A bare wood side table on a drop cloth inside an open garage door

Finishing indoors or outdoors: what EPA says

EPA's line on outdoor work and exhaust fans, and what the label decides.

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The label comes first

EPA says to "Meet or exceed any label precautions." The label on each product says where and how to use it.

Outdoors or an exhaust fan

EPA says that if a label says to use the product in a well-ventilated area, "go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it."

Otherwise, open windows

EPA says: "Otherwise, open up windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air possible."

Stains and oil finishes

Massachusetts' Department of Fire Services says: "The oils in some paints, stains, and varnishes release heat as they dry. If oily rags and applicators are left in a pile, a box, or the trash, the heat can remain trapped and cause a fire that quickly spreads to nearby combustibles." Follow the label and your local fire officials.

What we do not say

We do not say any room, garage, or product is fine for indoor finishing.

This is general information, not legal or safety advice.

Sources: EPA, Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality; Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (mass.gov), Disposing of oily rags; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Preparing products found in your garage for disposal.

FAQ

Can I stain in a garage?

We do not say. EPA says that if a label calls for a well-ventilated area, "go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it."

Where do used rags go?

Massachusetts' Department of Fire Services says to "hang them outside to dry in a safe area or spread them out flat, making sure they are weighted down," and that "They should not be in a pile." Follow the label and your local fire officials.

General information only. Follow every product label and increase ventilation when you finish, as EPA advises. State fire and health agencies warn that rags used with some oil-based stains and finishes can catch fire on their own: never leave them in a pile, and dry and dispose of them as the label and your local fire officials direct. CPSC says to anchor furniture with drawers, doors, and shelves to the wall. In an emergency, call 911.

A bare wood stool on a plain drop cloth below a tall window between sheer curtains

Ventilation for finishing: what EPA says

EPA lines on airflow.

A closed plain metal container with a tight lid on a dark concrete surface

Oily rags can catch fire on their own

Never leave them in a pile.

A closed unlabeled metal tin beside a blank sheet of paper on a workbench

Reading a finish label before you start

The label sets the steps.

Next: ventilation