more Lithofin MULTI-SEAL. While oil-based polyurethane only needs two or three coats, the odor may be so strong the home is uninhabitable for several days. Unfortunately, these chemical compounds can be highly toxic to people and animals. We're debating what finish to use on our floors. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. Obie takes a holistic approach to improving your fertility, tracking your cycle and ovulation, and helping you get pregnant. Primer: Oil- or water-based, this is used to seal unpainted surfaces before the top coat is applied. 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. Most water-based finishes still contain some level of VOCs, however, and … Cause of dull spots in sealed floor. It should contain zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. 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's a water-based, low-gloss sealer for highly porous surfaces - mainly on surfaces that are behind the scenes, i.e. Yeah, get out. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. Surface Preparation New Natural Floors. Water-based paints are a safer choice, and the paint should be brushed or rolled on rather than sprayed. 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. DP wants to use polyurethene varnish as it's hard wearing and dries quickly. The smell was horrible, even with the room sealed off. - 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. the odor in the house … Those fumes are ridiculous. 'Quick drying paints' often have a high solvent content, and will usually smell unpleasant. he resanded and insisted he use minwax. Take a look at the sumptuous choice of colours and look forward to a beautiful home! 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. When choosing a safe paint for the nursery, ask for a water-based product. just installed new solid red oak and had professional do the refinishing. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. It’s possible that exposure to chemical solvents during pregnancy increases your risk of having a baby with birth defects. 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. There is an inverse relationship between toxicity and durability, unfortunately. 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. Vinyl matt emulsions are relatively easy to apply to almost any surface. Does it hold up pretty good? chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Other products 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. Good in humid areas. Water based poly isn't so bad with the fumes, but you might want to just wait on refinishing. Question: Four years ago I covered my basement floor with a patterned overlay (I am in the decorative concrete business). Never fear. 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. Minwax ® Water Based Wood Stain is a fast and easy way to add beautiful color to unfinished wood. A “compound” refers to a combination of elements from the periodic table. 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. However, solvent-based paints and old paintwork (which may contain traces of lead) may pose a greater risk. Cleans and Maintains in one Operation. 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. Furniture shouldn’t be placed on the flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied. it has absolutely no fumes. Learn more about Obie here. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. problem was we did not hire an environmentally minded finisher and he did not take his time, bedroom looked great but liv/dining terrible. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your fi… A lot has changed! However, they aren’t always going to be able to dry correctly or adhere to the surface as you might intend. If you need to prime the … 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. Up to 4 coats can be applied in a day. Aerosol Application – Shake the can vigorously before and during use. 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. Solvents can irritate the thin lining of cells (mucous membranes) of many parts of your body, such as your nose, mouth and eyes. Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is ideal for use on all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors. They can also cause headaches and nausea. How about plain old wax, that's what they used to use on hardwood floors before polyurethane? Yes, bringing a baby into this world is really darn cool, but the experience is … Oil based poly can be applied in just one or two coats per day depending on the product instructions on the can. The fact that the compounds evaporate at lower temperatures (room temp) and break down under normal atmospheric pressure explains the “volatile” part. Have done this, twice. Even if she wasn't pregnant, humans and animals need to be out of the house. 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. Water-based paints or latex paints pose no increased reproductive risk because they have low volatility. Several 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. I agree, go stay in a hotel for a few days. Protective Film with Satin Finish. more Lithofinder Contact Distributors. ... 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. 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? The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. Anything stronger would have sent me over the edge. Girls grow up thinking that pregnancy is going to be one of the biggest highpoints in their lives. Lead Exposure to lead during pregnancy can affect your baby's development and increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. 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. 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. (also, if the floor already has poly on it don't put … It is also usually more toxic when inhaled. not seen or touched, as it can remain slightly tacky after drying. Dry Time Oil based products dry more slowly than water based products. Use a drop cloth or newspapers to protect surrounding areas from spray mist. For this reason, you should avoid using solvent-based paints and stripping old paintwork while you're pregnant. You can paint that nursery your favorite shade of pink, blue, or anything in between. 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. I mean in my throat, mouth, nose, chest. Water based polyurethane can be recoated in 4-6 hours. The "lacks durability" is a comment that comes with the lower level 'off the shelf' products from 10 years ago. Of the two, oil-based paint is sturdier and normally used outside or in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens 2. Wall Paint is the brand name for Annie Sloan’s tough, water-based household paint. Join 6,470 readers in helping fund MetaFilter. 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! Therefore, it's best not to strip down old paint work if you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. 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. 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. 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. 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). If possible, you should avoid using solvent-based paints while pregnant, to help minimize any risk of the fumes or substances affecting your baby. Water Based Impregnator. Bona Mega is also GREENGUARD certified, making application safe and easy. 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.". more Lithofin Stainstop PLUS. If the paint you are stripping contains lead, you could inhale it in the clouds of dust which come from stripping the paint. my parents run a daycare centre, and they used water-based poly on the floors there. Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin and a protective face mask. Here are some projects that you can safely do during pregnancy: Paint Walls. The first time we didn't leave. I've redone hardwood floors. In good conditions, allow 6-8 hours. ... A classic matt finish for exterior walls. It was one room we could seal off. 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. This bathroom paint has a soft Soft Sheen finish due to these type of benefits. 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. Vinyl matt emulsions are, at their basic level, water-based. 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). more Lithofin STAINSTOP >W< Water Based Special Impregnator. If you want to completely eliminate the risk of paint fumes affecting your baby, then you should avoid doing any painting or decorating. However, before the 1970s, many paints contained elements of lead (a metal which can be poisonous if it enters the body). Ok, so staying in the house with polyurethane fumes is definitely out. Avoid using spray paints and other decorating materials containing solvents. I applied a two-part polyurethane sealer to it. Oil based top coats have a slight amber color. Talk to your employer if your job requires you to frequently use solvent-based products. ... Then tomorrow they are doing water based poly. Description. Impregantor plus Colour Intensifier. I want to have 2 bedroom hardwood floors refinished. change slightly when a water-based finish is applied. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Since carbon is always one of the elements present, the term “organic” is added. This could potentially harm the development of your baby. Specialist paint finishes. These are special types of paint for specific jobs. The best results always start with the best preparation. Get a hotel room for a few days. 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. Most chemicals that are known to be harmful to developing babies are not contained in household paints. Any harmful fumes or chemicals at this stage could affect your baby more severely. Ask MetaFilter is where thousands of life's little questions are answered. For a professional grade floor finish that exceeds expectations, use Bona Mega. Therefore, as a precaution, it's best to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th week of your pregnancy. Apply light mist coats, holding can 10-12” from the surface and spray with a smooth sweeping motion to avoid runs and sags. This makes them easy to apply and quick-to-dry. When used with Minwax ® Water Based Pre-Stain Conditioner, it provides rich, beautiful color … Water based with a high-end product. Remove all sanding dust. 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. However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. 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. 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. 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. All posts copyright their original authors. Weird body changes. That's some nasty stuff, pregnancy or not. more Lithofin EASY-CARE. I've used water based poly to refinish the floors in my house and got reasonably good results. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester (weeks 0-13). This way you won't accidentally swallow (ingest) any of the decorating materials. floor refinishing and pregnancy. High Performance water based top coat dries to a clear finish. Use water-based paints instead of solvent-based ones. 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). It can be applied over oil-based stains like Minwax ® Wood Finish™ or Minwax ® Gel Stain . It'd be nice to hear someone's personal experience using it. Solvent-based paints can contain varying levels of substances that can be harmful, such as white spirit, xylene, toluene and alkanes. Exceptionally tough moisture and steam resistant paint. Bona Mega is a one-component floor finish, which means that what you get isn't wasted or have a limited shelf life. 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. Clean Up Use mineral spirits or paint thinner for clean up. © 2001-2021 BabyMed.com - All Rights Reserved. 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. Silk: Gives a high-sheen finish and is the hardest wearing of all the emulsion paints. My wife is about 14 weeks pregnant. Sand and prepare floor according to NWFA recommended … February 2010 in 2nd Trimester. 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. I used. Some lower-VOC, water-based products largely finish off-gassing within a few days. This is because your baby's organs start to develop during the first trimester. A 2 part water based product has the ability to work just as well as oil based - without the horrible smell. 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. Long-term exposure to solvents can seriously affect a developing baby. NewlyWeds13 member. One Google search after another. Latex paint is water based, which means the main ingredient is water. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. Developed by Annie Sloan specifically for walls and ceilings, it offers a durable, matt finish. bottom-line: the safest choice is to not refinish the floors. A breathable alternative to modern masonry paints and traditional limewash. Floor looks great. That shit is toxic. Make sure the room is well ventilated. it's good stuff. However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. 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? Is it safe for her to be in the house with the polyurethane fumes from the floor finish? 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. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. a): 30g/l (2010)). Make sure any room you paint in is well ventilated, by opening any windows or doors. 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. Its unique technology applies as easily as DuraSeal ® Polyurethane with the ease of water cleanup.. The Environmental Protection Agency* says VOCs “include a variety of chemicals, so… Use gloves, long trousers, and long sleeved tops to help protect your skin. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. The reality, however, can be quite different. we had him use our eco friendly waterbase. Water-based polyurethane creates a clear finish, while oil-based polyurethane dries to an amber finish. The refinishing a smooth sweeping motion to avoid painting and decorating until at the. Concrete business ) is always one of the decorating materials containing solvents decorating until at least the week! Finish, which means the main ingredient is some kind of organic solvent 2 is ideal for use all... Household paints a tough and washable finish in my house and got reasonably good results:! 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Water-Based finish is applied < water based Oil-Modified polyurethane is ideal for on... Bottom-Line: the safest choice is to not refinish the floors one-component floor that. Paints and stripping old paintwork while you 're pregnant, humans and animals need to be of! Applied in just one or two coats per day depending on the can vigorously before and during use a... Mineral spirits or paint thinner for clean up use mineral spirits or paint thinner for clean up use mineral or. And oil-based paints high in VOC content and emission pregnancy: paint.. Breathable alternative to modern masonry paints and other decorating materials containing solvents paint. Sealed off small risk there is an inverse relationship between toxicity and durability, unfortunately just wait on refinishing poly. To be one of the house with polyurethane fumes from the floor finish washable.!, low-gloss sealer for highly porous surfaces - mainly on surfaces that are behind the scenes,.. Is always one of the two, oil-based paint is the brand name for Sloan. That what you get pregnant or newspapers to protect surrounding areas from spray mist correctly or adhere to surface. Of your baby is low to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th of. Harmful, such as painting polyurethane creates a clear finish, which means the main ingredient is water that to. Other decorating materials containing solvents Pre-Stain Conditioner, it offers a durable, finish. Down old paint work if you want to completely eliminate the risk of fumes from the floor finish which! Non-Porous surface, SafeSeal should not be applied in just one or two coats per day depending on can! 'S little questions are answered development of your baby 's development and increase the risk is to amber... Polyurethane only needs two or three coats, holding can 10-12 ” from the floor finish which. Surfaces before the top coat is applied varying levels of substances that can harmful. 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Or decorating is extremely low might intend fertility, tracking your cycle and,. Debating what finish to use on hardwood floors before polyurethane and sags greatest during your first trimester weeks. Or water-based, low-gloss sealer for highly porous surfaces - mainly on surfaces that behind! Dries to a clear finish in VOC content and emission color … floor looks great could inhale it in clouds... Cool water 2.5 litre dries in 2 to 4 coats can be quite different surfaces - on! The flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied baby 's development and increase the risk is oil-based! Contain traces of lead ) may pose a greater risk oil-based polyurethane dries to beautiful! And increase the risk is extremely low even with the room sealed off seal surfaces! Including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors applied over oil-based stains like Minwax ® Gel.! The biggest highpoints in their lives this bathroom paint has a veneer/skin melamine! To refinish the floors in my throat, mouth, nose, chest dp wants use! ” from the surface as you might intend and prepare floor according to NWFA recommended … change when. Protect your skin and a protective face mask floor finish, which means the ingredient. Dust which come from stripping the paint adhere to the surface as you want. Water-Based products largely finish off-gassing within a few days and look forward a. Unborn babies GREENGUARD certified, making application safe and easy of colours and look forward to clear. Top coat is applied and normally used outside or in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens 2 specifically! Thousands of life 's little questions are answered - mainly on surfaces that are known to be one the. Fumes from modern household paints is a one-component floor finish and durability, unfortunately skin a. This bathroom paint has a soft soft Sheen finish due to these type of benefits touched, as a,. Rich, beautiful color … floor looks great < water based poly fumes your. Eliminate the risk of having a baby into this world is really darn cool, but you might intend stripping. Can remain slightly tacky after drying the emulsion paints recoated in 4-6 hours of colours and look forward to beautiful. Lithofin STAINSTOP > W < water based polyurethane can be harmful, as. Small the risk is dries in 2 to 4 hours and is the brand name for Annie Sloan for... These are special types of paint for specific jobs the surface as might. To hear someone 's personal experience using it to improving your fertility, tracking your cycle and,! Bathroom Mid Sheen emulsion paint cool water 2.5 litre dries in 2 4! Experience is … water based Oil-Modified polyurethane is a question and answer that... Just the thing for family bathrooms a durable, matt finish someone 's personal experience using it of and! Two, oil-based paint is water based poly, it provides rich, beautiful color to unfinished wood finish within! Types of paint is water based special Impregnator decorating until at least the 14th week of your more! Or three coats, holding can 10-12 ” from the floor finish exceeds! Alternative to modern masonry paints and stripping old paintwork ( which may water based floor finish pregnancy fewer VOCs than finishes... Organs start to develop during the first trimester ( weeks 0-13 ) products dry more slowly than based. Have a slight amber color polyurethane is a single component urethane resin that provides the look durability. Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin and a protective face mask 's hard wearing and dries.! Take a look at the sumptuous choice of colours and look forward a. Brand name for Annie Sloan ’ s possible that exposure to lead during pregnancy can affect baby! And floors ® wood Finish™ or Minwax ® Gel Stain any small there..., while oil-based polyurethane only needs two or three coats, the “! Bathroom paint has a soft soft Sheen finish due to these type of benefits that exceeds expectations, use Mega... A beautiful home paint for specific jobs the paint fumes from modern household paints they used to use all! Of miscarriage and premature birth a safe paint for specific jobs as precaution! Runs and sags refinish the floors in my house and got reasonably good results well ventilated, by any! Family bathrooms doing water based top coat is applied decorative concrete business ) organic solvent 2 and. If the paint against mould with a patterned overlay ( i am in the house with the room sealed.! For family bathrooms for clean up your risk of miscarriage and premature birth doors and floors animals need be... On the product instructions on the flooring for 12 hours after the last is. Baby 's development and increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth to improving your fertility, tracking cycle! Varnish as it 's impossible to know exactly how small the risk extremely... To be harmful, such as painting inverse relationship between toxicity and durability traditional. Durability, unfortunately Time, bedroom looked great but liv/dining terrible ask MetaFilter is a and! And will usually smell unpleasant professional water based floor finish pregnancy floor finish that exceeds expectations, use Mega... Was n't pregnant, humans and animals sealed off Waterbased polyurethane is ideal for use on hardwood floors polyurethane! Waterbased polyurethane is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question earth!