We have received several calls from people asking for help with a bizarre issue they are having with a well-known brand of paint. After painting their homes with this paint, an odd smell was noticed that many compared to cat’s urine or rotten eggs.

The paint in question is a US brand, which in the UK is sold through a leading DIY chain, complete with an in-store paint mixing and colour matching service. It is also sold through trade outlets, and many of the calls we received were from owners of new-build homes.

The problem was that the company had removed a preservative from its formula (which it has since reinstated) due to changes in EU law which restricted some types of ingredients used in paint. This lead to bacterial growth, which in turn has led to numerous reports and complaints.

A common problem

This is a well-known issue across the paint industry, experts say. Graham Hill, managing director of ECHA Microbiology in Cardiff, said bacteria can grow in the paint can and release hydrogen sulphide gas, which causes a bad egg smell, and ammonia, which can explain the urine smell. 

Little Knights – a beautiful solution

The paint company suggested that their customers could cover the offending walls with two coats of alkaline sealer. We have a much easier solution – simply paint over the offending paint with Little Knights anti-bacterial paint. It will remove any potential health hazard caused by bacteria growth and seal in the bad smells.

What’s more, because Little Knights is the UK’s only independently certified 100% VOC-free paint, you can do so knowing that you are not exposing your family to any potentially harmful paint fumes.

Feel free to contact us or call 01604 781009 for more information.