Odourless Paint in Singapore: Safest Options for Babies, Pregnancy and Painting While You Live In
For homes with babies, pregnant mums, elderly family or anyone with asthma, choose a near-zero or low-VOC, low-odour water-based paint, ideally one certified under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme or Singapore Green Building Product scheme. Examples include Nippon’s Odour-less range and other brands’ low-VOC lines. Ventilate well, keep vulnerable family members out while painting, and wait at least a day or two before using a freshly painted nursery.
What “odourless” actually means
Paint smell comes mostly from VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other ingredients that evaporate as paint dries. “Odourless” or “odour-less” usually means very low VOC and low smell, not literally zero. Low-VOC paints reduce both the smell and the airborne chemicals released while drying.
Labels to look for in Singapore
- Singapore Green Label (SGLS): certification run by the Singapore Environment Council for products meeting environmental criteria, including paints.
- Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP): certification used in green building projects. Some premium paints carry it.
- “Low VOC” or “near-zero VOC”: manufacturer claims. Check the product data sheet.
- “Formaldehyde-free” or “APEO-free”: additional claims on some premium paints.
Odourless paint options available in Singapore
| Product | What the brand highlights | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Nippon Odour-less All-in-1 | Near-zero VOC, extremely low odour, washable, anti-bacterial | Matt |
| Nippon Odour-less Ultra Durable | Low VOC, stain resistant, anti-bacterial, SGBP certified | Low sheen |
| Nippon Vinilex 5000 | Low VOC, low odour | Matt |
| Dulux Ambiance All AirClean | Designed to absorb formaldehyde from indoor air (manufacturer claim) | Check data sheet |
| Dulux Pentalite | Low odour, low VOC (retailer listings) | Matt |
Product claims are from brand and retailer pages. Ranges change, so check current data sheets. Compare Nippon lines in our Odour-less All-in-1 review.
Painting during pregnancy
- Let someone else do the painting where possible
- Choose low or near-zero VOC water-based paint, and avoid solvent-based paints, thinners and oil-based sealers indoors
- Stay out of the room while it’s being painted, and ideally for a day or two after
- Keep windows open and run fans to move air out
- If you have concerns, ask your doctor. Everyone’s situation is different
Painting a nursery or with a newborn
- Paint the nursery a few weeks before the baby arrives if you can
- Use a low-odour, low-VOC product for walls and ceilings
- Ventilate for several days after painting
- Keep the baby in another room until the smell has gone
- Avoid enamel or solvent-based paints on cots and furniture. Choose water-based finishes made for children’s furniture
How long does paint smell last?
With low-odour water-based paint and good ventilation, most of the smell fades within a day. Standard paints can linger for 2 to 3 days. Solvent-based enamels and oil-based sealers smell longer. Keep air moving and avoid closing up the room with the aircon on straight after painting.
Ask your painter these questions
- Which exact paint product will you use on walls and ceilings?
- Will you use any solvent-based sealer or primer indoors? Is there a water-based option?
- Can you paint room by room so we can keep one room clear?
Painting with a baby on the way? Tell us when you request quotes and we’ll match painters who use low-odour, water-based systems throughout. Get free quotes.
FAQ
Is odourless paint safe for babies?
Low and near-zero VOC water-based paints are a much better choice around babies than standard or solvent-based paints. Still ventilate well and keep the baby out of the room until it’s aired.
Can I stay at home while painting with odourless paint?
Most people can, especially if painters work room by room and windows stay open. Vulnerable family members are better off out of the house on painting days.
Does odourless paint cost more?
Usually a little. Upgrading to a premium low-odour paint typically adds 10% to 25% to a full-flat repaint quote.
What is a VOC?
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that evaporate from paint as it dries. They cause much of the smell and can irritate eyes and airways.
