New Paint? How to Care for It in the First 30 Days (and Beyond)

Good for: Recently painted interior walls, ceilings, trim, and doors

Fresh paint needs a little TLC to cure properly and reach full durability. Follow this simple timeline to keep your finish looking crisp and clean.

Days 0–2: Let it settle

• Ventilate gently. Open windows/doors when possible to help paint dry and odours disperse.

• Hands off. Avoid wiping, washing, or touching the surface.

• Careful around trim and doors. If doors feel tacky, leave them ajar so they don’t stick.

Days 3–7: Light use only

• No tape yet. Adhesive can pull fresh paint. If you must hang something, use a tiny nail and keep it minimal.

• Avoid steam & moisture. In bathrooms and kitchens, run fans and keep showers short.

• Watch for scuffs. If you bump a wall, don’t rub it—let it fully cure first.

Weeks 2–4: Curing up nicely

• Gentle dusting is OK. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth—no cleaners yet.

• Move furniture with care. Use felt pads on chair and table legs.

• Still skip harsh cleaners. Even “mild” cleaners can burnish fresh paint.

After 30 days: Normal maintenance

At one month, most quality paints are fully cured and ready for light washing.

How to wash walls (after 30 days):

1. Dust first with a dry microfiber cloth.

2. Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap (pH-neutral if possible).

3. Dampen (don’t soak) a soft sponge and test in a low-visibility spot.

4. Wipe gently in small circles; rinse with clean water; pat dry with a soft towel.

Finish-specific tips:

• Flat/Matte: Most prone to burnishing—wipe very gently; avoid abrasives and “magic erasers.”

• Eggshell/Satin: More washable; still use mild soap and light pressure.

• Semi-Gloss/Gloss/Trim: Sturdier and more scrubbable; avoid ammonia or solvent-based cleaners.

Touch-ups, the right way

• Keep a clearly labeled touch-up jar (colour name, code, sheen, room, date).

• Use a small, high-quality brush; feather the edges so the spot blends.

• Remember that light and age can change colour slightly—bigger areas often look best with a full wall repaint.

Quick do & don’t list

Do: use felt pads, dust regularly, run fans in kitchens/baths, keep a touch-up jar.Don’t: tape fresh paint, scrub within 30 days, use harsh/abrasive cleaners, drag furniture along baseboards.

Need help or a pro touch-up? Mach 1 Painting can refresh single walls or entire rooms quickly and cleanly.