always existed, it hasn’t. The actual medium was not invented until 1949 by Edward H. Seymour. In fairness, his wife suggested the invention, and Mr. Seymour used existing spray can technology to make the suggestion a reality.

The new technology was popular, but its popularity exploded in the 1970s when graffiti artists found its speed and control useful. Organized muralists still use the medium to cover large areas of the exterior and interior walls with speed and precision.

4. WWII Changed the Painting Industry

World War II made drastic changes to the painting industry. The war created a shortage of linseed oil, meaning paint manufacturers had to research different paint elements like artificial resins. The shortage was a blessing in disguise because the synthetic resins were more affordable, lasted a long time, and held the colour well.

Several years after the war, the industry would change again. Acrylic, a resin patented in 1915 by Otto Rohm, a German inventor, became widely available in the 1950s, making painting easier for artists and designers.

5. Oil Paint Takes Two Weeks To Dry

While not all oil paints take two weeks to dry, some do. Oil paint is notorious for long drying times, with many taking a minimum of 12 hours. Compared to acrylic paints, which take between 10 minutes and two hours to dry, oil paint takes ages. In fact, museum curators do not believe that oil paints are fully dry, even given two weeks. Curators believe some oil paints take decades to dry thoroughly.

In a way, the slow drying time is good for artists because it allows for flexibility in their paintings and designs, but the long drying time is often unwanted for a homeowner. Talk to a handyman near me to find the best paint for your project.

If you want to repaint your home’s exterior or interior, contact Handyman Connection. As a trusted name in the country and Vaughan area, the company vets all painters and contractors working with it, ensuring homeowners only have access to experienced professionals.