Painting woodwork and walls

[Jomo46]

Our house is having a major revamp including an extension of 2 bedrooms and bathroom downstairs for my husband and me. My daughter and family are moving in to act as support for us.

I was always aDIY person and enjoyed it. The builders are doing most of the work, but don’t paint.

I have sarcoid pulmonary fibrosis and on ambulatory oxygen. I would quite like to do some of the painting but would like some of your knowledgable advice and experience.

Am I asking for more lung damage if I indulge. I’ve read somewhere that water based paint is ok but not oil based paint. Are there face masks that would help?

Any experience / knowledge welcome. We are going to stay at my daughters house while the work is done to avoid brick , cement, wood etc dust.

Thanks so much for all your past advice

[2greys]

I personally would stick with the water based paints only. I recently decorated our bedroom and used the water based gloss for the skirting and on two doors, I was able to sleep in there that same night without any ill effects at all.

[Jomo46 in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2greys. I know you are a fountain of knowledge with all these articles you post. It would be great if I could do this. I need interest and activities. - so a thumbs up from you.

Thanks jo

[CDPO16]

I think water based paints will be best. I also think that moving out to avoid building dust is a very good plan. I had an extension 6 years ago and, for me, plaster dust was a major problem.

I hope when all the work is finished that it makes life easier for you.

[Jomo46 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks CDPO16. . It will be great eventually to have my daughter in the other half of the house. It’s the bit in between I’m half dreading - ie while it’s built and adaptations. Another water based recommendation. Thank you

[Jason098765]

Hi you could try a paint called breathe easy by Crown I have tried it myself and it is very good.

[Jomo46 in reply to Jason098765]

The name suggests it could be good. Thanks Jason, I’ll look out for it

[Comino2]

Definately water based paints which are unfortunately are more expensive but only have a faint or no smell at all to them I had the woodwork painted in my hall,stairs and landing and I could not escape the smell for weeks as it sneaked into every room in the house.Thank goodness it was summer and I could open lots of windows but it still lingered and affected by breathing.Recently had the woodwork painted in the room I spend most of my time with the low odour paint and although it cost more than all of the paint that was used in my hall etc it was well worth it xx

[Jomo46 in reply to Comino2]

It’s really useful for you to have said how different the two types are..

Thanks Comino

[Spacecat1]

Water base paint is good less smell for your lungs

[Jomo46 in reply to Spacecat1]

Thanks spacecat

[katieoxo60]

Water based paint is good, but there are some new ones on the market for those of us with lung conditions. I had a decorater who uses it because he has asthma. Take a trip to one of the DIY shops on line and see what they have. Enjoy if you do it, its a bit of a challenge but I am sure your determination will get you there, take care.xx

[Jomo46 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks for info. Didn’t know there were different ones

Jo

[Fircone]

Hi Jomo, I was a painter and decorator for 40 years and had to stop last year. Because of my emphysema I now only use Earthborn clay paint. It’s a fabulous paint, there is no smell, dries very quickly, is breathable, deters condensation and mildew and is beneficial to allergy and asthma sufferers. It is a little more expensive but will often only require one coat. Do be careful with some of the water based paints because even though they have minimal voc’s they still off gas for a long time. Anyway good luck with all the revamp 😊

[Ergendl in reply to Fircone]

Thanks for the tip.

[Jomo46 in reply to Fircone]

Good info Fircone. Thanks - jo

[Aingeful]

I was married to a plasterer and can't tolerate building dust of any type.I am also highly sensitive to paint fumes. I am moving into my daughter's whilst my bungalow is painted. I wont be back till its dry and all smells gone! I have IPF.

[Jomo46]

Hope it goes well for you. I.ll have to see how I get on, but don’t want to damage my lungs more. ( sarcoid pulmonary fibrosis- there doesn’t seem to be much info to help pulmonary fibrosis people. Much more for asthma and cold - but there are more of them)

Best wishes jo

[Louiss]

Yes water based is usually fine,I always use satin finish.