How to get rid of a rancid paint smell on walls

Question

I've just painted a bedroom and there's a horrible sour smell coming from the walls. The paint was bought a while ago. How long will this smell last? Do I have to get it off the wall?

Rado · Accepted Answer

It's hard to get the paint off the wall if it isn't nicely plastered room, plus if the paint properly soaked into the wall with the smell itself being embedded you will need to use sealing undercoat; watertight coat and then paint with the desired paint on top of this.

Daniel · Answer

Did the paint smell before you apply the emulsion to the walls? Paints probably gone off 👍🏻 eggy smell

Paul · Answer

You need to ventilate the room with windows open and if need be use cross breezes and the use of box fans positioned facing directly out the window, you can also use things like white vinegar and baking soda as these are odor absorbers

Robert · Answer

You can use a red zinzer bin neutralizes unpleasant odors on the walls and ceilings before painting

Adam · Answer

Clean of and strip sand& prep and repaint all walls

Graeme · Answer

There are several ways of checking where the problem is coming from one is to have the wall checked for moisture, this is done by using a gauge there are several companies that will do this. Dampness in the cavity and brick work can often be the cause of horrible and unhygienic smells.

Tom · Answer

Try the dehumidifier , leave it for at least 2 days. 
If the smell still on I would use primer undercoat, and paint vinyl matt 2 coats.

Sean · Answer

USE SOME HOT WATER MIXED WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP SMELL WILL GO AFTER ONE DAY ALSO OPEN WINDOWS TO VENTILATE ROOM

Paul · Answer

Yes remove the paint from the wall now, it’s most likely the paint wasn’t any good and will always linger in the air if not repaired properly

John · Answer

Wall paint (especially water-based latex paint) is organic. If it was bought a while ago and opened, or stored in a place with fluctuating temperatures, bacteria or mould can grow inside the can.
​When you roll that spoiled paint onto a wall, you are essentially spreading that bacteria across the room. As it reacts with the air and dries, it releases that awful, sour smell.
​
​Unfortunately, it won’t just go away on its own. Because the bacteria are trapped in the paint layer, curing can take weeks, and the smell can linger indefinitely or flare up every time the room gets humid. Simply airing out the room won't fix it.
​
​To get rid of the smell, here is the play-by-play solution they need to follow:
​Let it Dry Completely: They need to wait until the bad paint layer is 100% dry to the touch (usually 24 to 48 hours).
​Wash the Walls: Wipe the walls down with a mixture of warm water and a little dish soap or a mild bleach solution to kill any surface bacteria. Let it dry completely.
​Apply an Odour-Blocking Primer: This is the crucial step. A regular primer won't work. They need a shellac-based primer or a high-quality oil-based primer (brands like Zinsser B-I-N). These primers create an impermeable barrier that traps the foul odour underneath.
​Repaint (With Fresh Paint): Once the primer is dry, they can apply a fresh coat of brand-new paint. Tell them to throw away the old can so they don't accidentally use it again! 
Hope this helps 
AJ

How to get rid of a rancid paint smell on walls

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