Wall odour phenomenon
A friend of mine mentioned recently that she’d had a smelly wall in one of her bedrooms after painting, and that when she spoke to her paint manufacturer they explained it was an industry issue called ‘wall odour phenomenon’. I’m about to start painting my children’s bedrooms and wanted to check whether this is something I should be worried about.
1. What is ‘wall odour phenomenon’?
Wall odour phenomenon is extremely rare, and has existed in the global paint industry for a number of years and across many different paint brands. Recently, reports of the phenomenon have increased slightly in line with the introduction of paints with low solvent content, which has seen the removal of the masking agent that would previously have hidden any underlying smells.
2. How do you know if you’re experiencing wall odour phenomenon?
Basically, the phenomenon occurs when paint reacts with bacteria or chemicals already present on the surface of the wall. Generally speaking, the phenomenon presents itself as an unusual smell – not the odour you would usually associate with paint – and is particularly noticeable in direct sunlight or a draught.
3. Are there any health and safety issues created by wall odour phenomenon?
No. There is no evidence of health and safety side effects whatsoever. You can feel 100% confident in using Crown paints.
4. How likely is it that I will experience ‘wall odour phenomenon’?
It’s extremely unlikely. The phenomenon occurs only in very rare circumstances, and with many different paint brands from all manufacturers. Your chances of experiencing the problem are around 1 in 100,000.
5. What if I do experience the phenomenon?
In the unlikely event that wall odour phenomenon does present itself, the video here video explains quickly and easily how to get rid of it.
Alternatively, visit the PRA (Paint Research Association) website www.pra-world.com/wallodour for further information and contact details for all of the major UK paint manufacturers. If you think you are experiencing wall odour phenomenon after using Crown paints, then please call us directly on 0845 521 2499 and we can talk it through with you.
6. Is there anything I can do to resolve or prevent wall odour phenomenon?
Yes. Whichever paint brand you are using, sealing your walls with an alkali resistant sealer before painting or repainting will eradicate the phenomenon altogether. However, as this phenomenon is so rare, alkali resistant sealers are not commonly available, so you should visit your local trade decorating centre or ask your painter or decorator for advice on where to purchase.
Click here to find a local stockist
Once you’ve purchased the product, there’s a simple, step-by-step guide to applying it here
http://www.askcrown.co.uk/faq/applying-alkali-resistant-sealer/
7. Is Crown trying to identify the cause of the phenomenon?
Yes, Crown is leading the way in researching and tackling the phenomenon, working with independent industry bodies and leading academics. All tests confirm beyond any doubt that wall odour phenomenon is not caused by the paint itself, and we are now close to pinpointing a definitive answer to the problem.
