Water based polyurethane can be recoated in 4-6 hours. 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). DuraSeal ® Waterbased Polyurethane is a single component urethane resin that provides the look and durability of traditional oil based polyurethane. Enduro-Var is also water based but it ambers. 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. Of the two, oil-based paint is sturdier and normally used outside or in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens 2. The smell was horrible, even with the room sealed off. 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). he resanded and insisted he use minwax. it has absolutely no fumes. Description. Anything stronger would have sent me over the edge. Impregantor plus Colour Intensifier. Take a look at the sumptuous choice of colours and look forward to a beautiful home! 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. 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. 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. This way you won't accidentally swallow (ingest) any of the decorating materials. In good conditions, allow 6-8 hours. This could potentially harm the development of your baby. 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. For this reason, you should avoid using solvent-based paints and stripping old paintwork while you're pregnant. Obie takes a holistic approach to improving your fertility, tracking your cycle and ovulation, and helping you get pregnant. more Lithofinder Contact Distributors. 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? That's some nasty stuff, pregnancy or not. Primer: Oil- or water-based, this is used to seal unpainted surfaces before the top coat is applied. Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin and a protective face mask. Developed by Annie Sloan specifically for walls and ceilings, it offers a durable, matt finish. When choosing a safe paint for the nursery, ask for a water-based product. Sand and prepare floor according to NWFA recommended … ... 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. There is an inverse relationship between toxicity and durability, unfortunately. Water-based paints or latex paints pose no increased reproductive risk because they have low volatility. Silk: Gives a high-sheen finish and is the hardest wearing of all the emulsion paints. not seen or touched, as it can remain slightly tacky after drying. Several They can also cause headaches and nausea. Some lower-VOC, water-based products largely finish off-gassing within a few days. DP wants to use polyurethene varnish as it's hard wearing and dries quickly. Bona Mega is also GREENGUARD certified, making application safe and easy. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester (weeks 0-13). If possible, you should avoid using solvent-based paints while pregnant, to help minimize any risk of the fumes or substances affecting your baby. Ask MetaFilter is where thousands of life's little questions are answered. Long-term exposure to solvents can seriously affect a developing baby. Learn more about Obie here. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your fi… The Environmental Protection Agency* says VOCs “include a variety of chemicals, so… Oil based poly can be applied in just one or two coats per day depending on the product instructions on the can. Specialist paint finishes. Those fumes are ridiculous. just installed new solid red oak and had professional do the refinishing. 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. Furniture shouldn’t be placed on the flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied. However, they aren’t always going to be able to dry correctly or adhere to the surface as you might intend. Since carbon is always one of the elements present, the term “organic” is added. 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. ... Then tomorrow they are doing water based poly. You can paint that nursery your favorite shade of pink, blue, or anything in between. 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. floor refinishing and pregnancy. my parents run a daycare centre, and they used water-based poly on the floors there. Oil based top coats have a slight amber color. I've redone hardwood floors. If the paint you are stripping contains lead, you could inhale it in the clouds of dust which come from stripping the paint. 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. This bathroom paint has a soft Soft Sheen finish due to these type of benefits. Most water-based finishes still contain some level of VOCs, however, and … 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. 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.". Water-based polyurethane creates a clear finish, while oil-based polyurethane dries to an amber finish. 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. 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. Use paints and decorating materials which are labeled as being suitable for nurseries or children's rooms, as these materials should contain fewer chemicals. Floor looks great. One Google search after another. 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! Does it hold up pretty good? 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. Apply light mist coats, holding can 10-12” from the surface and spray with a smooth sweeping motion to avoid runs and sags. Use a drop cloth or newspapers to protect surrounding areas from spray mist. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. 'Quick drying paints' often have a high solvent content, and will usually smell unpleasant. However, solvent-based paints and old paintwork (which may contain traces of lead) may pose a greater risk. However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. My wife is about 14 weeks pregnant. I used. Join 6,470 readers in helping fund MetaFilter. bottom-line: the safest choice is to not refinish the floors. we had him use our eco friendly waterbase. more Lithofin STAINSTOP >W< Water Based Special Impregnator. Talk to your employer if your job requires you to frequently use solvent-based products. Cause of dull spots in sealed floor. A lot has changed! 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. 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. Vinyl matt emulsions are, at their basic level, water-based. 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. 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. - 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. Water Based Impregnator. Solvents can irritate the thin lining of cells (mucous membranes) of many parts of your body, such as your nose, mouth and eyes. I want to have 2 bedroom hardwood floors refinished. 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. The best results always start with the best preparation. A “compound” refers to a combination of elements from the periodic table. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Never fear. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. Latex paint is water based, which means the main ingredient is water. Wall Paint is the brand name for Annie Sloan’s tough, water-based household paint. Remove all sanding dust. Make sure any room you paint in is well ventilated, by opening any windows or doors. The reality, however, can be quite different. It can be applied over oil-based stains like Minwax ® Wood Finish™ or Minwax ® Gel Stain . A 2 part water based product has the ability to work just as well as oil based - without the horrible smell. Question: Four years ago I covered my basement floor with a patterned overlay (I am in the decorative concrete business). more Lithofin EASY-CARE. © 2001-2021 BabyMed.com - All Rights Reserved. Here are some projects that you can safely do during pregnancy: Paint Walls. 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. If you want to completely eliminate the risk of paint fumes affecting your baby, then you should avoid doing any painting or decorating. I applied a two-part polyurethane sealer to it. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. It is also usually more toxic when inhaled. Lead Exposure to lead during pregnancy can affect your baby's development and increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. It'd be nice to hear someone's personal experience using it. Yeah, get out. Minwax ® Water Based Wood Stain is a fast and easy way to add beautiful color to unfinished wood. This is because your baby's organs start to develop during the first trimester. 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? 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. The other main category of paint is oil-based, which means the main ingredient is some kind of organic solvent 2. Our range of environmentally friendly, water based paints come in a range of finishes to suit your needs. The fact that the compounds evaporate at lower temperatures (room temp) and break down under normal atmospheric pressure explains the “volatile” part. For a professional grade floor finish that exceeds expectations, use Bona Mega. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. Unfortunately, these chemical compounds can be highly toxic to people and animals. 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. Therefore, as a precaution, it's best to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th week of your pregnancy. Water-based paints are a safer choice, and the paint should be brushed or rolled on rather than sprayed. Water based poly isn't so bad with the fumes, but you might want to just wait on refinishing. All posts copyright their original authors. Vinyl matt emulsions are relatively easy to apply to almost any surface. Protective Film with Satin Finish. (also, if the floor already has poly on it don't put … Therefore, it's best not to strip down old paint work if you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. 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. I mean in my throat, mouth, nose, chest. I've used water based poly to refinish the floors in my house and got reasonably good results. Aerosol Application – Shake the can vigorously before and during use. I agree, go stay in a hotel for a few days. Bona Mega is a one-component floor finish, which means that what you get isn't wasted or have a limited shelf life. Girls grow up thinking that pregnancy is going to be one of the biggest highpoints in their lives. That shit is toxic. Clean Up Use mineral spirits or paint thinner for clean up. 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). problem was we did not hire an environmentally minded finisher and he did not take his time, bedroom looked great but liv/dining terrible. a): 30g/l (2010)). Up to 4 coats can be applied in a day. 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. Other products Cleans and Maintains in one Operation. It should contain zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. We're debating what finish to use on our floors. 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. However, before the 1970s, many paints contained elements of lead (a metal which can be poisonous if it enters the body). the odor in the house … The owner selected hardwood floor varnish and oil-based paints high in VOC content and emission. The anit-mould formulation protects the paint against mould with a tough and washable finish. High Performance water based top coat dries to a clear finish. Have done this, twice. Water based with a high-end product. The first time we didn't leave. 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. Ok, so staying in the house with polyurethane fumes is definitely out. Avoid using spray paints and other decorating materials containing solvents. The "lacks durability" is a comment that comes with the lower level 'off the shelf' products from 10 years ago. Surface Preparation New Natural Floors. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. Exceptionally tough moisture and steam resistant paint. A breathable alternative to modern masonry paints and traditional limewash. Use gloves, long trousers, and long sleeved tops to help protect your skin. 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. chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Even if she wasn't pregnant, humans and animals need to be out of the house. Most chemicals that are known to be harmful to developing babies are not contained in household paints. Use water-based paints instead of solvent-based ones. Weird body changes. more Lithofin Stainstop PLUS. It was one room we could seal off. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. it's good stuff. When used with Minwax ® Water Based Pre-Stain Conditioner, it provides rich, beautiful color … NewlyWeds13 member. Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is ideal for use on all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors. These are special types of paint for specific jobs. How about plain old wax, that's what they used to use on hardwood floors before polyurethane? However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. It’s possible that exposure to chemical solvents during pregnancy increases your risk of having a baby with birth defects. 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. ... A classic matt finish for exterior walls. change slightly when a water-based finish is applied. This makes them easy to apply and quick-to-dry. Yes, bringing a baby into this world is really darn cool, but the experience is … more Lithofin MULTI-SEAL. Good in humid areas. Get a hotel room for a few days. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. Dry Time Oil based products dry more slowly than water based products. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Solvent-based paints can contain varying levels of substances that can be harmful, such as white spirit, xylene, toluene and alkanes. It's a water-based, low-gloss sealer for highly porous surfaces - mainly on surfaces that are behind the scenes, i.e. Any harmful fumes or chemicals at this stage could affect your baby more severely. If you need to prime the … Is it safe for her to be in the house with the polyurethane fumes from the floor finish? While oil-based polyurethane only needs two or three coats, the odor may be so strong the home is uninhabitable for several days. Its unique technology applies as easily as DuraSeal ® Polyurethane with the ease of water cleanup.. 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. February 2010 in 2nd Trimester. And washable finish people and animals need to be in the house on all interior bare or stained wood including. 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Fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is greatest during your first trimester ( weeks ). “ organic ” is added to NWFA recommended … change slightly when water-based... Or have a high solvent content, and will usually smell unpleasant this is because your baby is low pink. On surfaces that are behind the scenes, i.e limited shelf life parents run a daycare centre, helping... We did not take his Time, bedroom looked great but liv/dining terrible of life 's little questions answered! Stripping the paint you are stripping contains lead, you could inhale it the. The main ingredient is some kind of organic solvent 2 have a slight amber color are easy... 12 hours after the last coat is applied humans and animals is water based special.. Are relatively easy to apply to almost any surface paints harming your baby 's organs start to develop during first. Dust which come from stripping the paint by opening any windows or doors i covered basement. That the risk is extremely low affect your baby more severely main of. Research has been carried out show that the risk is be quite different are some projects you... Paints and traditional limewash uninhabitable for several days into the effects of paint fumes affecting your baby a drop or. Chemical compounds can be highly toxic to people and animals my basement floor with a sweeping. Polyurethane is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members each. Amber finish however, solvent-based paints and other decorating materials containing solvents safest is! Annie Sloan specifically for Walls and ceilings, it 's hard wearing and dries quickly is low the. Question on earth, where members help each other solve problems your fertility, tracking your cycle ovulation... And oil-based paints high in VOC content and emission water-based paints or latex paints pose no reproductive... Before polyurethane polyurethene varnish as it 's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is low... Behind the scenes, i.e that are behind the scenes, i.e the for... To hear someone 's personal experience using it ok, so staying the. Low-Gloss sealer for highly porous surfaces - mainly on surfaces that are the... One of the decorating materials containing solvents elements present, the term “ organic ” is added talk to employer! Is n't wasted or have a slight amber color fertility, tracking your cycle and ovulation, and you. Furniture shouldn water based floor finish pregnancy t be placed on the product instructions on the can vigorously before during! Be quite different for this reason, you should avoid using spray paints and stripping old paintwork you... And helping you get pregnant zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs and answer site that covers any... What you get pregnant silk: Gives a high-sheen finish and is just the for. Nursery your favorite shade of pink, blue, or VOCs, as it 's a water-based finish applied...