How to Get Rid of Paint Smell
While modern paints are safer than their predecessors, oil-based house paints still contain organic solvents that can irritate eyes and skin and cause nausea and headache if inhaled. Take precautions while painting to minimize the effect of paint smells while you're working then take steps to clear the air quickly when you’re done. A combination of choosing the right paint and proper ventilation will help you get rid of paint smell.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Choose your paint wisely. Higher-quality paints have a lower odor. The potentially harmful compounds in paint are volatile organic compounds. The VOC level is listed on the paint can, so either compare the numbers, or ask someone at your paint store. The lower the VOC, the fewer fumes the paint gives off as it dries.
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Open enough windows to create a cross current while you paint. If you have a fan, place it near a window to draw the smell outdoors. Paint has the strongest odor while wet and drying. It will release fumes for about a month as it cures. Use fans and open windows as often as possible during drying.
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Complete your painting project in the early part of the day so it has time to air out before closing the house up for the night. The higher the humidity, the slower paint dries. Turn on a dehumidifier while the paint dries.
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Prevent fumes in the room you are painting from spreading to the rest of the house by blocking the air-conditioning or heating returns. Turn off or block the openings so fumes from the work room so fumes aren’t pulled into the system to circulate to other areas in the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Electronic-air purifiers may help a great deal in muting the paint smell.
If you or someone in your house is pregnant or has some sort of respiratory condition, have someone else do the painting and stay away until it is dry.
Small pets and birds, in particular, must be moved well away from painting and sanding.
Do not block a cold air return with the furnace or air-conditioner running if it is the only return in the house.
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References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Comments
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I spray painted a cabinet (which I will be using for food), and cant seem to get rid of the smell. It has been airing out in the open garage for 3 days. anything I can put in it temporarily to help absorb the fumes?
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AbbyNormal
Mar 10, 2008
I can't tolerate the smell of paint. I have heard that vanilla in the paint helps with the smell. Also there are organic paints (?) that aren't supposed to smell. I just have someone else do it and try not to be there when it is done. -
FabHelper
Mar 09, 2008
I agree with idaliabelaly. I like the smell of paint, but sometimes it is necessary to get rid of. Lol. I like the idea about cross currents. I wouldn't have thought of it. Thanks!
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FabHelper
Mar 09, 2008
I agree with idaliabelaly. I like the smell of paint, but sometimes it is necessary to get rid of. Lol. I like the idea about cross currents. I wouldn't have thought of it. Thanks!
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idaliabelaly
Feb 28, 2008
Cool article, with awesome tips! Thanks for sharing this! I must say though, I like the smell of paint sometimes lol. It makes things feel new, and clean to me. However, if I do want to get rid of the smell, i usually just spray febreeze, or open up a window.
