Eggshell Paint

[Des]

Hi

We've recently been using Dulux's pure brilliant white eggshell finish paint on internal doors. Both my wife and myself have experienced a significant reaction to the fumes given off by this paint in the form of runny noses and sore eyes and throats - despite ensuring good ventilation. The smell seems to persist for days after painting.

These doors had previously been painted with the satin finish version of this paint and we don't recall a similar reaction then.

Anyone else had this problem?

Thanks Des

[Christian McArdle]

Is that an acrylic eggshell or solvent based? Perhaps the Satin was acrylic, whilst the gloss was solvent.

I always use acrylics nowadays, for the following reasons:

a) They don't smell.

b) They dry quickly.

c) They recoat more easily.

d) You can undercoat and paint a door/window in a few hours, meaning you can rehang it for security.

e) They are better for the environment.

f) They aren't such a health risk and are less likely to promote allergic reactions.

g) They don't yellow with age.

The only disadvantages are reduced mechnical resistance (i.e. they will be more rapidly damaged by frequent physical contact) and they aren't available in high gloss (which I think looks crap anyway).

Christian.