Should I be concerned if a craft sculpture smells strongly of paint or chemicals when it arrives?

So you’ve just unpacked that beautiful craft sculpture you ordered online, and—whoa—your nose is getting a workout. A strong smell of paint, varnish, resin, or something vaguely chemical hits you. Is this normal? Should you start panicking and wearing a hazmat suit? Let me walk you through what’s happening and whether you need to be concerned.

First off, don’t freak out. It is actually quite common for new sculptures—especially handcrafted ones made from resin, acrylic paint, epoxy, or spray finishes—to arrive with a noticeable odor. These materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they cure. Think of it like fresh paint in a room: it smells strong for a few days, then fades. Most of the time, this is not dangerous, just annoying. The sculpture may have been packed immediately after the artist finished sealing or painting it, so the fumes got trapped in the box.

When should you be concerned? If the smell is overwhelmingly sharp, makes your eyes water, or gives you a headache within minutes, that’s a red flag. This could indicate that the piece wasn't properly cured before shipping or that a solvent-based product (like lacquer thinner or industrial-grade epoxy) is off-gassing aggressively. In rare cases, cheap knockoffs may use non-art-grade paints or resins that contain higher levels of toxic VOCs. If you or anyone in your home has asthma, chemical sensitivities, or a sniffly pet, proceed with caution.

The good news? In 90% of cases, this odor is temporary. Here’s what you can do: unwrap the sculpture completely and place it in a well-ventilated area—near an open window or on a porch—for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight if it’s painted, as heat can actually increase off-gassing temporarily. If after two days the smell hasn’t faded much, try wiping the surface with a mild soap and water (only if the sculpture is sealed and the artist confirms it’s safe to do so). For resin pieces, a light buffing with a microfiber cloth can also help.

One last tip: always message the artist. A responsible maker will tell you exactly what materials they used and whether the smell is normal. If they’re vague or dismissive—like “just leave it outside forever”—that’s a yellow flag. Trust your nose, but also give your sculpture a little fresh air before you decide to send it back. Chances are, it will be blissfully scentless in a day or two, and you’ll be able to enjoy your art without holding your breath.