So am I done staining for the next 9 months???

I've read that it's ok to continue to stain, as long as the work area is VERY well-ventilated. I wouldn't take any chances though, and would switch to acrylic or low-VOC (Vermont Natural Coatings makes one that's supposed to be good) stain, as well as wear a ventilator mask.

I have a son with a relatively rare chronic problem.  Do yourself a favor and avoid anything questionable.  If something happens you won't ever have to second guess whether or not staining (or any other questionable activity!) caused the problem.  Luckily I was VERY cautious with EVERYTHING when I was pregnant and I don't feel it was anything I did.  But I'm glad I don't have to ask myself if he's suffering because of me.

Just my two cents!  I would feel comfortable painting/staining with a certified No/Low VOC product.  I think it is harder to find stains in that category and paints are generally only classified as No/Low VOC in the lighter colors.  The colorant can add VOC and ups the numbers above what they can call Low VOC.  If you are going for a white painted look, then you are good to go.

Congratulations to you on your pregnancy!

Need to add--white paint is not automatically low VOC.  I think my post made it seem that way, and that is incorrect.

Thanks! I usually use low-voc paint when I paint anything but I was wondering if the low-voc stains would be safer because I've seen the warnings all over the regular ones (which is currently what I own). I don't know if its the voc's they are warning about or if there are other things in it too that are more dangerous to us preggos. I've got so many projects in the works that require staining and I don't want to have to put it off until after baby arrives to finish everything. I'm an instant gratification kinda gal. LOL

I was answering this with snow falling as I look out the window so I was not thinking that you might be in an area that allows you to stain your projects outside right now.  Or be able to stain them outside once spring hits us again.  I would personally only do it REALLY outside, not in a garage, etc.  I spray painted some door hardware in our garage and it was still pretty stinky, even with one of the bays open and another regular door open for cross ventilation.  That obviously only works if your projects are small enough to haul out there

I do believe that it is the VOC content that makes stains and paints something to be cautious around for pregnant people, but it can't hurt to ask your OB or midwife if something else would be a problem.  Keep in mind that VOCs offgas for a long time.  You might want to leave the projects outside for awhile after the can says it's dry to let as much as you can offgas out there. Won't solve the entire problem, but it won't hurt!  Especially if they are going into the nursery.

This might be the perfect opportunity to find a low VOC stain that you like.  If you do, please report back!  I'd love to have some options as well, especially from someone who has actually used the product!

AHHHHH!!!!  That's so great, I hadn't noticed a new ticker for you on the other site, so I didn't realise you were expecting!  Congrats!!

That's all I had ;)

Congratulations!

I'd suggest you'd use waterbased paints. It's all in the solvent, right? I only use waterbased paints, because the tools are easier to clean and it doesn't smell. Just make sure it's not a combination of different solvents.

Ikea sells glazing paints based on lineseed oil: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/cata.....30186308 

Those shouldn't be too harmful, either. The colors are really nice but they take a while to dry.

You might look into milk paints.  They are water based, and you can thin them down or thicken them up.  They're also super durable.  The trick is that you don't always get the best color selection, and you'll probably have to order them from somewhere.  They aren't popular enough for paint stores to stock in most places.

As somebody mentioned, your OB is the one to talk to first. They have an actual medical degree, and could at least tell you which bad things in finishes you need to look out for.