This is true even if you have to remove a thin skin from the top of the paint. If it blends together smoothly, it’s okay to use. If the paint has begun to separate, with liquid on the top and the denser paint pigments below the surface, mix it up with a stirring stick. Obviously, if the paint is moldy on top, discard it immediately. Good paint will have a chemical smell, but it won’t smell rancid like yours did. To determine whether a can of paint is still usable, pry off the lid with a screwdriver and smell the paint. Low- and zero-VOC paints are especially vulnerable because they are low in solvents that not only help stabilize paint, but also counteract bacteria. The most common culprit in stinky paint is bacteria, which can be introduced into the paint at the factory, or when tints are added at the hardware store, or when a can is partially used and then stored.

Bad paint may not go on properly, leaving a visibly rough finish that also may peel. Most latex paints have a shelf life of up to 10 years, but paint can go bad in a much shorter window of time, especially if it’s not stored properly. Make no mistake-if paint smells bad, it is bad and should be discarded. It’s been two weeks and despite tons of ventilation, it still stinks! -Frank and Anna Taylor The Fix for Foul-smelling Paint Figuring that modern paint can’t “go bad” and that the rancid smell would dissipate when the paint dried, we used it.

When we opened the cans, the paint smelled like sour milk. It was over a year ago that we bought latex paint for the dining room in our 1915 Foursquare, but put off the project. “When we opened the cans, the paint smelled like sour milk -but we used it anyway!” – The homeowners (Illustration: Brent Affrunti)

Paint goes off