Peony Lane Designs

How Long Does it Take for the Smell of Spray Paint to Go Away?

October 9, 2023

So, how long does it take for the smell of spray paint to go away? I was asked that recently on one of my YouTube videos. A viewer said they had spray painted a project several days ago and the projects was still stinking up his garage.

I’ve been there!

For the Love of Spray Paint

I love a good can of spray paint. Seriously I have completely sprayed a side table because it’s faster and it has the added benefit of not leaving brush marks. We all hate brush marks right. They don’t bother me actually but customers seem to really dislike seeing brush strokes. They like their furniture to appear factory made even if it’s hand painted.

Go figure.

That’s why summers are precious to me. I can line up a row of projects and spray away. I have a massive collection of spray paint at this point. I’m not sure I’ll get through it in my lifetime.

One of the biggest draw backs to spray paint is of course the smell that lingers.

Off Gassing

Technically, that lingering smell is called off gassing. It’s what paints that are not water base do as they cure and dry. Not that it helps to know that but in a way it does. It aptly describes what they chemicals in the paint are doing. They are emitting gasses (AKA smell) as they dry. This is the same for oil based, and shellac based paints and clear coats.

Is the Smell of Spray Paint Harmful

Well, there’s a reason they say to use it in a well ventilated area. You don’t want to breath in a significant amount of paint fumes. Not if you want to keep all your brain cells intact.

The reason people who “huff” spray paint feel euphoric when they breath in large amount of paint is their brain is being suffocated. Not good!

If you need to bring your project in the house because of weather concerns like I do here in Minnesota (you can’t leave paint out in 20 below weather to dry), you can safely do so. WAIT! That is provided you don’t have any allergies or underlying health issues, like asthma, that can be irritated by the fumes.

When I bring my projects in they are set in a room away from my main living spaces. Obviously you don’t want to let pieces off gas in your bedroom or other close quarters.

How Long Does It Take for the Smell of Spray Paint to Go Away?

I’ve heard some people say it only takes 3 days. Yeah, on a really good week of sunshine and fresh air. Must be someone in California saying that.

Those of us who live in areas with rain, snow, and cold weather experience a lot longer for the smell to dissipate. If you want to paint something and have the smell gone before your next party, plan on a week or longer. Again depending on your weather.

The good news is, once the smell is gone then your piece is cured. What does that mean?

Ladies your know how when you paint your fingernails and you try to do ANYTHING in the first hour afterward and the paint is soft.

Same thing with spray paint. When it’s dry to the touch the paint is not fully dry. You can easily gouge the paint and it will stick if you try to set something on top of a piece that is not fully cured.

When the smell goes away the paint should be fully dry.

How Do You Get Rid of the Smell of Spray Paint?

In short you don’t. You have to allow the paint of off gas for the smell to go away.

I saw a post that said to place baking soda or activated charcoal around your room. Um, really? Hang on.

That’s not going to work unless you have A LOT of baking soda or charcoal. You would also have to zip lock your project in a bag with these products to have any effect.

It was also suggested to use essential oils. You can do that, but fair warning it will smell like orange paint or whatever scent your using.

None of these “tips” work so save your money. Crack a window and keep the piece you’ve spray painting in a separate room. It’s the best way I’ve found to mitigate the smell. I wish there were more you could do.

Be Patient

If you have some patience the smell will go away. I know it’s difficult especially if you want to use what you’ve painted right away. Good things take time.

If you’re looking for more painting tips and ticks check out my post on How to Spray Paint (Almost) Anything!

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What Do I Need to Paint a Room?

April 16, 2023

You’ve been staring at that beige wall for too long and now you’re ready to cover it with a bold color. So what do I need to paint a room? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered!

Paint is the fastest, easiest, and most cost effective way to to update a space. Repainting a room can transform a space, but if you’re new to painting you might be overwhelmed when you get to the paint isle of the home improvement store.

(Above my husband helps me transform my spare room from a pink princess palace into a sophisticated spare room my guest will love.)

Do I need a special bucket with a brush holder? (You don’t) Do you need more than one roller cage (You might) and is special tape really necessary? (Spoiler alert it is.)

Let’s break down what you absolutely need and a few things you might want to consider depending on how much painting you’re planning to do.

What you need to paint a room!

Paint: This one might seem obvious, but it’s important to make sure you have enough paint to complete the job. Measure the size of the room you’ll be painting and paint manufacturers have calculators on their website that help you know exactly how much you need. Pick your color and brand and then go to the manufacturers website an search for calculator. I always round up the amount so I have some left over for touch ups if needed. If you’re looking for the warm gray in the picture above I had it customed mixed and shared the formula here.
Brushes and rollers: You’ll need brushes and rollers to apply the paint to the walls. There are different sizes and types of brushes and rollers available but this basic kit from Amazon has everything you need for a basic room painting. Bonus it includes the paint tray.
Drop cloths: Protect your floors and furnishings by laying down drop cloths before you start painting. Tape these plastic drop cloths to your baseboards to kill two birds with one stone.
Painters tape: Use painters to tape the drop cloth over the baseboards. You can also us it to mask off any other areas that you don’t want to get paint on, like switch covers, door knobs (if you’re painting the door too) and outlets. It the ounce of prevention rule for me!
Primer: Primer isn’t always necessary depending on the paint you buy (a lot of paint has primer built in) and the wall you’re covering. If you’re painting over a dark color or has damage like a kids room with markers on the wall, you’ll want to use a primer to make sure your paint covers.
Stir sticks: you’re going to need stir sticks to stir you paint thoroughly. My hardware store now only give you one with a purchase so I’ve invest in packages like these from Amazon to make sure I have enough.

By gathering all of these supplies before you start your painting project, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way. Happy painting!

Don’t forget to save and share this post!

The best warm gray paint color is Magic Gray!

February 11, 2023

It’s official the best warm gray paint color is the magic gray that I discovered on the oops paint rack at Menards. If you’ve been watching my YouTube channel then you’ve seen me use this paint on a bunch of different furniture pieces and like magic they all sell.

When I post photos of these pieces I’ve had people call the color green, brown, greige, and of course gray. I guess it has a hint of all those colors and depending on what you pair it with the color seems to change.

What is warm gray paint?

Warm gray paint refers to a shade of gray with undertones of warm colors such as brown, beige, or yellow. Which explains all the color confusion.

This type of gray creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. I know because I painted my spare bedroom with the magic gray this past fall. That’s where the paint came into my life initially. You can see how even though the carpet is beige the gray fits right in.

When we finished painting the room there was a lot left over and I never let paint go to waste. Interior/exterior it doesn’t matter I’m going to use it on furniture. So the next time I wanted a neutral I grabbed this gray.

To date I’ve painted a hutch, a trunk, a night stand, a drum table, a bookshelf, corbels and most recently an entry table with this gray. All except the corbels and the entry table have sold. The entryway table just went into the shop this week so it hasn’t had time to sell as of the writing of this post.

So viewers have been begging me to tell them what color the magic gray is.

Warm gray on a table — The most recent table with Magic Gray on it.

Here’s the problem. The paint I bought didn’t have a color name. Worse yet, it had four separate color labels on it; 2 on the top and 2 on the side. I had never seen that before.

two of The original labels — Two labels on the side

Undaunted, I soldiered to the store that mixed the paint with pictures of the top labels and the side labels to see if they had any insight into what color this was.

“It’s definitely a custom color,” The girl told me. “They must have tried to match a color. The first and second labels were created in one month and the third and forth labels were created a month later.”

So, how do we get the color we’re looking for? She said the only thing we could do is calculate all the colors they added to the mix and mix that, assuming they added those colors, in those quantities each time a label was created.

Fingers crossed that she was right.

She wrote all the colors and started adding. “Was this a really dark gray?”

It was a darker gray. And definitely a warm gray.

“Well, this is definitely a custom mix now,” She said.

“Really?” I said. “Does that mean I get to name it?”

She said I could name it. I bet you can’t guess what I named it. Yep. Magic Gray it is now officially called!

Okay, you’ve waited long enough. Below is an image of the mix on the can. I had this mixed in Grand Distinctions exterior flat because that’s what I originally had and I wanted to be sure to get the exact same color.

Notice the name Magic Gray forever!

The girl at the store said I can have this mixed in any brand or sheen I want though, so you do you. Keep in mind the sheen might make the color look a little different because of how the light will play on it.

This mix quantity is for a gallon. They should be able to determine how much you would need for a quart going forward. We had to mix a gallon to be sure the ratios were right. After this I’ll probably get a quart at a time.

Use it and let me know if you have success with this gray. I’ve been pairing my projects with natural tops and people seem to love the combo.

Magic gray on a trunk with a natural top

What colors does warm gray pair with best?

Next I think I’m going to play with painting chairs and see what I can do with Magic Gray when combined with a vibrant upholstery.

Warm gray paint colors pair well with a variety of colors, including neutrals like off-white, beige, and taupe, which complement warm gray and enhance its warm and cozy feel. Blues like baby blue and powder blue provide a calming and peaceful atmosphere, while greens like sage and olive bring a touch of nature to the space. Pinks and corals add a pop of warmth and playfulness, and pairing warm gray with natural elements like wood and natural fibers, such as linen or wool, adds to the room’s overall comfort and coziness.

Maybe I’ll try a layered paint look with it or combine Magic Gray on the body of a piece and a different color on the drawers.This warm gray paint is a versatile and timeless color that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space.

What I know is that I’ll be using this paint a lot, because I have another gallon to burn through (LOL). Hopefully, it keeps being a good seller for me. I hope it’s a good seller for you too.

Save this post and share it with your friends and family who are also looking for a warm gray paint color. Let’s spread the magic of this amazing color together! So, what are you waiting for? Hit the save and share buttons now! And as long at you’re here don’t forget to check out my post on Upcycling Unwanted Artwork!

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How to Use Modern Masters Rust Patina Oxidizing Paint

October 9, 2021

Oxidizing Paint like Rust Patina Kit from Modern Masters is a simple way to create an aged, rustic look on your furniture and other projects.

I’ve used oxidizing paint in the past to hide weld repairs on an old railroad lantern. The repairs were made using an aluminum solder that stood out bright and shiny. The client came to me wondering if I could paint it to look like rust. I didn’t think paint would blend in with the rest of the lantern no matter how good I might at faux finishes. So I turned to Modern Masters Rust Patina. The welds were perfect after using this product. No one could see were they were.

This was the first time I’ve used Modern Masters Rust Patina to cover a large piece.

The piece I’m working with it a fiberglass 1932 Ford reproduction grill that my Dad (we affectionately call him the OG because he’s done it all) is turning into a bluetooth speaker for his garage. He wanted the grill to look like metal and there’s no better way to make something look authentic than to give it a little rust.

What is Modern Masters Rust Patina or an oxidizing paint?

Do you want to give your home or project a rustic look?

Rust Patina is an oxidizing paint that will make any surface look like it has been rusted. This can be used on wood, plastic, fiberglass, and more. It’s easy to use and gives the perfect rust finish every time!

This product will be sure to add character and uniqueness to anything you apply it on. Whether it be a table or chair, Modern Masters Rust Patina will make it stand out from all others!

How to use the Modern Masters Rust Patina

Modern Masters’ rust patina is easy to apply, and there are four steps in getting that perfect finish.

Sand

1) Lightly sand the surface you want to apply the product to just like you would with any other project you want to paint. I used a scuff pad just to scratch the surface. This gives the paint something to stick to.

Prime

2) Apply the primer included in the kit. I applied it to only the areas that I wanted to look rusty. Or what I thought I wanted to look rusty. Later we decided we wanted more rust.

Wait for the primer to dry. This took approximately 20 minutes for the primer to dry completely.

Paint

3) Now it’s time to paint the oxidizing paint onto the surface. I used a brush but you can apply it with a sponge if you want a more random pattern. Different layers of paint with look more natural so missing a few spots here and there is okay.

Dad decided instead of the light rust patterns I started with he wanted more rust. So I applied the oxidizing paint liberally over the whole surface.

Wait for the first coat to dry. Again this took another 20 minutes. Then apply a second coat of paint over the whole surface.

If you’re using a random pattern like I did don’t worry if the second coat misses a few spots. This will give you a more natural effect.

Rust

4) Finally, it’s time to spray the oxidizer. The Modern Masters Rust Patina includes a small spray bottle which makes applying simple.

I did move the project outside before spraying so that the oxidizer didn’t land on anything we didn’t want to rust. I would recommend wearing a dust mask or a respirator too just to be certain you don’t breath in any of the aerosolized liquid. Better safe than sorry!

Wait 5 minutes before applying the next coat. When you come back you will see the rust already starting to form. Spray the second coat and walk away.

(After 5 Minutes the color has already started to change.)

After about 30 minutes the rust was very pronounced. I started to worry that there might be too much rust. Dad look surprised when he saw it.

A few hours later Dad pronounced it perfect!

After Modern Masters Rust Patina Oxidizing Paint

Tips for using the Oxidizing Paint

See it’s not too difficult to use. I do have a few helpful tips. A few things you should consider before painting.

Use disposable brushes – There is metal in the paint and I didn’t want to wash any of it down the drain, so I used disposable brushes to be on the safe side.
Protect your surfaces – Like I said above I moved the product outside before I sprayed the oxidizer. Make sure if you’re painting inside you use plastic to protect your surfaces.
Protect Your Person – Some of the oxidizing spray on my arm and I broke out into a rash almost immediately. I washed it off but the red bumps took a few hours to go away. I should have been more careful and now you’re smarter than I am.
Prop the piece up in the direction you want the rust to streak – When I started to spray the piece, I laid the piece on it’s back. The drips were going the wrong direction so I had to stand it up on end to make sure the drips looked right.

You can watch the full tutorial below or click over to my YouTube Channel.

What Will You Rust?

Modern Masters Rust Patina is the perfect paint if you’re looking to create a vintage, rustic look. It can be used on any surface including fiberglass, wood or metal that needs an aged appearance. If you want something with more character than your average brown stain, this may just be what you are looking for!

What will you use Modern Masters Rust Patina On? Comment below and let me know!

If you’re looking for more painting tips and tricks check out these amazing posts.

How to Use Modern Masters Rust Patina Oxidizing Paint

Trying Pop of Color Paints on Home Decor

July 14, 2021

Have you been seeing Pop of Color Paints all over the place? If not you soon will. I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity to try it!

When a box arrived at my door filled with Pop of Color Paints I was giddy! Seriously. I was like a little kid.

Any who has watched my YouTube channel for hot second will tell you that I love color. My world is a colorful place and I love using hot pink on a dresser when most people would paint it white or some other boring neutral.

Hey! If people can call my colorful decor a “nightmare” I can call their neutrals a snooze fest. It’s only fair.

Pop of Color Paints

If I was excited by the box I was even more so when I got a look at the goodness inside. Check out the luscious assortment of colors they sent!

Look they even included some boring colors. Just kidding. They’re all really pretty. Especially the two which are my brand colors!

These two charmed me beyond belief. But paint isn’t all about pretty colors. It’s coverage that really matters. Then there’s how well it blends, distresses, and cleans up.

Testing Out the Paint

The only way to discover if a paint in any good is to dip in a brush and start painting. Since I’m not an artist my “canvas” is of course home decor. I decided to test it out on this little frame.

This little green and gold frame is kinda cute. Kinda. It needs a little face life. The green feels dated to me, which makes this the perfect opportunity to test out Pop of Color Paints!

I decided to base coat the frame in the color Lambs Wool, which is an off white color. My thinking was, “white sells.” So I was going to just paint it white and then stare longingly at the other colors.

The paint was thinner than a chalk paint and a little thinner than a regular latex paint. Surprisingly it still covered like a dream. Pop of Color paints must be highly pigmented for a thin paint to cover this well. In the photo above this is the second coat of lambs wool. The piece in the background was a black metal vase I decided to cove as well. That vase only has one coat and as you can see it covered the black well.

Changed My Mind!

I thought I was going to paint everything white, then my brain said, “To heck with that!” And I grabbed the hot pink and started to dry brush the frame.

And then I decided to blend in some royal blue. I used a little water to reactivate the pink and blend the colors.

I wasn’t sure if Pop of Color Paints could be distressed using water distressing but I decided to give it a try. A piece of canvas drop cloth was close by so I wet it and sure enough Pop of Color Paints distressed like a dream.

Full disclosure I didn’t wait until the paint was completely dry. Waiting until the paint dries could change the paints ability to be water distressed.

How Did I Like Pop of Color Paint?

Final Frame painted with Pop of Color Paints

Pop of Color Paints come is a fantastic assortment of colors include bright neon colors. This paint is highly pigmented and covered like a dream. I was able to distress, layer, and blend the colors easily.

Yes, I absolutely would and will use this paint again.

The frame above might not be your cup of color tea, but I love it. I love the way the color mixed together and I even love the boring white peeking through. I can’t wait to try some of the brighter colors!

If you found this post helpful please share it with your friends or better yet pin a copy to your Pinterest page. Just use the pinnable image below!

Are you looking for a new challenge? Check out one of my favorite new posts trying outdoor fabric paint to refresh patio cushions!

Many blessings to you!