Interior woodwork painted 10 years ago suddenly smells bad

We painted the woodwork in our under stairs cupboard about 10 years and with Dulux satin. A couple of days ago we noticed an awful smell under there that’s getting worse. After emptying the room, we realised it’s the paintwork that smells. It’s also quite discoloured. Why has this happened and how do we get rid of the smell? Thanks.

12 Answers

TPR Group, Plastering & Rendering
4 Reviews, 100% Positive
Suger soap the wood work, sand it back re paint
8th Jun 2022
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It's the fresh paint reaction to bacteria growth. Because the odour is caused by microbes that pre exist on the wall surface. That's the reason why it smells.
23rd May 2022
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Zeke Residential Remodelling
6 Reviews, 100% Positive
Hi ,over time all paints that are enamel solvent-based become oxidised which results in your white gloss paint taking on a yellow tinge and starting to smell due to airless space .I would advise to either go with Acrylic Gloss from Dulux or Satin from Lakeland Paints,both guaranteed non-yellowing in time.

All the best!
26th May 2022
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The smell of sour paint comes from a buildup of bacteria that has managed to grow over time. The bacteria could have been introduced before the paint was packaged. Adding tints to paint at a hardware store is another common way that bacteria may get into the paint.

To get rid of the smell you would need to strip/sand the old paint to remove and repaint.
17th Aug 2022
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Cottrell contracts
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Bacteria would have been present in the paint before it was applied to anything. This dries and leaves a sour milk smell.
Mix a cup of bleach to a gallon of water, wash down the paint work and allow to dry.
Buy Zinsser’s Shellac-Based BIN Primer and apply to the required area. Allow to dry and paint over it with the desired colour of choice. No cheap primer will do the job. Zinsser’s Shellac-Based BIN Primer is made for this in particular but is a bit pricey
20th Oct 2022
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If you have noticed a musty smell in your home, there's a good chance that you have mildew or mold growing somewhere inside the bathroom/woodwork. Mold is one of the most common sources of smells in the house, and it can grow in many places but is most common in damp areas, especially the basement but also bathrooms and kitchens.
28th Nov 2022
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Kamal
0 Reviews
First sanding,then undercoat,then painting again with Dulux satin.

Usually such things happen due to dampness.
11th Dec 2022
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D T Decorating
0 Reviews
not mixed properly or contains lead. Remove the paint while wearing face protection to remove smell.
19th Jan 2023
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Hi.
Maybe you use expired paint thats why i smells bad. You can do Little sand using P120 sanding paper and paint again with Zinsser Cover Stain Primer.

Ernest Rolnik Painting Services
6th Mar 2023
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Clarkes
0 Reviews
You can wash the walls with vinegar, sand it down and repaint it
3rd Jan 2023
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It might smell because maybe there might be water coming or there is wetness.
25th Sep 2023
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ATIF painter
0 Reviews
It's unusual for paint to develop a strong odor after such a long period of time, especially if it has been stable for many years. However, there are a few possible reasons why this could be happening:

1. **Chemical Reaction:** Over time, certain chemicals in the paint may undergo a reaction, leading to the development of odor. This could be exacerbated by factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, or exposure to other substances.

2. **Mold or Mildew:** If there is moisture present in the under stairs cupboard, it's possible that mold or mildew has developed on the surface of the painted woodwork. Mold and mildew can produce strong odors, especially in enclosed spaces.

3. **Degradation of Paint:** The paint may have degraded over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, or other environmental factors. This degradation could lead to changes in color and the development of odor.

To address the issue and get rid of the smell, here's what you can do:

1. **Ventilate the Area:** Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate in the under stairs cupboard. This will help to disperse the odor and improve ventilation.

2. **Clean the Surfaces:** Thoroughly clean the painted woodwork with a mild detergent and water solution to remove any dirt, grime, or mold. Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure to potentially harmful substances.

3. **Inspect for Mold:** Check the painted surfaces for any signs of mold or mildew. If mold is present, clean it with a mixture of water and white vinegar or a commercial mold remover. Allow the surfaces to dry completely before proceeding.

4. **Repaint if Necessary:** If the odor persists after cleaning, you may need to repaint the woodwork with a new coat of paint. Choose a high-quality paint specifically formulated for interior woodwork, and make sure to follow proper preparation and application techniques.

5. **Address Underlying Issues:** Investigate and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of odor, such as moisture intrusion or poor ventilation in the under stairs cupboard.

If the odor persists despite your efforts to clean and repaint the woodwork, it may be advisable to consult with a professional painter or contractor for further assistance. They can assess the situation and provide recommendations for addressing the issue effectively.
4th Mar 2024
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