Large Scale Central

Stinking latex paint

Modeling
#1

My trestles and certain other wood structures are painted with flat, exterior grade latex paint. I thin it down about 50/50 with water to avoid obliterating the wood grain and other details. This seems to work very well. However, the unused thinned paint, stored in a jar, soon acquires an unbelievably foul odor. It would make Mike Rowe look for a new line of work. Doesn’t seem to affect the quality of the paint but it sure makes it unpleasant to use.

Any suggestions on how this might be avoided? Is there anything else that could/should be used for thinning latex paint?

#2

Well fer me the solution would be to paint between March and November when allergieskeep me from smelling anything anyways

#3

Are you using tap water ? Perhaps something in it is reacting to something in the paint. If you don’t already, try using distilled water and see if there is any difference.

#4

They do make a thinner for latex paint. That might help the odor too. Sounds like you have something growing in your paint.

#5

Yes I think Warren is onto something there. Thinning it out to 50/50 may be letting an opportunity for mildew to grow in the paint. You can easily find latex paint thinner. Also, try looking for low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints.

-Brian

#6

There are also additives to prevent mildew that may help !

#7

Thanks for the suggestions. I think it’s definitely some kind of mildew problem. Also, it seems to happen with some colors more than others.