Question from brandy
My father in law just made a bed for my daughter and finished it with alkyd polyurethane. We have had it sitting in the garage for a month, and then outside in the sun for another month and I find it still smells. I’m wondering if it is dangerous or toxic at this time. If something smells, does that mean VOC’s are still being emitted? I’m considering sanding it down and putting something different on. Is this necessary? What would you recommend?
Debra’s Answer
Different types of wood finishes have different curing times.
But after two months, this should not have an odor.
My understanding is that if it has an odor, then fumes of some kind are being emitted or you wouldn’t be able to smell them.
If it is completely dry to the point where it can be sanded and it is still bothering you, I would remove the finish and apply something else.
This type of finish is commonly known to smell and the best thing to do would be remove it. This would be a strong caution for masks when sanding – always – but that smell isn’t going to go away.