What is the Best Interior Paint to Use in the Winter?

Many Omaha homeowners assume winter isn’t a good time to paint indoors. The thought of opening windows in the cold or dealing with strong paint smells can make anyone hesitate. You might picture your house full of fumes and chilly drafts, wondering if you should just wait for spring.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting homes in Omaha since 1996. We understand the concerns homeowners have about indoor air quality, comfort, and timing. Over the years, we’ve transitioned to using high-quality, low-VOC paints year-round, especially helpful during Nebraska’s cold winters.

In this article, we’ll explain what low VOC paint is, how it makes winter painting safe and comfortable, and what to expect when painting your home during colder months. By the end, you’ll know how low-VOC paint works, what to ask your painter, and how to plan your project with confidence.

What Does “Low VOC” Mean in Paint?

VOC stands for “volatile organic compounds.” These are chemicals that evaporate into the air as paint dries, often causing that strong “paint smell.” Traditional paints used to have much higher levels of VOCs, which could lead to:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat
• Lingering smells of paint for days or even weeks

Low VOC paints are formulated with fewer of these chemicals, drastically reducing the odor and fumes. Many major brands now offer lines like Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select or Aura that are both high-performing and low in VOCs. Some products even qualify as “zero VOC.”

For homeowners, this means:

• Fresher air during and after painting
• Little to no odor
• Safer for families, pets, and those with allergies or sensitivities

Why Is Low VOC Paint So Helpful in the Winter?

Winter can actually be one of the best times for interior painting if your painter uses low-VOC products. Here’s why:

1. You Don’t Have to Open the Windows

With older paints, ventilation was crucial to clear out fumes. In freezing Omaha temperatures, that meant chilly rooms and wasted energy. Low VOC paint eliminates this concern. You can keep your windows closed and still enjoy clean, breathable air throughout the project.

2. Faster Scheduling and Availability

Because most homeowners wait for spring or summer, painters often have more open schedules in the winter. You’re more likely to get your preferred time slot, and sometimes, quicker project completion.

3. Paint Dries Well Indoors

Modern interior paints are designed to cure properly at typical indoor temperatures. As long as your home stays around 65–75°F, low VOC paint performs beautifully, even when it’s freezing outside.

4. Keeps Your Home Feeling Fresh for the Holidays or New Year

Many homeowners love having fresh walls before guests arrive or as part of a new-year refresh. Low VOC paint makes this possible without having to deal with strong odors during family gatherings.

Do All Painters use VOC Paint?

Not necessarily. While low VOC paints are common, not every painter automatically uses them. Some may still rely on older or cheaper paint lines that contain higher levels of VOCs. These paints might have a lower upfront cost, but they can leave your home smelling strong for days and aren’t ideal for winter projects.

When talking with a painter, ask:

• Do you use low or zero-VOC paint for interiors?
• What brand and line of paint do you use?
• How long can I expect the smell of paint to last?

At Brush & Roll Painting, we use high-quality, low-VOC paints year-round because they provide excellent coverage, color retention, and a better overall experience for homeowners.

Is Low VOC Paint as Durable and Washable?

Yes. Years ago, low-VOC paints sometimes got a bad reputation for being less durable or washable. That’s not the case anymore. Modern formulas, like Benjamin Moore’s Aura or Regal Select, and Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald, offer:

• Excellent color depth
• Smooth, consistent finish
• Easy cleanability with soap and water
• Resistance to scuffs and moisture

In other words, you’re not sacrificing performance for safety. You’re simply getting a cleaner product with all the same benefits, and often better technology behind it.

How Can You Tell If a Paint Is Low VOC?

Here’s what to look for when choosing or confirming your paint:

• Label or Data Sheet: The can or product page will list “low VOC” or “zero VOC.”
• VOC Level (grams per liter): The lower the number, the better. Anything under 50 g/L is considered low VOC for most interior paints.
• Odor: Even during application, low VOC paint has a mild smell compared to older paints.

You can also ask your painter for the paint’s technical data sheet (TDS). It will list VOC content, finish level, and other details. For example, a Benjamin Moore Regal Select Satin might read: VOC: <50 g/L | Sheen: 20–30 @ 60°. This confirms you’re getting a low VOC, professional-grade product.

Can Low VOC Paint Be Used in Every Room?

Absolutely. Low VOC paints work well in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Some homeowners even prefer them for nurseries or offices where people spend extra time. Because these paints release fewer fumes, you can sleep in your freshly painted room much sooner, often the same night or the next day.

For best results:

• Keep air circulating with fans if possible.
• Maintain a steady indoor temperature (65–75°F).
• Avoid excessive humidity during drying.

These steps help the paint cure evenly and prevent minor issues like extended dry times.

How Long Does Low VOC Paint Smell Last?

In most cases, any odor from low-VOC paint fades within a few hours to a day. By comparison, traditional paints could take several days or even weeks to air out completely.

If your painter uses zero-VOC paint, you may hardly notice any smell at all. For families with kids, pets, or allergy concerns, this can make winter painting much more comfortable.

Can Low VOC Paint Still Have Some Odor?

Yes, a little.  “Low VOC” doesn’t mean “no smell at all,” but it does mean a drastic reduction. The mild odor that remains is usually caused by additives like colorants or drying agents, not harsh chemicals. This is why it’s always smart to choose reputable brands and painters who use professional-grade materials.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Low VOC Paint?

For most homeowners, the benefits far outweigh any negatives. However, a few small considerations include:

• Cost: High-quality, low VOC paints can cost a bit more upfront, but they last longer and cover better, often reducing the need for multiple coats.
• Drying Time: In cooler indoor temperatures or high humidity, drying can take slightly longer, though it’s rarely an issue in a well-heated Omaha home.
• Availability: Some niche colors or specialty finishes might not be available in zero-VOC versions, but this is becoming rare.

Overall, the comfort and health benefits make it worth the slight cost difference.

FAQ About Low VOC Interior Paint

Can I paint my home in winter without opening the windows?
Yes. With low VOC paint, ventilation through open windows isn’t needed. Normal airflow from your HVAC system is enough.

Will the paint dry properly in cold weather?
As long as your home stays warm inside, the paint will cure just as well as it does in summer.

Is low-VOC paint safer for pets and kids?
Yes. Lower chemical emissions mean cleaner indoor air, making it safer for families and pets.

Does low VOC paint affect color quality?
No. Modern low-VOC paints provide the same rich, long-lasting colors as traditional paints.

How do I know if my painter uses low-VOC paint?
Ask directly for the product name or the technical data sheet. If VOC levels are under 50 g/L, it’s considered low VOC.

Interior Painting in Omaha, NE

Painting your home in the winter no longer means dealing with harsh smells or freezing air. Thanks to low VOC technology, Omaha homeowners can refresh their interiors year-round without discomfort. It’s one of the most practical updates in modern paint products.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve seen firsthand how low-VOC paint makes the process easier for families. We’ve used it for years because it allows us to deliver high-quality, beautiful finishes while keeping homes safe and comfortable, even in the heart of winter.

If you’ve been putting off your interior painting project because of cold weather or air quality concerns, now is the perfect time to plan. Click below to get a quote.

If you’re not ready to get a quote, explore your options using our interior painting pricing calculator to estimate your project cost before scheduling.