Can You Sleep in a Freshly Painted Room?

There’s no doubt that a fresh coat of paint can effortlessly transform your home. Interior painting is an extremely popular home improvement project, but can you sleep in a freshly painted room safely?

This guide addresses some of the common concerns that people have about sleeping in a freshly painted room, as shared by reliable painters in Tucson. Read on to learn how the type of paint and other factors could impact your health and safety after a paint job.

Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind for After Paint Jobs

Painting a room can be a simple way to improve your home’s appearance and doesn’t take as long as other home improvement projects. However, it’s crucial that you paint the space while avoiding volatile organic compounds. During the drying process, paints release these chemicals; ventilation will be key to avoiding exposure.

Inhaling paint fumes with VOCs can result in the following health issues:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea

Long-term exposure to toxic paint fumes can also cause liver and kidney damage and impair your nervous system. That’s why professional painters recommend taking frequent breaks to get fresh air and keeping the windows open for three days after finishing the project. 

Pick Your Paint Type To Avoid Dangerous Paint Fumes

Before sleeping in a freshly painted room, it’s wise to figure out whether immediate and prolonged exposure to the type of paint on the walls will be safe. For example, some of the most common types of interior paints include the following:

• Low-VOC paint
• Zero-VOC paint
• Latex or oil-based paint

Low-to-No VOC Paints

Thankfully, low-VOC or zero-VOC paint promises an ideal medium for your home painting project because it features minimal chemicals and has a quick drying time. These paints are also extremely safe, so you will be free to sleep in the room right after you finish painting the walls. 

Keep in mind that low-VOC paint has a slight odor. You might want to wait an extra 24 hours if this will impact your quality of sleep.

Oil-based Paints

So, can you sleep in a freshly painted room that uses latex or oil-based paint? No, it is best to wait a while so that the paint can fully cure. 

Latex and oil-based paints have a strong odor, which is unpleasant. However, they also release toxic chemicals for up to two weeks after application. If you’re able to avoid sleeping in the freshly painted room for the full two weeks, you can stay healthy by steering clear of the paint fumes.

In the meantime, ensure the room has sufficient ventilation, use fans, and open windows. 

Hire Our Professional Painters for Every Painting Project!

You no longer have to wonder, “Can you sleep in a freshly painted room?” Trust the experts at Nelson J. Greer Painting Contractors, Inc. for safe, high-quality paints whether you want to transform one room or choose the best paint colors for selling a house. Reach out to our friendly team at (520) 325-5800 today!