A Fundamental Question to Begin: Why Does Paint Smell?
One of the first things homeowners ask after a fresh coat of paint is applied is, “How long will this smell last?” Modern paints are much safer than those of decades past, but certain odors still linger due to solvents and additives. These substances release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as the paint dries, which create that familiar “fresh paint” smell. At Evercrest Painting, we’ve been expertly guiding homeowners in Colorado Springs for over a decade, helping them enjoy the beauty of freshly painted rooms without worrying about lingering odors. With over 10 years of painting experience and countless 5-star reviews on Google, we’re here to share our best paint smell tips for your next project.
1. Choose Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints
The easiest way to combat paint odors is to start with the right products. Low-VOC and Zero-VOC paints emit fewer harmful chemicals, reducing the smell dramatically. Evercrest Painting proudly uses premium brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore that offer environmentally friendly paint options without sacrificing color depth or durability.
These paint smell tips are especially useful in homes with small children, elderly residents, or anyone sensitive to strong odors. Choosing the right paint from the start makes the entire painting process more comfortable and healthier.
2. Ventilate Like a Pro
Ventilation is key when implementing paint smell tips. Fresh air can disperse odors quickly, so Evercrest Painting always advises homeowners to open windows and doors during and after painting. If possible, create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room. Box fans and exhaust fans can further speed up odor removal.
Our professional painters also strategically time your project to avoid trapping VOCs indoors, such as avoiding painting during rainy or extremely humid days when windows must remain closed.
3. Use Natural Air Purifiers
Natural solutions are some of our favorite paint smell tips. Everyday household items like white vinegar, baking soda, coffee grounds, and activated charcoal can absorb paint odors. Place bowls of vinegar or baking soda in the room overnight to neutralize smells. Charcoal bags, often sold for closets or cars, also work wonders for absorbing lingering fumes.
Essential oils, like lavender or lemon, can help mask odors, but they don’t remove VOCs—that’s where ventilation and low-VOC paints do the heavy lifting.
4. Keep HVAC Filters Clean
Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, which means it can either help clear out smells or spread them. One of our important paint smell tips is to check and replace your HVAC filters before and after a painting project. Clean filters trap lingering particles, reducing the spread of odors to other parts of the house.
At Evercrest Painting, we take the time to seal off vents in rooms we’re painting, reducing unwanted airflow during the job itself.
5. Rely on Professional Prep & Cleanup
The best paint smell tips come from experience. Evercrest Painting follows a strict preparation and cleanup process to minimize mess and odors. We protect your furniture, flooring, and vents and ensure that all surfaces are properly cleaned and ready before we paint. After the job is done, our team removes drop cloths, disposes of empty cans properly, and wipes down surfaces to eliminate lingering chemical smells.
Professional painting is about more than just color—it’s about the overall experience, and Evercrest Painting has been delivering outstanding, odor-conscious service to the Colorado Springs community for over 10 years.
6. Bonus Tips: What to Do After We Leave
After your Evercrest Painting project is finished, keep windows open for a few hours to allow the last traces of odor to clear. Avoid heavy cleaning or closing up the space too quickly. Using houseplants such as peace lilies or snake plants can help purify the air naturally.
Some homeowners also use air purifiers with carbon filters designed to trap VOCs. If your room still has a light odor, these devices can help freshen the air in a few hours.
7. Can Paint Smells Be Dangerous?
Today’s paints are much safer than older formulations, but it’s still wise to limit your exposure to strong odors. That’s why Evercrest Painting recommends low-VOC products and expert ventilation strategies as part of our paint smell tips. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals, so our team takes every precaution to protect your family’s health.
8. When Will the Smell Go Away?
Most paint odors dissipate within 1-3 days, but depending on the room’s ventilation and the paint used, faint smells may linger up to a week. Evercrest Painting’s process minimizes dry time and odor retention, getting your space back to normal faster than DIY methods.
If you’re sensitive to smells, let us know in advance—we’ll customize your project with odor-minimizing solutions.
Evercrest Painting: Clean, Fresh, and Professional
No one wants to enjoy a beautiful new paint job if it comes with lingering fumes. That’s why Evercrest Painting focuses on both stunning results and a fresh, clean finish. With over a decade of experience in the Colorado Springs area and many glowing Google reviews, we’re proud to be your trusted painting partner.
Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your free quote: Book Here or call 719-362-5304.
Want to learn more?
Environmental Protection Agency: VOCs and Indoor Air Quality
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