Updated on 26 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
One of the things that puts people off painting most is thinking they'll have to move out because of the smell and the mess. I'm Pepe, a painter in Elche, and let me tell you why that's no longer the case: with the right products and planning, you can carry on living at home while I paint.
Why it no longer smells like it used to
The strong smell of old-fashioned paint came from the solvents. These days I work with top-brand water-based paints and enamels that are very low in odour: that reek that had you throwing open every window and sleeping elsewhere has all but disappeared. You'll notice a light smell that clears in a few hours with a bit of ventilation.
How I organise it so you can stay put
The key is working zone by zone so you always have free space to carry on as normal:
- I paint room by room: one room at a time, leaving the rest clear.
- I cover and move the furniture aside, and tidy up each area once it's done.
- I agree the order with you (leaving the bedroom until last, for example).
- I ventilate well as I go so any faint smell clears quickly.
Ideal with children, older people or pets
The low odour and working zone by zone makes painting far more manageable if there are young children, older people, pets, or if you work from home. For children's rooms I use washable, low-odour paints, designed so the room can be used again soon and with peace of mind.
When can I use the room again?
With water-based paint, the room is back in use the same day or, to be on the safe side, the next day with a bit of airing. I explain it in detail in the guide on how long paint takes to dry and when you can sleep in the room. If you have a special situation (a baby, someone with breathing problems), just tell me and we'll plan it with plenty of margin.
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Can I really stay at home while you paint?
- Yes, it's the norm. I work room by room so you always have free space, and I use low-odour products. Only on very big jobs or ones with a lot of dust (sanding down textured walls) do we weigh up whether it's worth stepping out for a few hours.
- Is low-odour paint of poorer quality?
- No. Top-brand water-based paints and enamels give a finish that's as good or better than solvent-based ones, they're more hard-wearing than people think and, on top of that, they barely smell. It's what I use day in, day out.
- I have a baby at home, is it safe?
- With low-odour water-based paint and good ventilation, disruption is minimal. Even so, for a baby's room I plan it with margin and air it out well before it's used again; we'll talk it through so you can relax.