Does Johnstone's Paint Smell? The Truth About Low-Odor & Safe Drying
Does Johnstone's paint smell? This depends on the product rather than the brand. Water-based paint doesn't have a strong smell unless it has started to spoil....
Does Johnstone's Paint Smell? Understanding the Odor and What to Expect
When you're planning a painting project, the last thing you want is to be greeted by an overwhelming smell that could potentially disrupt your work or cause discomfort. This brings us to a common question among painters and DIY enthusiasts: does Johnstone's paint smell? The short answer is yes, but the intensity and duration of the smell can vary greatly depending on several factors.
Understanding the Smell in Johnstone's Paint
The smell in Johnstone's paint, or any paint for that matter, is primarily due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) it contains. VOCs are solvents that help to dissolve and disperse the paint's pigments and resins. Once the paint is applied, these solvents begin to evaporate, which is what we perceive as the paint's smell.
Types of Smells in Johnstone's Paint
- Fresh Paint Smell: This is the most common smell associated with Johnstone's paint, characterized by a strong, chemical-like odor. It's usually most intense immediately after application and begins to dissipate within a few hours to a few days.
- Off-Gassing: Some paints, including certain Johnstone's products, may emit low levels of odor even after the initial drying period. This is known as off-gassing and can occur for several weeks or even months after painting.
Factors Affecting the Smell of Johnstone's Paint
The intensity and duration of the smell in Johnstone's paint can be influenced by several factors. Understanding these can help you prepare for and manage the smell more effectively.
VOC Content
Johnstone's offers a range of paints with varying VOC levels. Paints with higher VOC content, such as those designed for quick drying or high durability, may have a stronger smell. Low or zero VOC paints, on the other hand, are designed to emit less odor.
Ventilation
The level of ventilation in the painting area can significantly impact the smell. Inadequate ventilation can trap VOCs, intensifying the smell and potentially leading to discomfort or health issues. Ensuring good airflow, such as by opening windows or using fans, can help to disperse the smell more quickly.
Temperature and Humidity
Higher temperatures and humidity levels can cause the smell of Johnstone's paint to become more intense. This is because heat and moisture can speed up the evaporation of VOCs. Conversely, cooler, drier conditions can slow down this process, reducing the smell.
Managing the Smell of Johnstone's Paint
While it's not possible to eliminate the smell of Johnstone's paint entirely, there are several strategies you can use to manage it and minimize its impact:
- Choose a low or zero VOC paint, if possible, to reduce the initial smell.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the painting area.
- Paint in cooler, drier conditions, if possible.
- Allow for sufficient drying time between coats to allow VOCs to dissipate.
- Consider using a paint with built-in odor control technology, such as Johnstone's Eco Solutions range.
When to Be Concerned About the Smell of Johnstone's Paint
While the smell of Johnstone's paint is usually harmless, there are some situations where you should be concerned:
- If the smell is unusually strong or persists for an extended period, it may indicate that the paint was not properly applied or that the area is not adequately ventilated.
- If you or anyone else in the area begins to experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea, it may be a sign of overexposure to VOCs. In this case, leave the area immediately and seek fresh air.
If you're concerned about the smell of Johnstone's paint, it's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and take steps to manage it effectively. Your health and comfort should always be your top priority.
<strong>Dulux or Johnstone's Paint, which is Better? - Decorator's forum UK</strong><p>Does Johnstone's paint smell? This depends on the product rather than the brand. Water-based paint doesn't have a strong smell unless it has started to spoil.</p>
<strong>Paint still smells weeks later - Mumsnet</strong><p>01.06.2019 ... We had Johnstone's paint recently and I'd be reluctant to use it again as it was SO strong it gave us all headaches and sore throats. It took a ...</p>
<strong>This paint stinks!!!! - Page 10 - DIY Forums</strong><p>THE SMELL FROM HELL. I have just painted my studio with Johnstone white emulsion using a brand new tin. The walls are concrete block which were emulsioned some ...</p>
<strong>Johnstone's Trade Reviews 425 - Trustpilot</strong><p>Join the 425 people who've already reviewed Johnstone's Trade. Your experience can ... 5 litres of ceiling paint, about 5 coats but still see old paint ...</p>
<strong>Paint smell | Screwfix Community Forum</strong><p>24.03.2008 ... Sealed them with MDF sealer, undercoated with Johnstones primer /undercoated and top coated with Dulux Trade( Ivory colour that they had made up ...</p>
<strong>Will the smell of new paint go away quickly after painting? - Facebook</strong><p>24.01.2022 ... The smell goes away very quickly, pretty much as soon as it is dry to the touch it will have faded significantly, and within hours you won't ...</p>
<strong>SAFETY DATA SHEET - Johnstone's Paint</strong><p>07.04.2018 ... suspected that fumes are still present, the rescuer should wear an appropriate mask ... Product does not present an oxidizing hazard. Product does ...</p>
<strong>Getting rid of paint smell - House Painting CT</strong><p>I stand corrected. It has been 10 months since I painted (not 8) and currently, there is no odor or stench nor has their been for several months. I ...</p>
<strong>The freshly painted walls started to smell like cat pee - Facebook</strong><p>02.08.2017 ... Joann Robertson this is very odd! I love this paint and have used it all over our house... but now I am going around sniffing the walls and ...</p>
<strong>Sour smelling paint in walls : r/DIYUK - Reddit</strong><p>16.12.2024 ... Sour milky? It's a new tin of paint, and yes I do still have the tub,I'll contact Johnstones and see what they say.</p>
<strong>Johnstone's - Bathroom Paint - Magnolia - Mid Sheen Finish - Stain ...</strong><p>Johnstone's Bathroom paint is ideal for use in areas of high condensation ... Low Odour: A pleasant surprise—no overwhelming smell like some paints. I ...</p>
<strong>Does this paint have a smell? - Facebook</strong><p>09.10.2021 ... Have you ever wondered what that "new paint smell" was? Well here's your answer (and it might be a toxic one)! TBC uses low VOC paints, by the ...</p>
<strong>Johnstone's Trade Paint Review - The Decorators Forum UK</strong><p>You can't touch Johnstone's Trade Jonmat up at all, or it flashes like crazy! Other than that, it's a great contract matt. It smells lovely as well. It's quite ...</p>
<strong>Paint smells like 'wet dog' - MoneySavingExpert Forum</strong><p>20.12.2021 ... I didn't realise that paint can deteriorate and go off but I used some Dulux emulsion which had been stored for a few years.</p>
<strong>Johnstone's Trade Reviews | 9 of 21 - Trustpilot Reviews</strong><p>Join the 424 people who've already reviewed Johnstone's Trade. Your experience can ... 5 litres of ceiling paint, about 5 coats but still see old paint ...</p>
<strong>How to mask the smell of oil-based paint in a room. Disclosure</strong><p>07.03.2026 ... Now this stuff will actually absorb and neutralize the smell of oil-based paint. The downside is your room will then smell of a burger joint.</p>
<strong>Combatting paint odours - Brewers Decorator Centres</strong><p>Unfortunately, though, the smell of solvent-based paints can be quite noticeable. And this is sometimes enough to outweigh the benefits of using a solvent-based ...</p>
<strong>how long is emulsion for interior walls/ceilings good for after opening?</strong><p>What tends to happen is it can smell eggy in the room once painted. I used some Johnstones Covaplus I had, unopened for a couple of years. It went on fine and ...</p>
<strong>Understanding Johnstones Paints: Retail vs. Trade Options | TikTok</strong><p>18.04.2024 ... Even the Johnstone's Trade Cover Plus (Vinyl Matt) isn't the best – the coverage is poor. BUT, the Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt is ...</p>
<strong>Does paint have fumes that linger for weeks? - Mumsnet</strong><p>16.06.2022 ... We've just finished some painting, walls are Emulsion, paintwork is gloss, both paints are water based so no smell. Easier to clean the brushes ...</p>
