How Long Does It Take Paint Smell to Go Away

How Long Does It Take Paint Smell to Go Away

Painting a room can be a refreshing update for your home or business. However, one common downside to the process is the lingering paint smell that comes with it. If you’ve recently painted or are planning to, you might be wondering: how long does it take paint smell to go away? The answer depends on a few things, like the type of paint, how well the room is ventilated, and the overall room conditions. In this blog, we’ll cover how long paint odor lasts, what affects it, and what you can do to eliminate it faster.

Whether you’re using oil-based or water-based paints, that “new paint smell” can linger longer than expected. Understanding why the smell exists and how to mitigate it can help you enjoy your freshly painted space sooner, without holding your nose.

Common Factors That Affect How Long Paint Smell Lasts

Some rooms clear out in a few hours, while others may take several days. Here are the key factors:

  • Type of Paint Used: Oil-based paints tend to smell stronger and longer than water-based or latex paints.
  • Room Ventilation: Well-ventilated rooms allow fumes to dissipate more quickly.
  • Temperature and Humidity: Warm, dry conditions promote faster drying and odor dissipation.
  • Room Size: Smaller rooms with poor air circulation tend to retain paint odors longer.
  • Number of Coats Applied: More paint layers can look great, but they also mean longer drying time and can make the smell hang around more.

How Long Does Paint Smell Last?

Paint smell lasts from 24 hours to a week, depending on the type of paint used. Latex and low-VOC paints usually air out within a day or two, while oil-based paints can emit strong fumes for a week or more.

Paint Smell Duration by Type

Here’s a closer look at how long the smell lasts based on the type of paint:

  • Latex Paints: Typically, 24 to 48 hours.
  • Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints: 3 to 8 hours, often much shorter.
  • Oil-Based Paints: 2 to 7 days, sometimes longer in enclosed spaces.

If you’re particularly sensitive to smells or have young children or pets at home, opting for a low-VOC or zero-VOC paint is the best way to reduce exposure to lingering fumes.

How to Get Rid of New Paint Smell Quickly?

There are several tried-and-true methods to eliminate or significantly reduce the smell of paint in your home.

Best Tips for Removing Paint Odor

  • Open Windows and Doors: This is the easiest and most effective method to let fresh air flow through.
  • Use Fans: Set up oscillating fans or exhaust fans to help circulate air and push fumes out.
  • Place Bowls of Baking Soda or Vinegar: Both are natural odor absorbers.
  • Charcoal: Activated charcoal is great at absorbing and neutralizing odors.
  • Onions: It might surprise you, but sliced onions can soak up and get rid of paint smells.
  • Air Purifiers: HEPA air purifiers with carbon filters can help clean the air.
  • Houseplants: Plants like peace lilies and snake plants can slightly improve indoor air quality.
  • Candles and Essential Oils: Scented candles or diffusers can help mask the odor, but they don’t eliminate it.

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Is Paint Smell Harmful?

Paint fumes aren’t just annoying, they can also pose health risks, especially in poorly ventilated areas. While modern paints are much safer than older formulations, it’s still important to limit your exposure.

Health Effects of Paint Fumes

Short-Term Exposure:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Eye, nose, or throat irritation

Long-Term Exposure:

  • Respiratory issues
  • Nervous system effects
  • Liver or kidney damage (primarily with prolonged exposure to high-VOC paints)

Be sure to check the paint label and safety data sheet to understand what you’re using. When in doubt, wear a mask and ventilate thoroughly.

Best Practices to Prevent Paint Smell from Lingering

Rather than dealing with the paint odor after the fact, why not take steps to prevent it in the first place? A few precautions during your painting project can go a long way in keeping your space fresh.

Tips for a Fresher Painting Experience

  • Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints are designed to produce fewer toxic fumes, offering better protection for your family and the environment.
  • Paint When the Weather is Dry and Mild: This helps the paint dry faster.
  • Prep the Room for Airflow: Plan ahead to ensure good ventilation throughout the process.
  • Use Odor-Absorbing Additives: Some additives can be mixed into your paint to neutralize odor as it dries.
  • Limit Time in the Room: Avoid staying in freshly painted rooms for long, particularly in the first 24–48 hours.
  • Hire Professional Painters: Experts like RR Pro Painting use efficient techniques and high-quality products to minimize odor.

When to Be Concerned About Lingering Paint Smells

While it’s normal for a room to smell like paint for a few days, smells that linger beyond a week might indicate a problem.

Warning Signs to Watch For

  • Odor Persists for Over 7 Days: Especially if the room is ventilated.
  • You Experience Ongoing Health Symptoms: Headaches, respiratory issues, or allergic reactions.
  • Mildew or Damp Smell Appears: This could signal improper drying or hidden moisture damage.
  • Unusual Paint Behavior: Sticky surfaces or delayed curing can mean something’s wrong.

In such cases, consult a professional painter or indoor air quality specialist to assess the situation.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take paint smell to go away? While most water-based paints will clear up in a day or two, oil-based and high-VOC paints can take up to a week. Factors like ventilation, humidity, and temperature play a big role in how fast odors disappear.

By understanding what contributes to lingering smells and using smart techniques to eliminate them, you can enjoy your beautifully painted space without holding your breath.

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These guys did a great job! I had the cabinets in my entire house done plus the stair railing (which was a big job). They completed in 2.5 weeks with an Easter break in between so it was really only about 2 weeks. They were extremely courteous, worked around people and animals in the house, and cleaned up after themselves. I highly recommend them.

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March 28, 2025

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February 13, 2025

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February 6, 2025

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December 9, 2024

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November 9, 2024

RR Pro Painting painted my house recently. They did an outstanding job. It looks like a brand new house after the new paint job. Their attention to detail when it comes to caulking and sealing around window trims, etc was very much in evident. My house has a balcony with lots of wood railing and porch with wood railing. Their painter, yes one worker was their painter painted my whole two story house along with one other worker painted all the railings and sealed wkth chaulk all the cracks and crevices of the rails. Plus they replaced some of the fascia boards and replaced most of the spindles and lower portions of the wood railings on the balcony and porch bc or dryrot damage. Halfway through I wanted the slightly darker color paint and Rod said no problem. he had his foreman pick up the darker shade. I was a happy customer after that bc the previous lighter shade aka the first coat or paint was way lighter than I expected. Rod who gave the estimate and is the owner was always responsive via text and calls. It was over a year before I was able to green light the paint job. Rod hung in there and did a few smaller paint related jobs for me last yr like stucco repair and window trim replacement. I’m glad that I did have RR Pro Painting do the exterior paint job in the end. Rod made an important point to me that they use SW Duratuon paint which is better quality oaint than some other paint contractors use. I’d say his estimate is priced competitively and fair for the extremely high quality work they do. I have gotten a lot of compliments on my house after it’s newly painted by RR Pro Painting. Rod is easy to communicate with. His foreman Hilario is not big into communicating with the customer but he did do a good job on replacing all wood railing and areas that had dry rot. They produce quality paint job.

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October 18, 2024

Top tier work for very competitive prices. We had R&R paint the exterior of our house and they far exceeded our expectations. Everyone on the crew they sent were very professional and experienced, the owner even came out and worked along side of them. Prep work before paint was above and beyond, primered where needed and then a THICK two coats of top quality paint. Would highly recommend

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October 10, 2024

RR Painting did a wonderful job painting my staircase and rails, kitchen cabinets, vaulted walls and ceilings throughout my home, most of the downstairs rooms, and all of the exterior. The quoted job was priced fairly, detailed with no surprises. Workers were on time, polite, and completed the job on time. Rodrigo’s communication was one of the better ones throughout the bidding period which was one of the reasons why we chose to go with his company. His recommendations were spot on, and you can tell he was experienced and professional. He and his crew are highly recommended!

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October 1, 2024

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Zhenghua Li
September 12, 2024

I recently hired RR Pro Painting to resurface my kitchen cabinets, repaint the front door and outdoor deck. Working with Rodrigo and his team was a really pleasure. Rodrigo was professional, punctual and knowledgable. He advised me on all the available options, laid out the pros and cons and helped me make the best decision possible. He and his team always kept the working site clean and organized, and I couldn't be more happier with the outcome.

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August 25, 2024

Rodrigo and team did a fantastic job with our house painting. They have been super professional all through, from visiting our hous to give a quote to completing the entire painting job and reviewing with me. They have also been accommodative of a few requests I had after a section was painted and Rodrigo gladly accepted. I would higly recommend them.

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August 16, 2024

Rodrigo and team did a great job painting the interior of our house and kitchen cabinets. Rodrigo is responsive, easy to work with and quick to address and resolve issues.

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August 16, 2024

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August 10, 2024

Loved the work Rodrigo and his team did on my home exterior. I had chimney siding replaced and full exterior/trim painting. It looks great. I got quite a few bids and Rodrigo was the best rated and best priced. I highly recommend!

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June 23, 2024

I recently hired RR PRO PAINTING to paint the exterior of my house, and I couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish, their professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding. They took the time to prepare the surfaces properly and used high-quality materials, ensuring a beautiful and durable finish. The final result exceeded my expectations, and my house looks fantastic. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for top-notch painting services. Randy

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May 7, 2024

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Ronald Bowman
April 17, 2024

RR Pro painted the entire exterior of our house and they did a great job! Ricardo, Hilario and the whole crew were always very personable and informative. We got 4 bids and theirs was the most competitive. They offered a lot of service for a good price, combined with good word of mouth. They were recommended to us by another contractor that we like. They included the garage and eves, as well as removing old hardware from old cable and phone equipment from decades past. The crew was fast and efficient and their work was very clean and accurate. They had to mask many divided windows, which took great care. We’re very happy with how the house looks now and we’d gladly recommend them!

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March 8, 2024
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Ashley Freitas
February 29, 2024

Rodrigo made it super easy and worked with me on getting the job done. He replied within minutes of asking for the consult and had the quote to me within days of seeing my place. His team came in (btw, amazing 🤩) and had the whole house done within a week. I couldn’t be more happy with their work. If you’re looking for quality work and professionalism, I highly recommend using their services.

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February 25, 2024

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February 19, 2024

The rr pro painting company painted my garage door perfectly, they exceeded all my exceptions They are very professional, patient and responsible throughout the entire process.I highly recommend them to anyone in need of professional painting services.Thank you, RR Pro Painting Company, for your outstanding work on my garage door!

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February 19, 2024

Rodrigo and crew are amazing! I’ve used the hen several times on several jobs and have referred him to friends and associates. He is reliable, trust worthy and professional and does an incredible job and always finishes to your satisfaction. I would highly recommend Rodrigo and his team for any painting job!

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Catherine Cosse
February 17, 2024

Rodrigo and his team did an amazing painting the interior and exterior of the house. Rodrigo/his team were fabulous to work with. His advice were precious in deciding which color to go with. The paint job was very well done. His team also did demolition of few walls and they had to fix few things involving dry walls. Everything went very well and smooth, even though it was a big job, with lots of various challenges. Rodrigo never lost his cool nor professionalism, his entire team were very professional as well and it seems like they cared a lot about the end product. Timelines were also respected on their end, which is not always the case sometimes, no empty promises so that was much appreciated as we also had few deadlines to respect. Definitely a company I would recommend. Price/quality were there for us.

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February 17, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of working with RR Pro Painting Inc , a family-owned business that left an indelible mark on my painting project. From the first consultation to the final brushstroke, their commitment to providing exceptional service and delivering outstanding results was evident. One of the standout qualities of RR Pro Painting Inc is the incredible value they offer. Their pricing was competitive, and considering the level of talent and skill they bring to the table, it was truly a remarkable investment. They provided top-notch service without compromising on quality, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking value for their money. As a family-owned business, RR Pro Painting Inc displayed a level of dedication and personal touch that is often hard to come by. They treated my project as if it were their own, ensuring that every detail was meticulously attended to. Their passion for their craft was palpable, and it translated into the exceptional work they delivered. The talent and skill of the painters at RR Pro Painting Inc were truly remarkable. From their precise brushwork to their keen eye for color and texture, they transformed my space into a masterpiece. Their ability to bring my vision to life surpassed all expectations, and I am grateful for their artistic prowess. Punctuality is another area where RR Pro Painting Inc excelled. They arrived promptly each day, ready to commence work. Their professionalism and respect for my time were greatly appreciated, as they completed the project within the agreed-upon timeframe. Their punctuality demonstrated their commitment to delivering a seamless and efficient experience. Meticulousness is a characteristic that shines through in every aspect of RR Pro Painting Inc's work. They approached each task with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every surface was properly prepared, every stroke of the brush was precise, and every finish was flawless. Their dedication to perfection was evident in the final result, which exceeded my expectations. Throughout the entire process, RR Pro Painting Inc maintained open and transparent communication. They listened attentively to my needs and preferences, providing valuable insights and recommendations. Their responsiveness and willingness to address any concerns or questions were a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction. I wholeheartedly recommend RR Pro Painting Inc to anyone in need of a painting company that offers exceptional value, boasts a talented and skilled team, prioritizes punctuality, and approaches each project with meticulous care. Their family-owned business values shine through in every aspect of their service, creating a truly remarkable painting experience. Thank you, RR Pro Painting Inc, for your unwavering dedication to excellence. You have transformed my space and exceeded my expectations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a stellar team.

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Tom Edwards
February 16, 2024

Top quality and excellent customer service with RR Pro Painting ! Words will not describe or express the level of quality, care, detail and service provided by the RR Pro Painting team. Not only is my home refreshed with detailed painting but also all small and some larger items all repaired, painted and beautiful again. They went above and beyond with smiles and nothing too big or small for them to handle. I have already been texting friends and some neighbors how they have to reach out to RR Pro Painting for their home improvement projects. Thank you RR Pro Painting, top of the list in my opinion for professional cost conscious expertise! Tom

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Pankesh Bamotra
February 16, 2024

Efficient. Prompt. Competitive. Rodrigo and his team did a fantastic job painting our 2 car garage. They matched the color to the interiors and efficiently finished the job. They cleaned up properly and gave us the remainder paint for future use.

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The Chu Family
December 11, 2023

We are repeat customers. They painted our home exterior a few years ago. They recently did our interior. Very professional and great to work with. Meticulous with the prep and detail work. Good communication, too.

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Namraj johal
December 11, 2023

Absolute professionals. Repaired heavily water damaged walls. Finished product was like new. Highly recommend them. You will not be disappointed

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Shevaun Lee
August 10, 2023

Rodrigo and his team did a fantastic job with a painting project we recently hired him to complete. They removed wainscoting in one bedroom and repainted the full room, plus a full paint job on a second bedroom, plus they painted closet and bedroom doors. It’s clear they take a lot of pride in their work. They worked very neatly, showed up on time, and had good attention to detail. Rodrigo is a great communicator, and his team showed up when they said they would and completed the project in the promised timeframe. Lastly, they were really nice guys. I felt fully comfortable having them in the house when my family was home. I wholeheartedly recommend their services!

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Abhijit Kulkarni
April 8, 2023

Rodrigo and his team exceeded our expectations for interior painting of our house. Not only was his team incredibly professional and punctual, but they also went above and beyond to ensure that our home looked absolutely beautiful by the time they were finished. RR and team are skilled painter who showed a true attention to detail throughout the entire project. From prepping the walls to carefully painting every inch of the house, it’s clear that they take great pride in thier work. Our home now looks fresher than ever before. RR Team was friendly, approachable, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that we were satisfied with the work they were doing. All in all, I would highly recommend Rodrigo’s team to anyone looking for a talented, professional house painter who can deliver exceptional results

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Lise Buyer
February 18, 2023

The recent rains left me with a buckled wall. RR Pro painting answered my inquiry quickly and did a first rate job - carefully patching and smoothing the drywall and then painting the entire wall to be sure everything matched perfectly. The work was done very professionally and the clean-up was complete. The work was very well done and the price was fair. I highly recommend.

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Jon Erickson
November 29, 2022

RR pro painting is fantastic! Rodrigo is my rep here in San Jose and he is responsive, caring, and very professional. Rodrigo had great communication throughout both my projects. I had RR paint a living room, entry way, 3 hallways, a master bedroom, and 3 regular bedrooms. RR pro painting was on time, had a very good crew, all the crew members were very friendly and took their time to do a nice job; they paid grave attention to detail. RR pro is by far the best painting company I have ever hired. They take their time to do a nice job and they are honest and respectful of your home. You don't need to worry about them snooping around or causing damage to your home, very respectful. They are not the cheapest but also not way over the top, they charge prices that reflect their quality and craftsmanship. Do you want a really good quality paint job and want your painters to take their time? Then hire RR Pro Painting! They are awesome! You will get quality work and good service for a reasonable price. I will recommend them to my friends and family.

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Nilesh Karia
November 29, 2022

We are extremely satisfied with the work that Rodrigo and his team did at our home. Rodrigo visited us and got all the details regarding the number of timeline, rooms, closets, type of color, budget and recommended various options that would complement each other well. He helped plan the sequence in which the different rooms would be painted to minimize any disruption in our daily activities. His crew would always arrive on time at the start of the day and he let us know even minor changes in schedule well in advance. The team made sure that the curtains, blinds, mirrors, carpets, floorboards were handled with care and precision. There were a couple of minor things to address after the work was completed which Rodrigo took care of immediately. If you're looking for great professionals to bring new life to your home, look no further than Rr Pro Painting!

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Amanda Perry
October 30, 2022

Incredibly detailed, fast, and reliable service! Will be using them again for any other painting needs!

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Kayla Atondo
August 1, 2022
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Geraldine Vazquez
June 15, 2022

They are great and detailed in their craft. They are reliable and set expectations from the start. Very clean while doing their job. I highly recommend.

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miloni mehta
June 4, 2022

Rodrigo and his team are professional and punctual. We hired them for interior painting of of the entire house and they did a great job. We had an issue with some patches showing and Rodrigo came and patched it up so that we were satisfied! I would hire them again.

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Lillian Landry
June 1, 2022

Fantastic! They did a beautiful job repainting my home’s bathrooms and bedroom. Their work is very clean, crisp, and they did not take shortcuts on coverage. They laid protection down on the floors and taped off areas as needed. Communication was clear and prompt. They confirmed a day in advance and arrived on time. I will absolutely hire them again for future work.

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paige hamlin
May 28, 2022

Rodrigo and his team were amazing, quick and responsive! I will definitely recommend and use them again.

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P R
May 16, 2022
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Terrie Brodie
May 16, 2022

Did a wonderful job in painting the master bedroom. It looks beautiful!

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Amanda Perry
May 16, 2022

We needed a last minute complete paint job for our kitchen, and they responded so quickly, very professional, and the kitchen turned out incredible!! Highly recommend

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Deborah Robles
May 14, 2022

Rodrigo and his team did a wonderful job painting our outdated 70’s oak kitchen cabinets. The result was even better than what we were expecting! The kitchen cabinets look brand new and beautiful. We are very pleased with their work.