Hi all! My husband and I are new to Ana White and are in LOVE. This past weekend we completed the Farmhouse Queen headboard and two mini farmhouse tables. I am so happy to have found such a great community!
That being said, I am now onto the finishing part of these projects. I just came in from staining the side tables and am now wondering if this is okay while pregnant? I am working in the garage (door open) and with a mask on. Hoping this is alright? Do any of you have suggestions?
Thanks much, look forward to blogging about our new furniture!
Forums
claydowling
Thu, 02/23/2012 - 13:18
Masks & Finishing
Unless you're using a respirator with a charcoal filter canister, the mask does nothing but make you uncomfortable.
The risks depend entirely upon the finishes you're using. Most finishes are pretty safe to be around. The bigger issue is probably going to be your heightened sensitivity to smell. If it smells strongly, you'll probably want to avoid it.
You can also greatly minimize exposure by wearing vinyl gloves when you do your finishing. They're inexpensive to buy in bulk, and they make cleanup a lot easier for you as well. I especially use them when dealing with an oil based polyurethane, because the material can deposit a harsh abrasive layer on your skin that takes a couple of days to wear off.