When Is It Safe To Move Back Into A Freshly Painted Room?
When you decide to use house paint, how long should you wait before returning to a room that has been freshly painted? That question is one that people should consider, but often do not. Paint fumes may not seem like a serious health concern, however they have been known to cause problems. Paint products do contain chemicals, so it’s important to take paint projects seriously.
Typically, it is best to wait at least two to three days for the paint to dry and the fumes to subside. Children with breathing conditions and elderly people should avoid long exposure to fumes that result from interior painting. This means waiting several days before moving back into a freshly painted room. Once they are moved back into the room, consider ventilating the room with air purifiers, fans and open windows.
The type of paint used is going to make a big difference as to how much danger the house paint fumes will cause. If your house is like most and built using sheet rock, then you will be able to use latex based paint which is much less caustic than oil based paints. The amount of toxicity varies even among brands as well, so it’s important to consult a professional painter as to which brands are the safest. When selecting the paint to be used for your interior painting project, select paints made for indoor use and that are VOC free.
Additionally, select the appropriate time of year for your painting projects. It’s best to avoid the extremes such as summer and winter. The weather should be mild enough to allow for doors and windows to be open and for fan use.
If you live in an apartment complex you should discuss with your landlord or building manager any house paint projects that you are planning. This can help the manager alert other tenants which is important as paint fumes could affect your neighboring apartment. It would be advisable to alert your neighbors in the event that the building manager does not take the initiative.
If you’re interested in painting your home’s interior, but don’t know which paint is the best and safest to use, give us a call. At Tom Saint Painting and Remodeling we can deliver both helpful tips and interior paint applications. Click here for a free quote.