Does latex paint absorb room odors (extreme pet urine odor)? Should we rip the offending carpet out first?

Question

We've heard that latex paint absorbs the horrible smells of the room as it dries. Should we remove the carpet before painting? I was planning on using the carpet as a drop cloth then take it out. My SisNLaw has heard the paint will absorb this odor unless we remove the carpet. The urine odor is strong enough to bring tears to ones eyes.

My question was understandably misinterpreted by most. We want to paint with the carpet down because it's going to be ripped out and do not care if paint drops on the old carpet. WE DON'T want the new paint to absorb the odor while the carpet is still in the room. I had never heard that paint could absorb odors, that was my question.

Answer 1

I have never heard of the paint absorbing odors, but drop cloths are soooo cheap.

Answer 2

Why wait to rip out the carpet? If you are pulling it up anyway, go ahead. If the new paint drips on the concrete floor, so what? Then you don't have to worry whether it absorbs odor or not. If you have some other subfloor, a little drizzle of paint won't matter, if it matters TO YOU, then buy a plastic dropcloth for a few bucks. It's cheaper than REpainting if the odors absorb... besides, I'd want that stench in the carpeting/padding out as soon as possible....

Answer 3

There are some paints that will cover stains and odors but make sure you check the labels. But if the smell is that bad you will need to remove the carpet, pad and probably sand and treat the sub floor. Good luck.

Answer 4

Latex paint might help but it won't completely fix the urine smell. You will have to take out the carpet. If it's bad enough you may even have to get the subfloor sanded down or even replaced as well.

Answer 5

Why do you need a drop cloth if you are ripping out the carpet?