Minimize Spray Paint Odor With These Tips

Spray paint is a convenient way to paint items in your home with minimal work and mess. However, it contains hazardous chemicals, including VOCs, that can impact your health. To reduce the negative effects of spray paint, it is important to understand how to minimise its strong smell. This can be done through various methods, including the use of air purifiers, natural products, and proper ventilation. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to reduce the strong smell of spray paint and improve the air quality in your home.

Use air purifiers or filtration systems

Spray paint can instantly enhance the appearance of your home, but it also taints the indoor air quality. The solvents in the paint are what cause the smell, and these can be harmful to human health. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the dangerous fumes that come off fresh paint and can cause a wide variety of adverse health effects. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of paint used, the duration of exposure, and the vulnerability of the person exposed. Immediate symptoms of VOC exposure can include headaches, eye, throat and lung irritation, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and vision problems. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant people, babies, children, seniors, and those with breathing problems may be at a higher risk of negative outcomes from VOC exposure.

To minimize the health risks associated with spray paint, it is important to use an air purifier or filtration system to remove VOCs and improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are effective at trapping VOCs and odours from paint fumes. The activated carbon layer helps to capture gaseous VOC particles, smoke, and other fumes, removing them from the air. The EnviroKlenz Mobile Air System, for example, is designed to trap and neutralize VOCs and other airborne allergens in spaces of up to 1,000 square feet. It is equipped with patented Earth Mineral Technology and a hospital-grade HEPA filter, making it an effective solution for indoor use.

Other air purification systems, such as those offered by IP Systems, use VOC fume extraction and activated carbon bases to absorb gas particles in the air. Their systems minimize sparking and reduce gas concentration, creating a safer work environment.

When selecting an air purifier, it is important to choose one with a filter, as these are the versions that will effectively clean the air. A HEPA grade filter, in combination with an activated carbon layer, will provide the best results in removing pollutants from the atmosphere.

In addition to using an air purifier, it is recommended to increase ventilation during and after the painting process. Open windows and doors, and use fans to improve airflow and accelerate the removal of VOCs from the room.

Choose low-VOC paint

When choosing low-VOC paints, it's important to understand what VOCs are and why they are used in paint. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound, which are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature and easily evaporate. They are used in paint to keep it in liquid form until application, but they can contribute to indoor air pollution and potential health risks.

While low-VOC paints are widely available, they may still contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, d-Limonene, toluene, acetone, and ethanol, and give off harmful fumes, although less so than traditional paint products. Some low-VOC paints may also have a strong ammonia smell, as ammonia is sometimes used as a replacement for VOCs.

To choose a low-VOC paint, it is recommended to research the product's material safety data sheet for a list of chemicals used. You can also look for eco-friendly, non-toxic, or "green" paints that are marketed as low- or zero-VOC. For example, ECOS Paint is a zero-VOC paint that is water-based, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemical smells. Clare Paint offers a zero-VOC line that is GREENGUARD Gold certified, and Sherwin-Williams Harmony is a zero-VOC paint that reduces VOC levels from potential sources with odour-eliminating technology.

It is important to note that even low- or zero-VOC paints may still have an odour, and some may even activate odours embedded in drywall. Therefore, it is recommended to use a sealer before applying a low- or zero-VOC paint to prevent lingering odours.

Neutralise with onions, lemon water, or vinegar

Onions, lemon water, and vinegar are all effective ways to neutralise the smell of spray paint. These methods are especially useful in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, where paint fumes can be more intense and linger for months.

Onions

Onions can be used to absorb the smell of paint. After painting, cut an onion in half and place each piece at opposite ends of the room. The onion should absorb the odour without leaving a lingering onion smell in the room. Alternatively, you can slice two medium onions and place them in saucers distributed around the room. However, be aware that the onions may absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so do not cook with them after.

Lemon Water

Water can absorb VOCs, and adding lemon juice or slices will give off a refreshing, clean citrus scent. Leave bowls of lemon water in the room overnight to absorb paint odours.

Vinegar

White vinegar is a popular deodoriser and can neutralise odour molecules from paint by trapping them and preventing their spread. Place bowls of vinegar around the room to remove the paint smell. However, vinegar will not remove VOCs, so it may give a false sense of security.

Absorb with baking soda or charcoal

Baking soda and charcoal are both highly effective at absorbing and neutralising paint fumes. If using baking soda, pour it into several bowls and place them in and around the painted area. Allow the bowls to sit overnight, and vacuum away the powder and odours in the morning. Dispose of the baking soda by pouring it down the drain or putting it in the garbage disposal. If the smell persists, refill the bowls with fresh soda every day until the smell dissipates.

Activated charcoal is another natural odour absorber. It is often a feature in cooker extraction hoods and air purifiers. Place small amounts of activated charcoal on plates or in bowls and scatter them around the room. Leave for a day or so, then throw the charcoal away after the smell has gone. Any type of charcoal will do, such as charcoal briquettes or powder. Charcoal works by attracting odour-causing molecules, which then stick to its surface, removing them from the air.

It is important to combine these odour-absorbing substances with proper ventilation. Open windows and doors, and use fans to direct airflow towards the open spaces to improve circulation and speed up the process.

Improve ventilation

Improving ventilation is an important step in reducing spray paint smell and the health risks associated with inhaling paint fumes. Here are some ways to improve ventilation:

Open Windows and Doors

One of the simplest ways to improve ventilation is to open windows and doors to create a constant airflow. This allows fresh air to circulate and helps to dissipate the paint fumes.

Use Fans

Placing a few rotating fans around the room, angled towards open windows, can help increase airflow and direct fumes outside. It is important to note that fans should only be turned on after the paint coat is touch-dry to avoid spreading wet paint.

Air Purifiers and Filters

Using air purifiers or air filtration systems can help absorb and remove paint fumes and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air. Look for purifiers with activated carbon filters, which are specifically designed to remove impurities and odours.

Choose Low-VOC Paint

When purchasing paint, opt for low-VOC or water-based paint options. These types of paint have lower levels of volatile organic compounds, which are the main cause of strong paint smells.

Avoid Heating

While ventilating, avoid turning on any heating sources, especially during winter. Heat can accelerate the evaporation of solvents, increasing the concentration of paint fumes in the air.

By implementing these ventilation strategies, you can effectively reduce the unpleasant smell of spray paint and create a safer environment during and after your painting projects.

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