Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 9/1/2010

Question
I have a bathroom remodel and had the drywall finished a week ago with knock down texture.  The odor was overwhelming at first and a week later is still very noticeable.  He said he did nothing wrong & gave no advice except to prime over it which I'm afraid to do.  I tried wiping the wall with a baking soda & water but the texture started coming off.  What can I do at this point?  I am anxious the get the walls painted and finished.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Pat, at this point you need to paint if the texture is dry.  Use a good primer, KILLZ is a good primer.  It probably wouldn't hurt to put some fungicide in the primer also.  Most paint stores have fungicide additives for various paints.  

Nothing smells worse than sour texture.  I caution anyone that is having texture done in their home to insist on newly mixed material from fresh bagged goods.  The smell should eventually go away once you paint and seal the wall.

I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson