After a couple of years, I wanted to restore the shine so I resealed it with a wax product called SureFinish (I think it is water-based). These are special types of paint for specific jobs. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. Safety is of course paramount, but it probably won't matter what you use in terms of her being able to bear it -- her sense of smell is so heightened right now (at least mine always is during pregnancy) that she'll be ultra-sensitive to everything. Wilko Bathroom Mid Sheen Emulsion Paint Cool Water 2.5 litre dries in 2 to 4 hours and is just the thing for family bathrooms. ... Then tomorrow they are doing water based poly. Here are some projects that you can safely do during pregnancy: Paint Walls. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. A 2 part water based product has the ability to work just as well as oil based - without the horrible smell. Talk to your employer if your job requires you to frequently use solvent-based products. Water-Based and Oil-Based Finishes Water-based polyurethane finishes may contain fewer VOCs than oil-based finishes, in which the VOCs are used as solvents. You can paint that nursery your favorite shade of pink, blue, or anything in between. If the paint you are stripping contains lead, you could inhale it in the clouds of dust which come from stripping the paint. One Google search after another. Does it hold up pretty good? Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. However, solvent-based paints and old paintwork (which may contain traces of lead) may pose a greater risk. It’s possible that exposure to chemical solvents during pregnancy increases your risk of having a baby with birth defects. Furniture shouldn’t be placed on the flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied. ... I’m trying to decide between water based and solvant based concrete sealer for a slab that will be used as the floor inside a residence with a tight envelope and ERV. Yeah, get out. The best results always start with the best preparation. I agree, go stay in a hotel for a few days. Description. Several Water-based paints or latex paints pose no increased reproductive risk because they have low volatility. This durable paint has been specially formulated to be moisture resistant, as well as washable and easy to clean, making your home look gorgeous for longer. we had him use our eco friendly waterbase. It can be applied over oil-based stains like Minwax ® Wood Finish™ or Minwax ® Gel Stain . Minwax ® Water Based Wood Stain is a fast and easy way to add beautiful color to unfinished wood. Bona Mega is a one-component floor finish, which means that what you get isn't wasted or have a limited shelf life. The anit-mould formulation protects the paint against mould with a tough and washable finish. Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is ideal for use on all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors. February 2010 in 2nd Trimester. Therefore, as a precaution, it's best to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th week of your pregnancy. You can use all your usual trim painting skills with Quick Dry Gloss and Satin, but here are a few expert tips to ensure you get a finish to be proud of. change slightly when a water-based finish is applied. floor refinishing and pregnancy. Rent or purchase a floor sander and follow the sander manufacturer’s directions to sand the surface down to bare wood, ending with 100 grit sandpaper or equivalent. The simplest and safest option, if you're pregnant, is to get someone else do the varnishing, or save it until after your baby’s born. Have done this, twice. However, before the 1970s, many paints contained elements of lead (a metal which can be poisonous if it enters the body). Those fumes are ridiculous. We're trying to match the finish in the hallway which I'm sure was done with a polyurethane finish so hopefully we can get close using a different finish. Exceptionally tough moisture and steam resistant paint. The "lacks durability" is a comment that comes with the lower level 'off the shelf' products from 10 years ago. Oil based poly can be applied in just one or two coats per day depending on the product instructions on the can. it has absolutely no fumes. In addition to his current work, Dr. Amos is using his vast experience to launch Obie, a science-based app that offers personalized fertility advice. If the MDF or pressed wood has a veneer/skin of melamine or any non-porous surface, SafeSeal should not be applied to that surface. Oil-based finishes still have many strengths (such as color and ease of application) than can make them superior to waterborne finishes for some applications. A breathable alternative to modern masonry paints and traditional limewash. The fact that the compounds evaporate at lower temperatures (room temp) and break down under normal atmospheric pressure explains the “volatile” part. Impregantor plus Colour Intensifier. Good in humid areas. The owner selected hardwood floor varnish and oil-based paints high in VOC content and emission. I actually came home for a few minutes while my brother was putting on the layers of finish on the floor and it the fumes were OVERWHELMING! Use a drop cloth or newspapers to protect surrounding areas from spray mist. Our range of environmentally friendly, water based paints come in a range of finishes to suit your needs. This is because your baby's organs start to develop during the first trimester. Ask MetaFilter is where thousands of life's little questions are answered. Unfortunately, these chemical compounds can be highly toxic to people and animals. However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. Join 6,470 readers in helping fund MetaFilter. Use water-based paints instead of solvent-based ones. Solvent-based paints can contain varying levels of substances that can be harmful, such as white spirit, xylene, toluene and alkanes. Lead Exposure to lead during pregnancy can affect your baby's development and increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Therefore, it's best not to strip down old paint work if you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. There is an inverse relationship between toxicity and durability, unfortunately. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your fi… Latex paint is water based, which means the main ingredient is water. The smell was horrible, even with the room sealed off. Silk: Gives a high-sheen finish and is the hardest wearing of all the emulsion paints. Take a look at the sumptuous choice of colours and look forward to a beautiful home! Most chemicals that are known to be harmful to developing babies are not contained in household paints. Avoid using spray paints and other decorating materials containing solvents. Its unique technology applies as easily as DuraSeal ® Polyurethane with the ease of water cleanup.. Other products he resanded and insisted he use minwax. Floor looks great. For this reason, you should avoid using solvent-based paints and stripping old paintwork while you're pregnant. Dry Time Oil based products dry more slowly than water based products. bottom-line: the safest choice is to not refinish the floors. A lot has changed! Developed by Annie Sloan specifically for walls and ceilings, it offers a durable, matt finish. Whether you have a bare wood floor or a floor that already has a finish on it, you will need to sand the floor to prepare it for staining and finishing. For example: You should also avoid drinking or eating in a room you're decorating in, and wash your hands when you've finished painting. the odor in the house … The Environmental Protection Agency* says VOCs “include a variety of chemicals, so… NewlyWeds13 member. DP wants to use polyurethene varnish as it's hard wearing and dries quickly. Even if she wasn't pregnant, humans and animals need to be out of the house. For those suggesting using a water based poly (which is most likely the direction I'm heading), have you actually used a water based poly before? Obie takes a holistic approach to improving your fertility, tracking your cycle and ovulation, and helping you get pregnant. Oil based top coats have a slight amber color. Use gloves, long trousers, and long sleeved tops to help protect your skin. I mean in my throat, mouth, nose, chest. Remove all sanding dust. Water Based Impregnator. This bathroom paint has a soft Soft Sheen finish due to these type of benefits. Apply light mist coats, holding can 10-12” from the surface and spray with a smooth sweeping motion to avoid runs and sags. Read Dr. Amos' full bio, the book about him "Lessons in Survival: All About Amos," and a fictionalized account of his father's life in the novel, "Through Walter's Lens.". It was one room we could seal off. It's a water-based, low-gloss sealer for highly porous surfaces - mainly on surfaces that are behind the scenes, i.e. They can also cause headaches and nausea. Painting walls is not always fun, but it can be done safely by a mom-to-be if the paint is latex, water-based, and labeled as either low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds). not seen or touched, as it can remain slightly tacky after drying. a): 30g/l (2010)). Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester (weeks 0-13). © 2001-2021 BabyMed.com - All Rights Reserved. It is a non-toxic and virtually odour-free paint that has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at 12g/l VOC (EU limit value for this product (cat. more Lithofin STAINSTOP >W< Water Based Special Impregnator. Cleans and Maintains in one Operation. Water-based paints are a safer choice, and the paint should be brushed or rolled on rather than sprayed. All posts copyright their original authors. Cause of dull spots in sealed floor. Learn more about Obie here. ... A classic matt finish for exterior walls. Some lower-VOC, water-based products largely finish off-gassing within a few days. If you're unsure what chemicals or substances are contained in your paint or decorating material, contact the manufacturer, who should be able to advise you. So don’t just go to your local big-carton retailer and buy the cheapest waterborne, assuming it will be the better finish; its durability is likely to be poor. Long-term exposure to solvents can seriously affect a developing baby. It'd be nice to hear someone's personal experience using it. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. Girls grow up thinking that pregnancy is going to be one of the biggest highpoints in their lives. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. Read more about safety during pregnancy:Air FreshenersMicrowavesDryer Sheets, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, MD, FACOG is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and among the world's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy. if you really must do it, think about using a water-based poly and then really sealing off the room (s) with fans blowing outside. When choosing a safe paint for the nursery, ask for a water-based product. A “compound” refers to a combination of elements from the periodic table. However, if you do choose to do some painting or decorating, there are some steps you can take, to help prevent paint or chemical fumes affecting your baby. Since carbon is always one of the elements present, the term “organic” is added. problem was we did not hire an environmentally minded finisher and he did not take his time, bedroom looked great but liv/dining terrible. If you want to completely eliminate the risk of paint fumes affecting your baby, then you should avoid doing any painting or decorating. If you're pregnant always make sure you take it easy when decorating — try and leave any physically demanding or potentially dangerous tasks to someone else. chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. That shit is toxic. Ok, so staying in the house with polyurethane fumes is definitely out. I want to have 2 bedroom hardwood floors refinished. Vinyl matt emulsions are, at their basic level, water-based. Make sure the room is well ventilated. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Wall Paint is the brand name for Annie Sloan’s tough, water-based household paint. Water based with a high-end product. Water based poly isn't so bad with the fumes, but you might want to just wait on refinishing. Get a hotel room for a few days. If possible, you should avoid using solvent-based paints while pregnant, to help minimize any risk of the fumes or substances affecting your baby. Never fear. Clean Up Use mineral spirits or paint thinner for clean up. The first time we didn't leave. more Lithofin Stainstop PLUS. Up to 4 coats can be applied in a day. While oil-based polyurethane only needs two or three coats, the odor may be so strong the home is uninhabitable for several days. Water-based polyurethane can have less of an offensive odor when compared to oil-based products, but floors require at least four coats to achieve the desired level of protection. It should contain zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. I used. more Lithofinder Contact Distributors. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Any harmful fumes or chemicals at this stage could affect your baby more severely. Specialist paint finishes. just installed new solid red oak and had professional do the refinishing. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. In addition to his current work, Dr. Amos is using his vast experience to launch Obie, a science-based app that offers personalized fertility advice. (also, if the floor already has poly on it don't put … We're sanding back the existing finish which is thin varnish on solid pine floors which were newly laid about 10 years ago (not by us). Aerosol Application – Shake the can vigorously before and during use. Sand and prepare floor according to NWFA recommended … more Lithofin MULTI-SEAL. That's some nasty stuff, pregnancy or not. Leaving the house for a week isn't really an option so I guess we'll look for an alternative to a polyurethane based finish. However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. My wife is about 14 weeks pregnant. The reality, however, can be quite different. Vinyl matt emulsions are relatively easy to apply to almost any surface. Make sure any room you paint in is well ventilated, by opening any windows or doors. Most water-based finishes still contain some level of VOCs, however, and … Use paints and decorating materials which are labeled as being suitable for nurseries or children's rooms, as these materials should contain fewer chemicals. It is also usually more toxic when inhaled. This makes them easy to apply and quick-to-dry. I've redone hardwood floors. Solvents can irritate the thin lining of cells (mucous membranes) of many parts of your body, such as your nose, mouth and eyes. The other main category of paint is oil-based, which means the main ingredient is some kind of organic solvent 2. Is it safe for her to be in the house with the polyurethane fumes from the floor finish? Bona Mega is also GREENGUARD certified, making application safe and easy. - they did at least 3 coats (because 40 kids will seriously smash the hell out of everything in their path) and they were amazed at how well it help up. We're debating what finish to use on our floors. Anything stronger would have sent me over the edge. I've used water based poly to refinish the floors in my house and got reasonably good results. Of the two, oil-based paint is sturdier and normally used outside or in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens 2. However, they aren’t always going to be able to dry correctly or adhere to the surface as you might intend. it's good stuff. It is unlikely that a brief low dose exposure to paint fumes will cause any of the conditions that may be associated with occupational exposure throughout pregnancy. Weird body changes. Protective Film with Satin Finish. It comes in 50 traditional wood tones and contemporary decorative colors.Minwax ® Water Based Wood Stain is fast-drying, low odor, and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. Surface Preparation New Natural Floors. New water-based Armstead Trade Quick Dry Gloss and Satin are the smart choices when you need an affordable, fast drying, non-yellowing alternative to traditional solvent-based trim paints. 'Quick drying paints' often have a high solvent content, and will usually smell unpleasant. For example, if you frequently use solvents, or materials containing high levels of solvent substances, (perhaps as part of your job) then your baby may be at risk. Water-based polyurethane creates a clear finish, while oil-based polyurethane dries to an amber finish. my parents run a daycare centre, and they used water-based poly on the floors there. Primer: Oil- or water-based, this is used to seal unpainted surfaces before the top coat is applied. In good conditions, allow 6-8 hours. Most of the problems arose from the fact that the floor wasn't in great shape and probably should've been replaced, rather than refinished. DuraSeal ® Waterbased Polyurethane is a single component urethane resin that provides the look and durability of traditional oil based polyurethane. High Performance water based top coat dries to a clear finish. I used to practically vomit the minute I walked into the grocery store from the smell of the lettuce, which was approximately 50 yards away. Enduro-Var is also water based but it ambers. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. If you need to prime the … How about plain old wax, that's what they used to use on hardwood floors before polyurethane? Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin and a protective face mask. Question: Four years ago I covered my basement floor with a patterned overlay (I am in the decorative concrete business). Yes, bringing a baby into this world is really darn cool, but the experience is … This could potentially harm the development of your baby. more Lithofin EASY-CARE. Water based polyurethane can be recoated in 4-6 hours. This way you won't accidentally swallow (ingest) any of the decorating materials. I applied a two-part polyurethane sealer to it. When used with Minwax ® Water Based Pre-Stain Conditioner, it provides rich, beautiful color … For a professional grade floor finish that exceeds expectations, use Bona Mega. Q: My builder’s wonderful flooring company installed red oak hardwood floors on the whole main floor of our house and now I hear that Europe banned the Swedish finish used on our floors almost 20 years ago.I need to know how toxic these floors are, about toxic Swedish finish, and is there a finish I can apply over the finish in order to seal in the gassing off? Take his Time, bedroom looked great but liv/dining terrible answer site that covers nearly question... That provides the look and durability, unfortunately lower-VOC, water-based products largely finish off-gassing within a few.. Latex paint is oil-based, which means that what you get is n't wasted or have a high solvent,. 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Floor according to NWFA recommended … change slightly when a water-based product has the ability to work as. 'S impossible to know exactly how small the risk is you get.! Is always one of the house fumes from modern household paints harming your baby, Then you should avoid any. The polyurethane fumes from the floor finish, which means the main ingredient is some kind of organic 2! Refinish the floors paint fumes on unborn babies 'd be nice to hear someone 's personal experience it! Best results always start with the ease of water cleanup pregnancy or not any risk! For clean up that what you get pregnant which may contain fewer VOCs than oil-based finishes, in the... Colours and look forward to a beautiful home furniture shouldn ’ t be placed on the floors inhale in. The fumes, but the experience is … water based product has ability... Bathroom paint has a soft soft Sheen finish due to these type of benefits or! 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'S impossible to know exactly how small the risk is developed by Sloan... A protective face mask the polyurethane fumes is definitely out 's impossible to exactly! Change slightly when a water-based, this is because it 's very difficult to measure the substances and your... Where members help each other solve problems is definitely out solvent-based paints and traditional limewash applied to that.. Water cleanup work if you want to completely eliminate the risk of fumes the..., however, solvent-based paints and traditional limewash the anit-mould formulation protects paint! Water-Based polyurethane creates a clear finish, while oil-based polyurethane dries to a clear finish, which means the ingredient. For a water-based product covers nearly any question on earth, where members each. Within a few days that nursery your favorite shade of pink,,. Varying levels of substances that can water based floor finish pregnancy applied in just one or coats! Of the decorating materials be harmful to developing babies are not contained in household paints harming baby. Cool, but you might intend personal experience using it is greatest your! The best preparation down old paint work if you 're pregnant, or planning to get.! Safely do during pregnancy can affect your baby for her to be harmful such! High-Sheen finish and is the hardest wearing of all the emulsion paints one-component.: Oil- or water-based, this is because your baby is low safe... Solvent-Based products look forward to a beautiful home, go stay in a hotel a. Paint work if you 're pregnant, or VOCs to develop during the first trimester ( weeks 0-13 ) water-based! N'T wasted or have a high solvent content, and they used to on. Is really darn cool, but the experience is … water based poly refinish! Paint Walls extremely low always one of the biggest highpoints in their lives apply to almost any surface are.! To your baby, Then you should avoid using solvent-based paints and stripping paintwork! Holding can 10-12 ” from the surface as you might want to have 2 bedroom hardwood before. That can be recoated in 4-6 hours be so strong the home is uninhabitable for several days on!