Quick answer: with the water-based wall paints used in most Singapore homes, the strong smell is worst while the paint dries on the first day and mostly clears within two to three days if the rooms are well ventilated. A government guide to healthier painting recommends keeping windows wide open for about two to three days after painting (US EPA). Low-odour paints clear faster. Oil-based enamel, sometimes used on doors, gates and grilles, smells stronger and for longer.
Why fresh paint smells
As paint dries, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other solvents into the air. That is the smell you notice. Most of it is released in the first hours and days, which is why fresh air in that period matters most. Paints labelled low-VOC or odourless release less, so the smell is weaker and fades sooner.
How long the smell lasts, by paint type
| Paint type | Where it is used | How long the smell lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Low-odour water-based (e.g. Nippon Odourless Premium, Odourless EasyWash) | Bedrooms, living rooms, children’s rooms | Faint, usually gone within a day or two with good ventilation |
| Standard water-based emulsion (e.g. Nippon Matex, Vinilex 5000) | Walls and ceilings | Noticeable on day one, mostly gone in two to three days |
| Oil-based enamel | Doors, metal gates, grilles, some woodwork | Strong, can linger for several days or longer in a closed room |
The timing depends on how much was painted, how many coats, the humidity and how much air moves through the room. A closed bedroom with the aircon on will hold the smell much longer than a room with open windows.
How to get rid of paint smell faster
- Open windows on opposite sides of the flat so air can flow through. Cross-ventilation clears the smell far faster than one open window.
- Point a fan out of the window to push air out, rather than just circulating it inside.
- Do not rely on the aircon. With the windows closed, it mostly recirculates the same air. Ventilate first, and switch on the aircon once the smell has faded.
- Close the tins and take them out of the flat. Open tins and wet rollers keep releasing smell.
- Keep ventilating for two to three days, even after the smell seems to have gone.
Bowls of baking soda, coffee grounds or cut onions are popular tips, but they do little compared with fresh air moving through the room.
When is it safe to sleep in a freshly painted room?
Most healthy adults can sleep in a room once the smell has mostly cleared and the room has been well aired, often after a day or two with water-based paint. Give it longer, and keep the room ventilated for two to three days, for:
- babies and young children;
- pregnant family members;
- anyone with asthma or other breathing problems;
- pets, especially birds.
If anyone feels a headache, dizziness or irritated eyes, leave the room and air it out further. If you are worried about a specific health condition, ask your doctor before moving back in.
Painting a Singapore home while you live in it
Most HDB and condo owners stay at home during painting. A few things make it easier:
- Choose a low-odour paint for bedrooms. Our Superior package uses Nippon Odourless Premium, and our Luxury package uses Nippon Odourless EasyWash.
- Paint bedrooms first, early in the job, so they have the longest time to air before you sleep in them.
- Paint one room at a time if you prefer (see room painting).
- Sleep in a room that is not being painted that night, or stay with family for a night if the whole flat is done at once.
- Keep the main door gate and windows open during the work when it is safe to do so.
Prices for a 4-room HDB flat start from $689 with Nippon Matex White, $1,089 with Nippon Odourless Premium and $1,340 with Nippon Odourless EasyWash. See all flat sizes on our painting price list.
Frequently asked questions
Is paint smell harmful?
Short exposure to paint smell from water-based paint usually causes no lasting harm, but it can cause headaches, dizziness or eye and throat irritation. That is why ventilating during and after painting is recommended, especially for children and people with breathing problems.
Does odourless paint have no smell at all?
Not quite. Odourless or low-odour paints have a much weaker smell that fades faster, which is why they suit homes where people stay during the job.
Why does my room still smell days after painting?
Usually because the room was kept closed, an oil-based paint was used on doors or grilles, or many coats were applied. Open the windows, run a fan pointing outwards, and remove any leftover tins.
How long should I wait before moving furniture back?
Wait until the paint is dry to the touch and has hardened enough not to mark, usually the next day for water-based wall paint. Keep furniture slightly away from the walls for a few days.
Related: painting a new BTO before moving in, how long it takes to paint a 4-room HDB and the best paint in Singapore.
Staying at home while you paint?
Ask us about our low-odour Nippon packages. WhatsApp your flat type for a quote.