Emulsion paint gone off?!

[vickster]

I touched up a wall in spare room today (to cover up the footprints where the cat climbs off the window sill) with the leftover paint that was originally used and the room now stinks of what can only be described as sour milk!!! Google suggests that the paint had probably gone off!! It didn't smell particularly bad when applying, like paint really. It had separated and a good stir was needed.

Who has had this before? I've opened the windows and stuck some pot pourri in there. Google suggests it might improve once dried but that white vinegar or onions in water might work

Any other ideas please. I'm off on holiday soon so redecoration is not an option! (and I'm trying to sell the house, hence the painting)

Last time I do any bloody DIY!!!! FWIW it does look better

 

[Drago]

Emulsion can go funny. The water separates,, stagnates and goes whiffy.

 

[roadrash]

ive been told a burning candle will get rid of paint smells , not tried it though

 

[roadrash]

A few tips here..

http://atlantapaintingcompany.com/2016/02/04/how-to-remove-paint-fumes-with-common-household-items/

 

[vickster]

Emulsion can go funny. The water separates,, stagnates and goes whiffy.

Yes that’s what seems to have happened, but what’s the remedy ??

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Bacteria eats the oil in the paint. The bad smell is bacteria farts.

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Yes that’s what seems to have happened, but what’s the remedy ??

Rub it down then apply a sealer before emulsioning again.

 

[vickster]

Bacteria eats the oil in the paint. The bad smell is bacteria farts.

And how to get rid of bacteria fart smell?

 

[vickster]

Rub it down then apply a sealer before emulsioning again.

No time I’m afraid!

It was a mixed colour so no chance of matching, I’d rather not have to get the whole room redone (and I can’t before Friday anyhow)

Looks like I might have to stock up quickly on candles, onions and vinegar!

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

You could try wiping it down with disinfectant - might work

 

[vickster]

You could try wiping it down with disinfectant - might work

The paint isn’t completely dry, won’t it make a complete mess?

 

[vickster]

Next job, all old open paint to tip ASAP! Luckily I didn’t get any further with the touching up!!

 

[NickNick]

Depending on how much time you have to play with I would give it 48h with plenty of ventilation but without using anything to mask the smell. Hopefully by that point smell will be gone or at least on its own way to being gone. If by the end of the 48h it's not gone, or not going quickly enough to fit your timetable, then I'd sand down all of the area with the guilty emulsion making sure there is none left then repaint.

If you need the smell gone more urgently you might want to bite the bullet and just remove it and start again.

I've not had personal experience of such instances as I'm very picky with what paint I will use (regularly get asked if I can use stuff clients have had sat in a shed for a decade, but won't this being one of the reasons), but I'm pretty sure the smell will go after a while, just not sure how long.

 

[NickNick]

The paint isn’t completely dry, won’t it make a complete mess?

Yes, don't do anything till it is completely dry, not just touch dry, or you will have a right mess on your hands!

 

[vickster]

Thanks @NickNick

If I'd known this could happen, I wouldn't have started. I go away on Friday and am working full time until then

Luckily it was a fairly small area painted although the wall does smell!