Help needed with kilz issues

help

I am having some problems with my studio office I painted. Lately I have been in this space all day (has couch bed and bathroom) I have been getting headaches from the fumes, similar smell to when I sprayed the kilz so I think it’s from that. (At the time I wore a full tyvek and full face respirator but it was strong strong it was getting through the mask, it was STRONG)

About 6 weeks ago I coated the entire room plus walk in closet with kilz original (red can) oil primer (HD SKU 822345)

  • 2 coats sprayed with airless graco

For the ceiling paint I used ProMar 400 Zero VOC Interior Latex, Flat, Extra White, 5 Gallon Product # B30W04651

  • 2 coats with airless sprayer

For the trim, I used Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Semi-Gloss, Hi-Hide White, 1 Gallon Product # K38W02751

  • 2 coats with airless sprayer

On the walls: Sherwin Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex (Satin, Product # K37W00451)

  • 2 coats hand rolled

The room has 7 windows, I have had 3+ windows open 24/7 for at least the last 4 weeks, and at often times have all 7 open. The space is about 390 sqft

I have also tried excess ac to cool the room, bowls of vinegar left out, hepa and activated carbon air filters, and most recently: heat to heat the room up with windows closed.

Humidity in the space has been high (ranging 65 to 85%) for a while as I have had the windows open constantly

From my research I believe it may be VOCs I am smelling, but I’m not sure. Definitely seems like it is certainly the kilz. I just don’t understand how the kilz smell can be penetrating multiple coats of high grade latex paint.

I welcome any and all suggestions, at this point I am about to buy a VOC detector on Amazon and wave it around the room until I can find a possible source… but they’re $300-$800 so I am looking for other options first.

Posted Oct 7, 2025, 2:42 AM UTC

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