Interior painting smell won't dissipate after one week!

by Steve Campbell
(Sechelt, BC Canada)

My landlord is renovating the suite next door and has painted the floor (plywood) with an exterior paint. He used this paint earlier on the floor ribbing and there was no problem. I was wondering if it was the volume or type of paint used or is it simply the temperature which is cool if not cold.

Answer

There is a combination of factors affecting how the paint cures and the smell it has. The main one is temperature. At cool or cold temperatures the paint needs more time to cure. Another factor is the type of paint used.

If the suites heating system could be turned up or on and set to a warm temp then the smell will start to dissipate faster. Plus windows can be cracked open during the day time to help get some fresh air into the room or rooms that have been painted.

Obviously oil based paints smell bad and will for a while, especially in cold closed rooms. Even latex paints can have a strong smell. This is very true for many exterior paints.

The best way to deal with any paint smell is lots of fresh air and warmer temperatures. Fans could also help with the curing, especially when combined with the above suggestions.