Question from HEG
In 2 weeks I am moving into an apartment that was painted with traditional latex paint in May (about 2.5 months prior to my move-in date). I was wondering if anyone could estimate how long this paint may be off-gassing for and if there is anything I can do to seal in the VOC’s, like apply a sealant to the walls or paint over with a no-VOC paint like Mythic? Any suggestions would be much appreciate. Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
Well, that paint should be offgassed by now, especially since it’s summertime.
In general, you don’t want to seal in VOCs, you want to evaporate them out. Heat will do that, so the solution would be to turn up the heat and “bake” it out.
Hi Debra,
How long it generally takes for regular latex paint to offgas generally? Thanks.
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
There are two stages to the drying of paint. One is “dry to touch” and the other is “cured.”
Dry to touch is as it says, dry to touch, but the paint underneath may still be damp.
Cured is when the paint is fully dried, through and through.
Paint doesn’t stop outgassing until it is cured, completely dry through and through.
Heat and air movement speed this process.
Paint manufacturers say it takes a full two weeks for latex paint to cure. I’m sure some people reading this blog will say it takes longer.
It really depends on the paint, the conditions of the room, how many coats are applied, how thick or thin the coat, how much time allowed between coats.