#paintfumes

Biznaga

25/05/18 - Ave Fest (Leioa) 02/06/18 - Ezdok Fest (Eibar) 22/06/18 - Compromiso Fest (Mostoles) 29/06/18 - Prestoso (Xedré) 12/07/18 - Mad Cool (Madrid)

Useless Eaters 2/06/18 - Bei Ruth - Berlin, DE

Paint Fumes 25/5/18 - La Ley Seca - Zaragoza, ES 26/5/18 - Japan Rock Club - Castellon, ES 27/5/18 - Meteora - Barcelona, ES 31/5/18 - Loggia Leopardo - Vogogna, IT 24/5/18 - Beleza Malandra - Bermeo, ES 25/5/18 - La Ley Seca - Zaragoza, ES 26/5/18 - Lapan ROck Club - Castellon, ES 27/5/18 - Meteora - Barcellona, ES

THE SPITS 25/5/18 - The Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL

Bazooka 27/5/18 - Bad Tooth - Athens, GR

Häxxan 25/5/18 - Horst Klub - Konstanz, DE 26/5/18 - TapTab - Schaffhausen, CH 28/5/18 - The Hope and Ruin - Brighton, UK 30/5/18 - The Shackwell Arms - London, UK 31/5/18 - DIY Cafe - Lille, FR 1/6/18 - Supersonic - Paris, FR 2/6/18 - De Kleine Hedonist, Antwerp, BE 3/6/18 - Monday’s @ Kapitaal - Utrecht, NL 8/6/18 - Best Kept Secret Festival - Hilvarenbeek, NL 9/6/18 - Paardcafe - The Hague, NL

In many Australian homes, especially newer builds or apartments with limited airflow, paint fumes can become trapped indoors. This creates discomfort that goes beyond just an unpleasant smell.

The main cause of this issue is something called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals released into the air as paint dries and cures. Even paints labelled “low-VOC” still emit some level of these compounds.

What many people don’t realise is that the smell doesn’t just stay in the air. Soft materials like carpets, curtains, and furniture can absorb these fumes and slowly release them back over time. This is why the smell can persist even after the walls feel dry.

Another factor is moisture. In humid conditions—common in parts of Australia—paint takes longer to cure. This slows down the release of trapped chemicals and can even contribute to additional odours from within walls or surfaces.

So what actually works?

Ventilation is the first and most important step. Opening windows on opposite sides of a room creates airflow that helps push contaminated air out. Fans can also help speed up this process.

Controlling humidity is just as important. Keeping indoor humidity at moderate levels helps paint cure faster and reduces how long fumes stick around.

Cleaning also plays a role. Once the paint is dry, wiping down surfaces and vacuuming fabrics can help remove particles that continue to release odours.

For more persistent situations, air purification may help reduce airborne chemicals and improve comfort indoors.

If you’re dealing with stubborn paint smells, understanding the cause is the first step toward fixing it effectively.

Paint Fumes always bring the vapors. Errr, fumes. Or sumpin.