Tips for Getting Rid of Wood Stain Odor

ECOS Paints 07/22/2021
Tips for Getting Rid of Wood Stain Odor

Wood stain is the perfect way to give broken, scuffed, and faded furniture a new lease on life. However, anyone who has stained furniture knows that most stains and varnishes come with an odor that can make your home feel unlivable for a while.

While it may seem like a trivial concern to some, the scent itself is indicative of something a little more consequential—namely, VOCs that can cause health problems. If you want to keep the house safe and smelling fresh, check out our tips for getting rid of wood stain odor.

Ventilate

In most instances, odors boil down to chemical compounds concentrated in the air, in this case, VOCs. So, one of the best ways to get rid of wood stain odor is to find a way to reduce the concentration of chemicals in the space by dispersing them. Ventilation will do this by keeping the air in your space moving.

The simplest way to keep a space ventilated is to keep the area open to the outdoors by opening windows and doors. You can help further encourage airflow by adding fans to the area, especially by placing a box fan in an open window. If the blades face into the room, the fan will pull the air outside. Otherwise, you can save refinishing projects for warm, sunny days and do them outside.

Invest in Odor Removing Products

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are different than air fresheners. Generally, air fresheners mask odors by covering them with other scents. Air purifiers are devices that pull pollutants out of the air. This helps remove odors at the source while improving the overall air quality.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is more than a tool to help your dough rise when baking. Remember that odors are caused by a concentration of chemicals in the air. Baking soda’s chemical properties help neutralize acids found in those chemicals in order to stop odors. Simply leaving a box of it open in the room where you’re staining wood may help with your odor problem.

Use Water-Based Stains & Varnishes

Since VOCs are the source of wood stain’s pungent odor, using stains without VOCs will eliminate the problem before it starts. When you’re choosing a wood stain, try to opt for a water-based, zero VOC* varnish such as our odorless* varnish. That way, you’ll get all the wood-revitalizing beauty of wood stain without the smell.


*Zero VOC - Conforms to CDPH 01350 (VOC emissions test taken at 11, 12, & 14 days for classroom and office use).

*Odorless - No traditional paint (polyurethane) odor, which can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues. 

CATEGORIES DIY Projects Tips & Tricks

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