Is it safe to sleep in a room that’s just been painted?
Last Updated: December 29, 2011
This question is commonly asked by homeowners, especially when children or elderly family members are involved.
The answer depends entirely on what type of paint you use in the bedroom.
- It is completely safe to sleep in a room the same day it is painted if you use Zero-VOC paint . Zero-VOC paint is virtually odorless and does not emit toxic chemicals that can produce long-term adverse health effects when inhaled. Two great VOC-free paints are Benjamin Moore’s Natura® and Sherwin Williams Harmony®.
- If you are using a low-VOC , water-based paint with a “Green Seal” logo of any kind, it is also okay to sleep in the room the same day paint is applied. However, the paint will still smell for 24 hours or more. Typically the smell will lessen in 2-3 days if you keep a window open and/or a fan blowing. If it is a child’s room, you may want to wait 16 -24 hours after painting to let your child sleep in the room.
- Paint that is not eco-friendly or is oil-based may take quite a bit of curing time. Although the paint may dry within 2-8 hours after painting, it could take a few weeks for the smell to disapate. Most oil-base paints are safe even after a few hours after application, but check with your local paint store if you have a concern.
To learn more about Green and Eco-Friendly Paints before your next painting project, visit this short article we wrote.
In order to play it safe, we recommend using only Zero or Low-VOC paints for all home interiors. However, almost all paints on the market today are safe for the home because of the strict EPA regulations (especially in California), so you don’t have to be overly concerned.
If you have any further questions, contact Chism Brothers at 858-454-3850.
Ocean-facing and bay-facing Point Loma homes can weather differently. Learn how wind, moisture, sun, and exposure affect exterior painting and maintenance.
Is your Point Loma wood garage door weathered or peeling? Learn when refinishing, repainting, repairing, or replacing it makes the most sense.
Repairing a deck or balcony in Point Loma? Learn when to schedule structural repairs, waterproofing, railing work, and exterior painting.
Weathered porch, deck, or entry wood in Coronado? Learn when refinishing or repainting makes sense and when damaged wood should be repaired or replaced.
Rust appearing on your Coronado home's gates, railings, or metal trim? Learn when surface prep and repainting are enough and when repairs are needed.
Repainting a Coronado home with wood siding, shingles, or stucco? Learn how coastal exposure, material condition, and preparation affect painting.
Repairing exterior woodwork on a Coronado home? Learn when to complete carpentry, siding repairs, sanding, priming, and painting for lasting results.
We couldn’t be more excited to share that Chism Bros. Painting has received the 2026 Best of La Jolla award from La Jolla Village News, earning a Gold Medal. We're honored, humbled, and incredibly grateful. Awards like this aren't really about the company alone. They're about the people who invite us into their homes, recommend us to their neighbors, and keep calling us back year after year. So before anything else, we want to say thank you. To La Jolla and Our Longtime Customers La Jolla has been good to us. We've painted its craftsman bungalows, its coastal homes (salt air keeps us on our toes), and plenty of places in between. Many of you have trusted us with more than one project, and some of you have been with us for decades. That kind of loyalty isn't something we take lightly. Every repeat call, every referral, and every kind review is the reason a recognition like this is possible. We appreciate you. A Family Business Built on Trust Since 1982 All of this is especially important to us since Chism Bros. is a multigenerational family painting company, and that shapes how we work and how we grow. When your name is on the truck (and your family's name before you), you know how critical relationships and trust really are. For more than 40 years, we've run on character and craftsmanship, and this kind of recognition is confirmation that we’re on the right track. What Comes Next Honestly? More of the same. Same careful prep, same clear communication, same crews who treat your home like it belongs to family. An award is a nice moment, but the real measure is how we handle the next project. We're proud to keep serving La Jolla and the greater San Diego area, inside and out. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Who was named Best Painter in La Jolla for 2026? Chism Bros. Painting won Best Painter, with a Gold Medal, in the 2026 Best of La Jolla awards from La Jolla Village News. Q. How long has Chism Bros. Painting been in business? Chism Bros. has served San Diego since 1982. It is a multigenerational, family-run painting company. Q. What painting services does Chism Bros. offer in La Jolla? Residential and commercial painting, including interiors, exteriors, cabinet painting and refinishing, historic restorations, deck care, and color consultations. Q. Is Chism Bros. Painting licensed? Yes. Chism Bros. holds California Contractor License #491884. Let's Talk About Your Next Project Thinking about a fresh coat, inside or out? We'd be glad to take a look. Call us at 858.454.3850 or request a free estimate here on our website. Thank you again, La Jolla. We'll keep earning it.
Should you paint walls, trim, and doors together or in phases? Learn how Carmel Valley homeowners can prioritize interior painting by condition and budget.
Noticing cracks around windows or doors? Learn what Carmel Valley homeowners should check and repair before exterior painting begins.
Tell us about your project
Tell Us About Your Project
Contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our estimators! We’ll come to your home and provide a detailed estimate.
(858) 454-3850
