WARNING.....EXTREME DANGER!!

I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH YOU NEED TO PAINT INSIDE DURING COLD WEATHER....DON'T.....YOU COULD KILL EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE WITH YOU IN AN INSTANT!!  SPRAY PAINT FUMES FROM SPRAY CANS ARE BOTH EXPLOSIVE AND FLAMMABLE....EVEN FROM STATIC ELECTRICITY!! 

Is it safe to spray paint in my basement?

I recently spray-painted something in my basement. Because I live in Maine, it is impossible to paint outdoors during the Winter (too cold, obviously). And because my garage is neither heated nor insulated, the only place I know of to be able to paint until it warms up outside is in the basement. Also due to the cold, having windows open for ventilation is not an option. Because of the obvious issue of breathing the harmful vapors in an unventilated area, I have a chemical respirator mask which I've used. I should be safe from brain damage, however my mother pointed out something to me which I believe is a valid point. We all know spray paint propellant is highly flammable, and with the furnace down there there could be a risk of igniting the fumes if they build up in the air. Obviously I'm not painting right next to it, but it's right down there with me, and once again, no real ventilation. I need to know (preferably from somebody who actually knows) if it is too dangerous for me to try this anymore. If so then I don't think I'll have any other options but to wait until May or whenever the sun warms it up enough up North here to paint outdoors or at least with ventilation. And thats a huge bummer. But nevertheless, I'm not willing to put myself or the house at risk if that danger is really there. I appreciate all your help!

• 10 months ago
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johnny3h

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Yes, it is "TOO DANGEROUS FOR YOU TO EVER TRY THIS STUNT AGAIN," EVER!!!! And I am one "who actually knows," and is qualified to answer your questions. 

And another thing, the furnace is NOT the only source of ignition of the explosive vapors. Just ONE single tiny STATIC ELECRIC SPARK CAN IGNITE THOSEFUMES!!!!!

It is VERY DANGEROUS to spray paint indoors without PROPER ventilation,

IF, and I repeat, IF just the right amount of air mixes with the vapor from the spray paint, AND THEN there happens to be a spark in that "invisible" envelope of explosive gas mixture, then you could have an EXPLOSION and a resulting fire.

DO NOT EVER DO THIS AGAIN!!!!!

The way I spray paint during cold weather is to:

1. Keep the CLOSED paint containers and/or solvent INSIDE in the house so they are stabilized at room temperature.
2. Keep the object to be painted INSIDE to allow it to be stabilized at room temperature.
3. Get EVERYTHING READY to paint, inside the GARAGE, with the DOORS OPEN.
4. Then after everything is set up and ready, take the paint and the object to be painted to the garage and immediately paint it [with the doors open] before it can chill down.
5. After allowing the painted object to "dry," evaporate the VOCs [Volatile Organic Compounds] for a few minutes, then return it to the basement to finish drying.

In the future, do NOT perform ANY TYPE of operations which create any FLAMMABLE OR EXPLOSIVE gasses/vapors inside without MORE than ADEQUATE VENTILATION!!!!! If you cannot ventilate, then use the procedure outlined above to safely accomplish the project.

You are EXTREMELY LUCKY that what you did did not result in an explosion!!!!!

Source(s):

2 years Firefighter, 5 years Fire Inspector, 20 years Investigator/Expert Witness into the Origin & Cause of Fire/Arson/Explosion, and interspersed with that, 50+ years experience in the construction and handyman trades , and lots of DIY projects for myself, relatives, friends, and neighbors!

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