I recently refinished some dressers and applied the last coat of polyurethane today (Friday). I'm wondering how long I should wait before bringing them inside since they're currently in my garage, which still has a strong smell due to the oil-based stain. I want to know when it's safe to move them in, especially considering that I won't be using them for anything except storing clothes. I'd prefer not to deal with fumes for too long—can I bring them inside by this weekend, or should I wait until next week?
3 Answers
If you used oil-based stain and poly, waiting about two weeks can be a good idea if you're not rushed. Air out the garage on dry days, and consider using a heat lamp if you're in a colder area. I let my finishes sit for a month once during winter, and they turned out great. The fumes will still be there for a week or two but should lessen significantly after the first few days.
Typically, when the strong smell goes away, that's a sign the off-gassing is finished. With polyurethane, this usually takes at least a few days. However, even after the smell fades, full curing may take weeks depending on factors like how thick your coats are and the ambient conditions. It’s fine to use them for clothes when the smell is gone, but I’d hold off on placing anything heavy on top for a bit longer.
If you still have rags or brushes containing finish in the garage, they might be contributing to the odor. It’s best to hang them outside to dry, as they can create a fire hazard if left wet. For typical drying times, expect about 4 hours for recoating and 24 hours for drying. I'd recommend giving it a full day in the garage, then bring it inside for another day before using it. Just remember, oils can take about a month to cure, so avoid heavy use for a while.