Pro tip: I found out my "low VOC" paint still offgasses like crazy for 2 weeks after drying

I was painting a nursery for a client in Portland last month and they were super worried about fumes. So I spent extra on this fancy zero VOC brand, thought I was golden. Then I actually looked at the technical data sheet online after the job and it said total VOC content is measured at the time of manufacture, not after application. Turns out the curing process still releases VOCs for up to 14 days. I felt like an idiot. The cans should just say "low initial stink" or something. Has anyone else gotten burned by misleading paint labels?

2 comments

2 Comments

murray.cole1mo ago

Low initial stink" should be on every can. I painted my bathroom with that stuff and felt like I was huffing markers for a week straight. My cat wouldn't even go in there. Now I just paint everything outside and bring it in after it cures. Lesson learned.

jennifersmith1mo ago

Right? I learned that one the hard way too, except my nose learned it first.