Painting in enclosed spaces can be unpleasant due to heavy chemical fumes. If you’re particularly sensitive to paint fumes, decorating your home can be a bit of an ordeal.
Traditional paints like gloss, emulsion, and masonry paint rely on plastic binders and chemical solvents that release VOCs into the air. That new paint smell that lingers for weeks in your home? You’re breathing in chemical fumes, and if you are sensitive to these or have an allergy there can be a very real health impact.
The good news is that there are fume free paints available. You don’t have to put up with harsh chemicals being released into your home as part of the off gassing process when paint dries.
Natural paints offer an odour free alternative that’s just as effective as chemical laden alternatives. These are better for you, your indoor air quality, and the environment.
Why Does Paint Smell?
That familiar paint smell is generated by VOCs and solvents evaporating into your home as the paint dries.
They are put into conventional paints to help keep them liquid during application and film formation as the paint dries. But they release strong smells and they can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation.
Gloss and wood paints are usually the worst culprits. Even supposedly low VOC options from big brands can still create unpleasant fumes because the term “low voc” is not strictly regulated.
Want to avoid fumes completely? Look for genuinely VOC free paints.
What Are VOCs in Paint?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemical compounds that turn into gases at room temperature. In conventional paints, they come from solvents, plastic binders and preservatives. As paint dries, these chemicals evaporate into your indoor air creating that strong paint smell.
Common VOCs in paint include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene and toluene. Even at low levels, they can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness or skin irritation. Some VOCs are also linked to long term health concerns when exposure is repeated.
This is why choosing true natural VOC free paints matters. With mineral or plant based paints, you avoid releasing these harmful compounds into your family home.
What is Fume Free or No Smell Paint?
Fume free paints are made from entirely natural ingredients and are free from synthetic solvents and petrochemical ingredients.
Fume free paints are made without synthetic solvents or plastics. Instead, they use natural minerals, plant based binders, and water as the carrier. These paints dry without giving off chemical fumes, so there is no lingering smell.
Because they are breathable and non toxic, they are much safer for families, allergy sufferers and anyone sensitive to chemical odours.
Can Paint Cause Allergies?
Many people experience allergic reactions to conventional paints, especially gloss and acrylics. Symptoms such as watery eyes, headaches, skin irritation or tightness in the chest are often linked to VOCs, solvents and preservatives used in synthetic paints.
Choosing allergy free, fume free paints made from natural minerals and plant binders avoids these triggers and makes decorating safer for sensitive households.
Fume Free Paint for Nurseries and Kids Bedrooms
Children are more sensitive to chemicals in the home, and strong paint odours are considered undesirable for nurseries and bedrooms.
For peace of mind, choose VOC-free, fume free paints for nurseries and kids bedrooms. Natural emulsions are perfect for nurseries. They are safe to use during pregnancy, completely odourless once applied, and help regulate humidity for healthier indoor air.
Benefits of Choosing No Smell Paint
- No chemical odour during or after painting.
- Safer for children, pets and allergy sufferers.
- Improves indoor air quality.
- Environmentally responsible – no plastic binders or harmful solvents.
- Long-lasting finishes with authentic colour and texture.
Choosing fume free paint means you do not need to worry about “fixing” paint smells later with bowls of baking soda or endless ventilation.
Our Recommended Fume Free Paints
- Auro 321 Wall Paint – fume free white emulsion for walls and ceilings
- Earthborn Claypaint – breathable, odourless and child-safe
- Auro 516 Classic Gloss - durable gloss and satin for wood, without fumes
Choose Paint Without the Fumes
Paint does not need to smell or fill your home with fumes. By choosing natural, VOC free paints, you can protect your health, safeguard indoor air quality, and create a highly durable and attractive paint finish that looks beautiful without the chemical drawbacks.
Explore our full range of fume free paints today, from odourless wall emulsions to natural gloss paints, and find the right solution for your home.
Need advice? Contact us for friendly advice from one of our experienced team.
