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ncbambi · 02-24-2010, 05:42 PM

Hi All, couldn't think of a better place to ask this question. We recently purchased a pantry cabinet (1950's or so) that we brought home and immediately opened it to begin cleaning and the smell was awful. A chemical, oil type smell. It is completely painted off white inside. Immediately, obsessive compusive here, I started removing shelves and got out the Kilz. Painted two layers of paint and put it back together.

Well, it still stinks! How do you get odors out of a wood cabinet? There is no obvious signs of puddles of anything inside, it just smells like an old oil furnace. We really need to use this cabinet, and the antique dealer has a "no return/exchange" policy. Help!!! Need to use the cabinet!

Nancy

vswingfield · 02-24-2010, 05:48 PM

If I understand you correctly, you painted over the old paint that probably had the smell soaked into it or was at least over the smell?

ncbambi · 02-24-2010, 05:55 PM

Yep, painted over the existing paint and whatever was smelling up the cabinet. Completely washed the inside surfaces before painting though. Any ideas?

vswingfield · 02-24-2010, 06:05 PM

Unfortunately the only thing I can think of would be to remove all the paint/finish and thoroughly bleach it. I would take it outside and sponge full-strength bleach over it several times, concentrating on the joints where smells could have soaked in. Allow to soak for half an hour or more. Then rinse and allow to dry completely, several days. Check for smells then. If that doesn't do it, I am out of ideas.

Stripping is not an easy thing, but at least now you have two more fresh coats of Kilz to take off.

loudruff · 02-24-2010, 06:43 PM

Don't forget to wash the outside and the bottom of the outside under the cabinet. The backs of the cabinets are usually different wood that may be cheaper and not as durable. Make sure you wash that throroughly as well. Did you also paint the bottom of the shelves??