As a parent, nothing is more important than the health of your little ones—but not all new paint is safe around young children.
Some latex paint contains dangerous VOCs and toxic elements like lead, exposure to which can be harmful to a child’s developing brain and even cause permanent learning disorders.
This is one of the most popular paint manufacturers on the market. They offer various different types of paint products, some of which are safer, made with natural ingredients for use on baby's room furniture than others. Here’s what you need to know about each of them.
Rust oleum Chalk Paints
Chalk paints are the paint safe for baby rooms and furniture.
Chalk paint safe usually don’t contain any zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds vocs) or other compounds of chalk paint pose significant health risks.
Chalk paint reportedly non-toxic, dries to a smooth matte finish. Chalk paint can be distressed for a timeless, 'vintage' look.
This chalk paints makes it a good choice for all kinds of surfaces, including baby cribs and other baby furniture.
All that said, to be extra safe, it’s best to wait for a month or more after applying the paint for it to fully dry so that any remaining solvents evaporate out before using it.
Rust oleum Spray Paint
You shouldn’t use this type of spray paint on cribs or baby furniture items.
This is because most spray paint contain volatile organic compounds vocs and harmful compounds such as Acetone and Xylene, which can be harmful to your child’s health.
Prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals in spray paint can cause all sorts of short-term and long-term health effects—including respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and skin reactions—even in adults.
This is why it’s usually necessary to wear PPE when applying spray paint, such as gloves and a mask.
Rust oleum Paints
This paint is generally safest paint to use on babies' toys and furniture as it's non-toxic when fully dry and contains little to no volatile organic compounds vocs.
However, ‘fully dry’ is the keyword here.
It’s important to make sure you leave ample time for paint to dry after applying so that all the solvents have definitely evaporated and are no longer present in the coating before you allow infants near it.
You’ll also want to check the label of the specific paint product you plan on using for potentially hazardous compounds and double-check with the manufacturer if you’re not sure.
Most Rustoleum products are lead-free and non-toxic, but there are a few zing-rich products that you might want to avoid.
What Makes Rust Oleum Paints Baby Safe? (Key Considerations)
There are a few things to look for when choosing a baby paint. Here are the most important factors and why they matter.
Non-Toxic
It’s vital that you only use non toxic and water based paint on baby furniture. This non toxic paint or water based paints is the number one most important factor when choosing a baby-safest paint.
These paints are reportedly non toxic paints. The brand states on their FAQ page that all their paints are unleaded and non-hazardous once the water based paints have fully cured and the solvents have evaporated.
Most brands will specify on the label whether or not their water based paints products are non toxic paints, and if you’re not sure, it’s always worth consulting the manufacturer directly to double-check. Water based paints such as Rustoleum Chalked paint are also usually a paint and non toxic paint bet.
Low VOC
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds vocs. Some examples of zero VOCs include toluene, acetone, formaldehyde, and xylene.
These kinds of toxic compounds can cause various respiratory and neurological problems. Some studies even show a link between exposure to VOCs and childhood leukemia.
Most paints contain at least some VOC levels, and these are released into the air when the voc paint is applied. Zero VOC paint and low voc paint are the safest for baby furniture. Check the label of any paint you plan on buying to get an idea of the VOC paints.
Odorless or Less Odor
You don’t want your baby inhaling the smell of paint when they’re in their crib or nursery. Therefore, it's also a good idea to look for low-odor or odorless paint, as these normally give off less harmful fumes that stick around in the body.
Rustoleum Chalked paint is a low-odor paint, which makes it a good choice for furniture.
Paints That Don’t Require A Primer
It’s a good idea to choose a paint that doesn't require a primer. That way, you'll have to use fewer potentially-hazardous chemicals to get the coating you want.
If you use RustOleum chalked paint, priming won’t be required (for most surfaces). Priming first can help with adhesion and lead to a smoother finish, but it's not necessary and is only recommended if you're painting woods that are high in tannins.
Paint With Antimicrobial Agents
As we all know, babies aren’t known for their stellar hygiene. Infants are prone to making a mess, so it's a good idea to do all you can to prevent the spread of germs and protect them from infection.
Some paints contain antimicrobial agents that guard against bacteria and microbial attacks. These antimicrobial coatings are an excellent choice for baby products as they can help to keep your little ones' toys and furniture free from germs and keep them healthy.
Rustoleum Spray Paint FAQs
Does RustOleum spray paint contain lead?
No, this spray paint is reportedly unleaded. They contain only a few VOCs, making them a good choice for furniture paint.
How long after painting a room with Rust Oleum paint is it safe for babies?
Rustoleum paints with low VOCs will dry and be safe paint for babies after 24 hours. To be safe, it’s best to wait 3-4 days.
Is acrylic paint safe for babies?
Acrylic paint isn't normally safe. It's usually only suitable for kids over the age of three when used in specific crafts like painting. Children that are younger than three are typically sensitive to acrylic paint.
Is paint smell harmful to babies?
The smell of paint can be hazardous to babies and children as they’re more at risk of respiratory and developmental issues caused by paint fumes.
Conclusion
That pretty much covers everything you need to know about this paint. Just remember to always check the label before buying paint to use on baby furniture. You should also take precautions when applying the coating and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines closely.