Paint Smell Won't Go Away

What's happening?

The smell of paint comes mainly from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Homebuilding quotes a paint brand director saying that most off-gassing happens within the first 48 hours, though some paints continue to off-gas during a longer curing process, and that the higher the VOC level, the longer the smell may linger. HSE says solvents in coatings give off vapours, that a higher VOC content means more risk, and that manufacturers must label VOC content. A smell that does not follow that pattern needs another explanation. Homebuilding says emulsion that has been open for over two years, with a sour smell and a chunky texture, should not be used, and that paint with a sour smell or discolouration may have gone off. A smell of gas, including a rotten-egg smell, has to be treated as possible gas first.

What usually causes it?

• Paint with a high VOC content that is slow to cure
• Poor ventilation, so fumes linger in the room
• Paint that was old or opened long ago and had gone off, with a sour smell
• Fumes trapped in soft furnishings and carpets
• A smell from something else in the house, such as drains or gas, that is not the paint

Is it dangerous?

Paint fumes can be harmful: HSE says high amounts of solvent vapour can cause headaches, drowsiness and even unconsciousness, so ventilate well while painting and drying. A smell of gas is an emergency: if you smell gas, open doors and windows, leave and ring the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 (0800 002 001 in Northern Ireland), which HSE gives as the number to call.

Can I fix it myself?

Open windows and keep the room ventilated, and keep people with breathing problems and pets out of it while it airs. Check the date and condition of the tin: a sour smell or chunky paint means it has gone off. Check the smell is only in the painted room. If it smells of gas or eggs and you have gas appliances, treat it as gas and follow the emergency steps above. Do not rely on bowls of baking soda or similar: Homebuilding says ventilation is doing the work.

When should you call a painter and decorator?

Call the painter who did the job if the smell is still strong after the first week and the paint may be unsuitable or gone off. Call a Gas Safe registered engineer or the emergency number for any smell of gas, and a plumber if the smell is from drains.

What will the painter and decorator actually do?

• Check what paint was used and whether the tin was in date and in good condition
• Check ventilation and drying conditions in the room
• Repaint with a suitable low-odour paint where the old paint is the cause
• Strip off paint that has gone off, rather than painting over it
• Advise on a gas or drain check where the smell is not the paint

Who fixes this

• Ceiling painting
• Painting preparation

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. Homebuilding: does anything get rid of the smell of paint?
2. Homebuilding: does emulsion paint go off?
3. HSE: paint and coatings
4. HSE: domestic gas safety, homeowner FAQs