Why Does Paint Smell? (And Should You Be Concerned?)
We've all experienced it.
The unmistakable smell of fresh paint.
For many of us, it's simply become part of decorating. But have you ever stopped to wonder what actually causes that smell?
What's That Smell?
The smell associated with traditional paints is typically caused by chemicals being released into the air as the paint dries and cures.
Many conventional paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which evaporate into the air during and after application.
These VOCs are what's responsible for the strong odour in freshly painted rooms.
Depending on the paint used, the smell can linger for days, weeks or, in some cases, even longer.
Why Have We Come to Accept It?
For decades, paint smell was simply something we didn't have a choice about. Instead, we'd open the windows, leave the room for a while, and wait for the smell to disappear.
It was normal.
But as awareness of indoor air quality has grown, more homeowners are beginning to question whether this is something we should accept.
After all, we think carefully about the products we use on our skin, the food we eat and the cleaning products we bring into our homes.
So let's start thinking more about paint and asking the right questions.
Does Paint Smell Mean It's Good Quality?
No. There is a common misconception that a strong paint smell is a sign of quality or durability.
In reality, odour is simply a by-product of ingredients being released into the air.
The strength of a paint's smell tells you very little about how well it will perform on your walls.
A high-quality paint can be durable, washable, beautifully pigmented and long-lasting without filling your home with unpleasant odours.
Why Do Some Paints Smell Long After Decorating?
Most paint smells fade in time. However, some homeowners report odours lingering for much longer than expected, and these aren't your typical paint smells.
Occasionally, unusual smells can develop days or even weeks after decorating. These are sometimes referred to as "wall odour" or "ghost odour" phenomena.
While the exact causes can vary, these issues highlight why more people are becoming more savvy when it comes to what's in their paint.
For many of us, choosing paint is no longer just about how it looks. It's also about how it affects the environment inside our homes.
What About Low VOC Paint?
As awareness of indoor air quality has increased, many paint manufacturers have reduced the amount of VOCs in their formulations, which typically produce less odour than traditional paints.
However, low VOC and VOC-free are not the same thing.
If you'd like to understand the difference, you can read our guide here:
Low VOC vs VOC-Free Paint: What's the Difference?
Why Verus Paint Is Different
At Verus Paint, we believe decorating should be about transforming your home, not filling it with unpleasant smells.
That's why our paint is:
• 100% VOC-free
• Completely odourless
• Free from MIT and BIT preservatives
• Air-purifying
• Naturally resistant to mould and bacteria
• Beautifully pigmented and durable
Many customers tell us one of the first things they notice is the absence of smell. No lingering odours. No need to avoid a room for days afterwards.
Just beautiful colour and a more pleasant, less smelly decorating experience.
Explore our collection of 100% VOC-free, toxin-free paints and breathe easy when decorating.