Morning all,

Firstly some practical help please. How can I cover a water stain in the ceiling so that I can overpaint with emulsion? I have purchased some Auro White Emulsion paint which goes on very well if a little smelly. However, the water stain is coming through, can someone recommend an green way of stopping this? Most suggestions I have read on Google suggest solvent / oil based solutions.

On a slightly broader topic what are peoples experience with so called "eco" paints? I have used Auro for emulsion and painting the shed which has stood up well over the winter and just looks like it needs a clean for spring. It certainly hasn't peeled like I have seen on the commercial shed / fence paints.

Finally, the white emulsion is quite smelly having quite a strong orange smell. I am going to try the onion and vinegar / bread trick for the second coat.

Paul,

I only have experience of ecopaint as an external woodstain. I haven' found the finish very satisfactory in this case, but have since been told that it wasn't appropriate for this use (which puts the original advice under question). However, provided it lasts 3 - 5 years before requiring re-work, I'll be reasonably happy.
Can you expand on the onion / vinegar trick regards smell ?