Paint smells like cat pee.

Anonymous asked 10 years ago

We have one room in our house that was painted two years ago using Olympic interior satin latex paint from Lowe’s. In the past few days the room has developed a distinct cat pee odor. We, however, do not have a cat and there has not been a cat in the house. Does anyone know of something specific about this paint? The color we used was Aloe Vera.

15 Answers
Anonymous answered.

I can tell you from personal experience that the shellac paint is only a temporary fix. I mentioned above that I used Bin oil-based paint. That was a shellac-type paint. The smell went away initially, but came back a year or so after repainting when the room became warmer than usual in the summer. I think more needs to be done, and Lowe's or Olympic needs to correct the problem. At one point I was afraid this paint would ruin my whole house. That could possibly happen if not corrected if I allow my house to get too warm.

Anonymous answered.

Paint has nothing in it, which would smell like cat urine. It is ludicrous to believe that this is the case. If the wet paint in the can does not smell, then it will not convert to an acid smell. Paint does not have magical powers.

Okay not to change this into a banter post here. but

"Answered by Anonymous
Paint has nothing in it, which would smell like cat urine. It is ludicrous to believe that this is the case. If the wet paint in the can does not smell, then it will not convert to an acid smell. Paint does not have magical powers."

Unless you are there, to see what these people are talking about do not make them out to be liars. They are here to get constructive input.

There is every possibility, that the paint they used could have had some sort of reaction with either the previous paint or a chemical used at some point. Unless you happen to be a paint engineer and know beyond certainty then there is simply no need to call the people out like this. Instead lets ask more questions and see if we can find a solution.

Thank You,
Steve M.

Anonymous answered.

I've had the same problem with Behr. The color is Gem Turquoise (bright green/blue color). Behr sent me Kilz Max (a new latex primer that is supposed to work like an oil-based primer). It's been a week since we primed and re-painted. The smell is a little less, but still there. We've been running fans, and air purifier and a dehumidifier (along with keeping the windows open) for two months!!! This is crazy. I think the colorant went bad. Many friends and neighbors have painted with Behr within a couple of weeks of us and haven't had any problems. They used different colors though. This is really making me sick (physically and mentally). I hope Kilz original primer will fix it, but it doesn't sound like this nightmare will end any time soon! Has anyone had any luck removing the smell permanently??? Please help if you have! Thank you!

Anonymous answered.

Looks like we are going to skip the primer and just get new drywall and possibly a new ceiling! What a mess! I will NEVER USE BEHR PAINT AGAIN!