Have you just had your home painted and you keep getting a whiff of paint fumes? Whether your sensitive to smells or just bothered by the smell, you may be concerned with how long those smells are going to stick around.
Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we've been helping Omaha homeowners breathe easy (literally) for years. Our team has painted thousands of homes across the Omaha area and we've picked up a thing or two about dealing with paint smells along the way.
In this article, we're going to share our secrets on how to get rid of that pesky paint smell. Whether you've hired professional painters or you did the project yourself, you'll learn why paint smells, how to minimize the odor, and most importantly, how to send it packing once the job is done. By the time you finish reading, you'll be armed with practical, easy-to-follow steps to ensure your newly painted home.
Let's start with the basics. Paint smell isn't just there to annoy you (though it can do a pretty good job of that). The odor comes from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short. These are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing gases into the air.
In paint, VOCs help keep the mixture liquid and easy to apply, but once the paint is on your wall, they start to evaporate – that's what causes the smell.
Now, before you start imagining your walls oozing toxic sludge, take a deep breath (maybe outside for now). Modern paints have come a long way in reducing VOCs. In fact, a 2019 study by the American Coatings Association found that VOC emissions from architectural coatings have decreased by about 88% since 1990.
Still, even low-VOC paints can leave a lingering odor. So, let's talk about how to minimize it from the get-go.
If you haven't started painting yet, you're in luck! Choosing the right paint can significantly reduce odors. Look for paints labeled as "low-VOC" or "zero-VOC". These paints not only smell less, but they're also better for your health and the environment.
For all of us in Omaha, dealing with cold winters and humid summers, we recommend high-quality acrylic paints. They're durable, low-odor, and can handle our Midwest weather mood swings.
Whether you're hiring professionals or going the DIY route, proper preparation can make a world of difference. Here are some tips:
So, you've prepped like a champ, and now it's time to paint. Here are some tips to minimize odors during the process:
Alright, the paint's dry, but that smell is overstaying its welcome like a houseguest who doesn't get the hint. Time to show it the door! Here are some tried-and-true methods to get rid of paint smell:
Remember, patience is key. Depending on the type of paint used and the size of the room, it might take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for the smell to completely dissipate. But with these methods, you'll be breathing easy in no time.
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's like asking how long it takes to drive across Nebraska - it depends on where you start, where you're going, and how many times you stop.
That said, we can give you some ballpark figures based on our years of experience painting homes across Omaha:
While we're focused on getting rid of paint smells, it's important to mention safety. If you or anyone in your household experiences headaches, dizziness, or nausea after painting, get some fresh air immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. These could be signs of overexposure to paint fumes.
If you’re painting yourself, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can. They're not just there for decoration – they contain important safety information and guidelines for proper use and ventilation.
When spray painting, always use proper masks and protection.
Remember when you first walked into that newly painted room and felt like you needed a gas mask? Well, armed with these tips and tricks, you're now ready to tackle any paint odor that stays in your home.
From choosing the right paint to the proper prep work steps, you've got all the tools to stop the smell of paint from intruding your home.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we're more than just painters – we're your partners in creating a home that's beautiful inside and out. We've been serving the Omaha community for years, and we're always here to help you with your painting needs. Click the button below if you’re ready to get a quote for your home.
If you have yet to hire a painter for your project, it’s important that you hire the right one so you don’t make any costly mistakes. All projects are different, so you deserve to have a painter that will meet your expectations.
Click the button below to download an ultimate guide to hiring a painter. By doing so, you can get all the tips and tools you need to hire the best painter for your project.