How long should I stay gone after having some pretty potent paint done?

[DeChRi]

We are in the middle of a kitchen remodel, which includes some built in bench seating. They are built but need painted on site (in our garage, not kitchen). The kitchen and such was painted with low VOC paint so no biggie. But the 4 coats that go on the benches are NOT low VOC...the coat that seals it up is pretty potent. Normally it is not a big deal, since being done in the garage, but since the benches are big big they will be sprayed. Our contractor wanted me to know that he has done this before, and although the garage and stuff will be open, that much of the fumes will go into the house.

We are trying to find solutions, so finally I just offered to take my 2yo and head down the road to my in laws for as long as needed (hours, days, whatever), just to get is done before this baby comes.

If you were having 4 coats of pretty potent stuff sprayed, over a 2-4 day time, would you disappear for that whole time? Or keep garage and house all opened up for ventilation and just leave for a period of time after each?

I am 35+wks now.

THanks!

[is it puppies?]

I can't say that I'm an expert, but it's the kind of thing that I think I have been pretty conscientious of. Personally, I am at 34 weeks and what I think I would do is just leave while they are working and for a time period after wards- until the fumes are gone (prob a few hours, as long the air could keep circulating after I get home). I would also keep the kitchen well ventilated until there was no trace of smell to the products. But I wouldn't stay away unless I really wanted to have an excuse to.
I would have been more concerned earlier in the pregnancy, and I did something similar when my DH was painting in the basement (when I was in second tri). He only painted while I'd be out for a while and I didn't spend much time in the room until the smell was long gone.

[DeChRi]

Thanks for the reply. I can't help but think with as well ventilated as that area is w/ doors open, that it would be too bad. The contractor and painter both are extra cautious and warned me away. But I'm not sure if they are just covering their butts. Plus one just had a new baby and the other's wife is 6 mnths w/ their first baby, so they are both really sensitive to preggo mamas right now.

I think I'll keep everything open w/ ceiling fans and stay gone for a few hours after, and assuming the fumes are mostly gone, and call it good.

[Pinoikoi]

Ask the contractor how long it takes the paint to set? age? (can't remember the term) and stay away that long.

[at_the_hip]

Is there nowhere else that they could paint it and bring it in once it is set? (like your in-laws garage, for instance?) You could offer to pay to have it moved in a bigger truck or something if required. Personally I would not feel comfortable with the risk, although I think that most of the harmful VOC disspiates within a day or two (but don't quote me, look it up for sure).

Tough call, mama!

[slgt]

I would stay away for at least the entire day when they do the spraying. That stuff will offgass for at least a month after it's sprayed.

[DeChRi]

Thank you all for your advice.

We had decided they would use our garage, opened, with the house sealed, then open the hosue after to ventilate etc. And DDs and I would disappear to inlaws for a couple days after.

Turns out that our painter called and he is working on another job as well with a huge shed and they have graciously offered him the space to paint them and let them air there. We will toss him some extra $ for the cost of moving them again (they are BIG). He hopes to have them fully painted by a week from today, then will let them air out there for 3 days and they will install them a week from this coming Friday.

I find it a bit endearing that the person most concerned with the fumes is the painter himself....kinda nice.

So problem averted, and that should land them in my kitchen at 37wks or so....which should be enough time to toss in a table and go have a baby.