Expert Painters

Low-VOC Paint: Safer Painting with Kids and Pets at Home

19 Sep

That strong smell after painting comes from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, evaporating as the paint dries. Modern low-VOC and zero-VOC paints have far less of it, which makes them a better choice for homes with young children, pregnant women, elderly relatives, pets, or anyone sensitive to odours.

Here’s what low-VOC paint actually means, and how to paint safely while your family keeps living at home.

What VOCs are

VOCs are solvents that help paint spread and cure, then evaporate into the air. They’re what gives fresh paint its distinctive smell. Traditional oil-based paints have the highest levels, while modern water-based acrylics have far lower levels, and low-VOC and zero-VOC ranges lower still.

Low-VOC versus zero-VOC

TypeWhat it meansTypical use
Standard water-basedLower VOCs than oil-basedGeneral interior and exterior work
Low-VOCReduced VOC contentBedrooms, living areas, occupied homes
Zero-VOCVery low or negligible VOC contentNurseries, kids’ rooms, sensitive households
Oil-based enamelHighest VOC content, strong odourSome trims and specialist surfaces

Note that “zero-VOC” refers to the base paint. Adding strong tints can raise the level slightly, so ask about tinted products if this matters to you.

Painted bedroom interior in a Melbourne home

Painting safely with kids and pets at home

  • Paint one room at a time so the family can stay in unaffected areas.
  • Keep children and pets out of the room being painted and until it’s aired out.
  • Ventilate well. Open windows and use fans to move air outside, not through the house.
  • Choose low-odour products for bedrooms and living areas.
  • Time it well. Paint bedrooms early in the day so they can air out before bedtime.
  • Store paint safely. Keep tins sealed and well out of reach of children and animals.
  • Watch fresh trims. Pets brushing against wet enamel is a common mishap.

Nurseries and children’s rooms

For a nursery, many parents choose a zero-VOC paint and have the room painted several weeks before the baby arrives, giving plenty of time to air out. Washable low sheen or satin finishes are practical on walls, because they handle fingerprints, crayon and cleaning far better than flat paint.

Older homes: lead paint matters more than VOCs

If your home was built before 1970, there may be lead-based paint under later layers. Sanding or scraping it releases toxic dust, which is a far bigger health risk than paint odour, particularly for young children. Have old paintwork tested before any preparation starts, and have lead paint managed using safe methods.

Interior living space painted in soft neutral tones

Does low-VOC paint perform as well?

Modern low-VOC paints have improved enormously and now offer coverage, washability and durability comparable to standard ranges from the same brand. Very cheap low-VOC paints can be thin and need more coats, so the quality of the product still matters more than the label.

A few practical extras

Keep the paint smell down by taking rubbish, rags and empty tins outside rather than leaving them in the room. Reseal tins properly between coats. And remember that paint can still emit a light odour for a few days after it feels dry, so keep ventilating.

Talk to your local painters

Expert Painting and Renovation is a family-run, Aussie-local company based in Richmond, with more than 9 years of experience as Melbourne painters. We’ll talk through your household’s needs and recommend products that suit, then plan the job room by room so your family can keep living at home.

See our interior painting service, or read about our team on our about us page.

FAQ

Is low-VOC paint completely odour free?
Not entirely, but the smell is much milder and clears faster than traditional paint.

How long should I keep children out of a freshly painted room?
Air the room thoroughly and keep children out until the smell has gone. For bedrooms, painting earlier in the day helps.

Is low-VOC paint safe for pets?
It’s a better choice, but keep pets away from wet paint and ventilate the area well.

Do I need zero-VOC paint, or is low-VOC enough?
Low-VOC suits most homes. Zero-VOC is worth considering for nurseries or if someone in the home is particularly sensitive.

Want a low-odour repaint that fits around your family? Contact Expert Painting and Renovation for a quote.

About Expert Painting & Renovation

Expert Painting and Renovation is an Aussie-local, family-run company based in Richmond, Melbourne, with more than 9 years of experience in residential and commercial painting and renovation. Our specialists deliver premium workmanship, timely service and durable finishes designed for Melbourne homes.

Whether you need maintenance advice, a single-room refresh or a full home makeover, our team is just a call away.

đź“Ť Our Service Areas Across Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast & Phillip Island

Melbourne & Bayside

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