Alkali resistant sealer is easy to apply, but you do need to make sure you’ve taken certain steps in advance. Watch the video here , and follow the simple step-by-step instructions below, and you’ll have resolved your wall odour issues in no time.

1. Always follow the back of pack instructions and, where technical and safety data information is required, refer to the manufacturer’s contact details.
2. Cover all furniture and carpets and ensure that the room is well ventilated both during and for 4/5 hours after application.
3. Using a pure bristle brush, cut in a fine line of alkali resistant sealer around ceilings and skirting joints.
4. For wall and ceiling areas, use a medium pile roller to spread the alkali resistant sealer evenly over the surface. Using an extension pole will make application easier.
5. Allow a minimum of 16 hours’ drying time before painting over the sealer.
6. Clean any splashes to the skin with a proprietary skin cleaner. For equipment and other splashes, use a proprietary brush cleaner.
7. Once the sealer is dry, apply two coats of a wall emulsion of your choice.
8. As alkali resistant sealer is a solvent-based product, it will take approximately four to five hours for the solvent smell to dissipate.
9. Alkali resistant sealer can be bought from most leading trade outlets, including Crown Decorator Centres.

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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 such as Crown Trade 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.

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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.

There’s a definite trend towards low-sheen finishes indoors and out and I think this lady would prefer the subtle appearance that you achieve with Sandtex Trade Eggshell Xtra. This high performance coating will give the new door many years protection in all weathers providing that it is suitably primed with Sandtex Trade Flexible Primer Undercoat. Eggshell Xtra is available in over 2000 tinted shades at the colourzone mixing counter so take in a colour sample, find a colour match in store and have the paint mixed to order.

I would use a water-based acrylic gloss rather than traditional high solvent gloss on a job like this. Low VOC, low odour products are less likely to cause irritation to anyone sensitive to solvent emissions.  A water-based product like Sandtex Trade’s Exterior Acrylic Gloss is also quick drying too, so the care home windows will only need to be left open for the minimum length of time. Providing the existing paint film is basically sound, abrade the surface and apply one or two coats as required. The first should be touch dry in about an hour and ready for recoating six hours later. Sandtex Trade Exterior Acrylic Gloss is moisture vapour permeable (MPV) so although it’s completely rainproof, excess moisture can escape from the substrate thereby minimising cracking, blistering and flaking of the paint film. It’s remarkably hardwearing too. Used in conjunction with Sandtex Trade Exterior Acrylic Primer Undercoat it has BBA certification for over five years’ durability

Resin exudation is an age-old problem that can occur on all sorts of wood, new and old. It can even be triggered off by changing the colour of paint used to decorate the wood. Changing from a reflective light colour to a dark heat absorbing shade for instance can be enough to cause resin to be released from knots that previously gave no cause for concern.

If the problem isn’t too severe, use a hot air gun to force resin to the surface, wipe down thoroughly with meths and then apply a proprietary knotting solution. Using an MPV decorative coating should also help. However, there’s only one way to be absolutely sure that no resin will be exuded in the long term, and that’s to drill the knot out completely and then fill the hole with woodfiller.

I would recommend that you apply Sandtex Trade Stabilising Solution (available in solvent-borne and water-borne options) to sort out this ‘patchy’ problem. It has very low viscosity which means it can penetrate deep in into the substrate. As it dries it actually binds powdery and loose particles together and evens out the porosity of the substrate at the same time, leaving you with a much firmer stronger and less ‘thirsty’ surface to decorate.

You can’t beat the elegance and style of natural wooden floors but they can present a slip hazard where there are young children running about. Tell your customer about Sadolin’s new Anti Slip Floor Varnish. It’s a water-based, low odour varnish/anti-slip treatment that can be applied to bare floorboards (or as a maintenance coat). It looks like conventional varnish but cures to a very finely textured surface that’s comfortable underfoot. Don’t be put off by memories of old anti-slip formulations with coarse aggregate additives that were difficult to mix, prone to clumping and really rough and gritty. This new varnish is based on fine particle technology and these issues have been overcome. It’s really easy to apply and so quick to dry that you could get three coats on in a day and leave it to dry overnight.

Getting rid of nasty stains

• Make sure you’ve solved the cause of the stain such as leaking pipes.
• Apply a suitable stain block solution to the stained area.
• Once dry, it’s ready to be painted.

Filling the cracks

• Clear out the crack.
• Sand the surface to a smooth surface.
• Apply a fine surface filler, leave to dry and dust off any bits and you’re ready to paint.

Dealing with gaps & cracks

• To deal with nasty rough edges and cracks at joints caulking is a great decorating solution.
• Rake out any bits, dust or and using a caulking gun and apply a thin line of caulk.
• Use a damp sponge or cloth, smooth out and then let dry so you’re ready to paint.