Dust Containment in the workplace
One of the biggest customer complaints about having painters in their homes is dust and lack of cleaning after the work has been completed! The following is how to ensure dust containment in the workplace.
Professional painting contractors and painting companies usually have proper systems in place to estimate/allocate time for cleaning.
Whether it’s prep time, painting time, or cleaning time, they can all be added into the painting estimate/contract. That means the painters take the time to clean after themselves and get paid to do so. However, the time spent on cleaning dust, paint spatters, and mess from an average room could be few hours. Therefore, at a rate of $75 an hour, this can add up quickly.
Most of the dust is generated from sanding drywall patches and trim. Even with proper covering and masking-off the work area, the joint compound dust is so fine that literally find its way out into adjacent rooms.
Steps to ensure dust containment
There are few simple steps that can be taken in order to reduce the spreading of dust.
As mentioned above masking-off entrances to the work area prevents dust from leaving the work site. Using statically charged plastic films can help in attracting some of the airborne dust. Furthermore, using multiple layers of plastic to cover up furniture is the best solution. This enables painters to collect the top layer as it gets dusty and then dispose it.
This way there is always a clean plastic film on the top. Last but not least, using sticky plastic pads in entrances to collect dust from shoes as workers leave the work area is important to keep dust contained!
One of the best ways to manage dust and cut down on time spent cleaning is to utilize industrial dust extractors when sending patches and wood surfaces.
These specialty Festool Dust Extractors hook up to different sanders and can collect more than 90% of the dust before it gets airborne. Less dust means less time spent on cleaning after the work is completed.
Saving cleaning time translates in less time allocation for cleaning in the estimate. That can save customers hundreds of dollars for an average interior painting project.
Interior painting projects require a different level of care and attention to details that are not usually the case with many who claim to be painters. It’s only with the right organization and tools that professional house painters can provide a safe and pleasant experience for their customer!
Please call or email us to set up an estimate or consultation at 914.762.7874 or info@painttrack.com.
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Owner & General Manager
Meet Mr. Paint Track himself, Ray! Having been in the industry for three decades, Ray has built Paint Track on a foundation of honesty, knowledge, and respect. He exemplifies leadership, with a commitment to both his craft and our team. Ray is known for his great sense of humor, and if you’re familiar with him, you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous jokes! His vibrant energy uplifts our team. Thanks to his leadership, Paint Track has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the community for the past 20 years.
Ray’s expertise and dedication to quality are evident in every project Paint Track undertakes. He’s not only a master of his craft but also a mentor who generously shares his wealth of knowledge with every team member, helping each of us grow and improve. Ray’s hands-on approach ensures that every detail is attended to, and he consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Ray’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Telecommunications, which have contributed to his exceptional organizational skills and analytical approach to managing projects. His education and strategic thinking have been instrumental in building an efficient and effective business operation that continues to deliver outstanding results.
In addition to his work with Paint Track, Ray is deeply involved in the community. He actively participates in multiple Chamber of Commerce groups and serves as a board member on the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Education and Finance Committees. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting local businesses exemplifies his commitment to both Paint Track and the community.
Under Ray’s leadership, Paint Track has become known not just for superior workmanship but for a client-centered approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and trust. We’re incredibly grateful to have him leading the way, and we’re proud to carry forward his legacy of excellence in every job we do.
Skills Leadership, customer relations, estimating, and problem solving
Hobbies: Exercise, beekeeping, and hiking
Favorite Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Indigo 6531