How to Minimize Paint Smells

Ventilate the house. Open every window and door. Avoid painting on very windy days when particles in the air come in and stick to the wet paint on your wall, leaving it bumpy and unsightly.

Use large fans to blow the fumes out toward the open doors. For best results, use a box fan that can sit in the window and pull the fumes out of the house as the paint dries.

Add fragrance oil to paint. Just a drop or two of your favorite essential oil in a large batch of paint will help mask the unpleasant paint smells.

Use non-toxic or low-VOC interior paints. These paints contain low levels of VOC, or volatile organic compounds, which are the toxins that can harm you and cause a strong smell. Many states even have guidelines that limit the use of interior paints with high VOC levels. Low-VOC paints will also not have a strong smell.