Have you ever finished painting a room and wondered if it’s safe to catch some Z’s? You’re not the only one to question whether a freshly painted room is dangerous to sleep in. Let’s paint a picture of what’s really going on with those fumes and how long they take to dissipate.
Why Does Paint Give Off Fumes?
If you’ve ever hovered over a paint can, you know the dizzy, headache-inducing effects it can have. But are these fumes just annoying, or can they harm your health?
The key culprits here are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Various household products emit these dangerous gases, including some types of paint. So, the short answer is that it’s best to avoid sleeping in a room with fresh, VOC-emitting paint.
Choosing a Different Type of Paint
Today’s paint manufacturers understand the dangers of VOCs, which is why most interior paint products are now made with low- and no-VOC formulas. Choosing this type of interior house paint usually means it’s safe to sleep in the room the same day you paint it. You should still let the paint dry first, but there’s no need to wait days for the fumes to disperse.
Getting the Timing Right
You were sure to buy no-VOC paint, you applied it carefully, and now you’re ready to call it a day. But before you climb into bed, give the paint time to dry, both for your health and to keep your walls smudge-free.
Water-based paints generally take four hours to dry, while oil-based ones need a full day with open windows providing ventilation. If you have allergies or other respiratory issues, it doesn’t hurt to give the paint a couple of days to fully cure before snuggling up in your freshly painted room.
What Happens If You Don’t Wait?
It really is worth letting your freshly painted room dry before you sleep in it, even if you’re feeling impatient. After all, breathing in VOC fumes can lead to asthma attacks and respiratory issues. It may even affect your liver, kidney, and central nervous system. The catch is that you can’t respond to adverse symptoms while asleep, which prolongs your exposure and raises your risk.
Special Considerations for Kids, Pets, and Older Adults
These groups are more susceptible to the effects of paint fumes. Don’t risk it—let the painted room air out for a good two or three days before allowing your children, pets, or older family members to sleep there.
Trust Two Day Painting for Safe Interior Painting in Southeast Wisconsin
Not sure what paint to buy? Don’t want to paint the room yourself? Two Day Painting has you covered! We pride ourselves on delivering great paint jobs and peace of mind. Our commitment to customer service is easy to see in our use of quality, no-VOC products and consistent staff training. As a local business with a stellar reputation, we understand the unique needs of homes in Waukesha and the surrounding area. Plus, with our quick turnaround times, you’ll be back to sleeping in your freshly painted room before long. To schedule safe, hassle-free interior painting services, please call us at 262-312-2182.
