Is It Safe To Paint Indoors in the Wintertime?

Every year, as the cold weather returns, homeowners are driven toward the indoor projects on their to-do list. Repairs, cleaning, maybe some light renovations… These are awesome ways to stay active and productive around the house when outdoor activities are more limited. 

Few projects are as satisfying (and cost-effective) as applying a fresh coat of paint . But, it also raises a really important question: is it safe to paint indoors during the fall and winter, or should you wait until spring?

Do You Need To Worry About Paint Fumes?

In the not-so-distant past, interior paint was smelly stuff. Not exactly a technical description, but still true. Even after it dried, there was a heavy, lingering, new-paint smell that could last for days. That’s why a lot of home and business owners waited until spring and summer to finish their painting projects, when the warmer weather allowed them to throw open their windows and ventilate the space. 

Good news: paint formulas today are evolving and improving at a rapid rate. 

With more awareness of environmental considerations, manufacturers are also finding ways to deliver the same (or improved!) performance, but reduce the reliance on chemicals. This includes developing paint products with little to no odor.

Low-Odor Paint Products: Say Goodbye to VOCs!

We’ll skip the chemistry lesson, but suffice it to say that the stinky “new paint smell” is actually caused by Volatile Organic Compounds that dissipate as the paint cures. 

There are numerous, high-quality paint options today that have extremely low VOC levels, meaning that the paint is basically odor-free. You may notice a slight smell during application, but it’s typically completely gone when the paint is dry (and that takes no time at all). 

Recap!

Old paint products were smelly and unhealthy to use in unventilated areas, but today’s low-VOC, low-odor formulas make interior painting completely safe year round. If you have a specific sensitivity or allergy, be sure to let your painter know! Barring any unique considerations, the painting process is completely safe.

Have a Question About Interior House Painting? We’re Here To Help

Give us a call at Jondec Painting! We would love to talk shop, and walk you through our interior painting process and services.