Is there a non-toxic Varathane for wood panelling?
I have MCS. My landlord wants to varathane the wood panelling that covers about 85% of the interior of my one bedroom cottage. The cottage is about 600 sq. feet. He is trying to get me out so that he can charge double the rent. Is there any type of varathane that will allow me to return to the house within 2-3 weeks? Thanks for your help.
To protect indoor air quality while finishing wood inside homes with a varnish, I would highly recommend water-based zero VOC varnish. But people with MCS (multiple Chemical Sensitivity) can as you know I'm sure, have different tolerances and also different reactions to the same products so there is not a one-size-fits-all solution regrettably.
There really isn't any need to varnish interior wood walls for any reason other than aesthetics, and that's only if you happen to prefer shiny varnished walls to matt finish natural wood. It is an unnecessary expense and comprimises your indoor air quality, so given your health sensitivies it does sound a bit like an excuse to get you out and raise the rent unfortunately.
I lust looked in our Green Building Product Directory for non-toxic varnish and found one brand, though its hard to say if it is natural enough for you to tolerate it. The products are always being added so check back soon and there may be more.
Sorry we cannot offer more solid answers, it is impossible to say how soon after you may be able to get in. When it is hot and dry it will cure and off-gas quicker than when its cool and humid, so perhaps run the heat pretty hot the week after its done, that will speed up your return.
We have a lot of information on protecting indoor air quality during construction and renovations, so for now or any home you have in the future I hope that helps a bit.
Thanks so much for your response, Mike, and the information you passed along. I am going to look at the links you provided, and I am also checking in with the provincial Human Rights Commission, as they may have some pointers to help out from a legal standpoint. Thanks again.
Oh by the way, I think his excuse for needing to varathane the panelling is to maintain and uphold the condition of the rental unit. I doubt, though, that it has been varathaned in the 50 years the cottage has been here. And it really doesn't need anything, it's in good shape. I'm dealing here with a son of the landlady who has decided to get a real hate on against me because I didn't give in to his demand for an illegal, outrageously large hike in the rent. Well, it may be time soon to invest in an RV van and live the van life so many are doing now. But first, I want to put up a good fight over this place, my home for the last 8 years. :)
That sounds like a really tough position to be in. Sorry to hear and I hope for you it works out.