DIY Painting Tip: How to Neutralize the Smell of Paint

Some people do get a bit dizzy with the smell of paint, or at least do not like inhaling it while working. There are a few who say you can mix drops of vanilla extract to your paint - quickly refuted by those who say this does not work with oil-based paints.

One tip is to use oil extract like peppermint. Add four drops of the oil extract to every quart of paint. If the extract contains alcohol, make sure it is methyl alcohol as that can mix with water. Yes, this is also for water-based paints only.

For oil-based paints, what you can do is open the windows or use a fan to improve air circulation. You can also use a painting mask, or use paint with low volatile organic compounds.