10 Craft Materials You Should Never Use Indoors—Here’s Why

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Making something new is a delightful way to work out creativity. Many people love crafting but there are some materials that are better for open air spaces. Some supplies, when pulled out for a project, can release fumes, particles, or other unwanted side effects into your indoor air. And that’s certainly not what you want when you’re sitting there, crafting, in the nice comfort of your home.

To keep your fun crafting session from being a respiratory hazard or cleanup nightmare, here is a heads up on materials that are best left for outdoor use.

Spray Paints

Spray paint is great to even out the colour on a piece, but you can’t use it inside. Aerosol mist is very fast to spread, leaving a strong fume trail that is more than just irritating, it’s downright unhealthy. The fine particles can even hang around in the air with ventilation, and they get into every nook and cranny of your space. Then the walls, floor, and your lungs have little particles of vibrant blue or hot pink paint. Save the spray paint for the backyard and thank us later,

Resin

For making jewelry, coasters, and other small items, resin has become a darling of the DIY world. What is often forgotten, however, is the potent smell and toxicity of resin fumes. Resin also cures, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that, when inhaled over long periods, can cause headaches and dizziness. If it is cold or rainy outside, do not bring your resin inside. If you can’t get outdoors, it’s best to press pause on that resin project: a proper mask is vital when using it.

Super Glue

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You’ve probably tried to fix something quickly with super glue and felt overwhelmed by its pungent smell. But that smell is no joke: it’s actually the release of cyanoacrylate vapors that can irritate the respiratory system and eyes, as this ResearchGate article attests. These fumes also stick around longer than you’d think, especially in confined spaces. If you’re using super glue, do it near an open window or better yet, outside.

Polyurethane Finishes

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That shiny, protective coat you want for your wooden furniture has a major downside—you’re inhaling fumes for days. Known for their strong chemical odor, polyurethane finishes tend to stay in your walls and furniture if used indoors. VOCs are present in the fumes and these aren’t only nasty, but can be harmful to breathe in. Stick to using polyurethane finishes outside if you don’t want to feel like you’re living in a paint factory.

Spray Adhesives

Spray adhesives are so easy to use to cover large areas quickly, but their strong chemical scent can make an indoor space difficult to work in. Even if you have a window open, the mist will settle on surfaces all around the room and leave sticky, unwanted residue. Furthermore, spray adhesives are flammable and thus can be dangerous if there’s any spark or heat source nearby. Spray adhesive is one of those things it’s best to use outside, where it can dissipate without leaving your room sticky and smelling like a hardware store.

Oil-Based Paints

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While oil-based paints can give your projects a durable, glossy finish, they come with a trade-off: a heavy, lingering odor that can take over your house. It’s the high VOC content of the paint that makes it more durable, but it also means more potent fumes. If used indoors, these paints can take hours, if not days, to fully dry, and can expose you to those odors for hours, if not days. If you must use oil-based paint, keep industrial grade ventilation (or save it for an outdoor project day).

Paint Thinners and Mineral Spirits

Good for cleaning brushes and thinning paints, mineral spirits and paint thinners have a powerful odor that is hard to ignore. The fumes they emit fill a room quickly, causing headaches and nausea. Because prolonged exposure to these fumes indoors can be bad for your health, it’s probably best to do paint thinning activities outside. If you’re working on a painting project, stop, clean your tools outside to avoid the smell.

Wood Stains

No denying the beauty wood stain can add to a piece of furniture, but using it indoors is a mistake. Wood stains often contain VOCs that give off a strong smell, making your eyes water, and leaving a lingering smell in your home for days. Wood stains fumes can be dizzy, making them not such a great option for small or poorly vented spaces. If you’re working on a wood staining project, be safe and fresh in the outdoors.

Epoxy Adhesives

These epoxy adhesives are very strong and very durable, but they produce some serious fumes. According to Chemical Safety Facts, epoxy chemicals, when mixed, release VOCs that irritate the nose, throat, and eyes when mixed. Also, the curing can take several hours with the gas still emitting. These adhesives can be a health hazard if used without proper ventilation indoors. It’s worth it to set up an outdoor workspace so that those strong fumes don’t dominate your room.

Acrylic Spray Sealants

Acrylic spray sealants are a great way to add a protective layer to art pieces or DIY projects, but the mist they produce can be a problem inside. If the area isn’t well ventilated, the aerosolized particles can stick to surfaces and are easy to inhale. In addition, these sealants have a strong odor which can make a room feel claustrophobic and unpleasant. If you’re sealing a project, step outside and leave it sit for a few extra minutes to dry before you bring it back inside.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.