Smoke damage affects walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It results from cigarette smoke, wood-burning fireplaces, candle soot, and natural disasters. The damage varies from light smoke damage to deeper smoke damage requiring professional expertise. So, can you paint over smoke damage?
Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.
Before painting over smoke damage, inspect the walls for smoke stains, nicotine stains, and soot on walls. Look for excessive soot accumulation, chimney soot, and candle soot residues. Damage in homes can lead to additional damages like water damage stains and adhesion issues.
Skipping the cleaning process causes adhesion issues. Follow these critical steps to clean smoke off walls and prepare for painting.
Use the right cleaning products and tools:
Use dry sponge or dry cloth to wipe away loose soot particles. Dry Cleaning Sponges made of vulcanized rubber lift excess soot without smearing.
Mix a cleaning solution with warm water and a cleaning agent. Wipe stains on walls using a damp sponge. Avoid excessive moisture, which causes additional damages.
For deeper smoke damage, use denatured alcohol or a deep-cleaning product. A second wet-cleaning step may be necessary.
Regular latex paint won’t block smoke odors. Use a quality stain block primer to create a barrier between paint and smoke-stained walls.
Once the walls are clean and primed, follow these painting steps:
A fresh coat using durable paint ensures a clean layer over smoke damage. Use oil-based or stain-blocking paint for proper paint preparations.
Let the first coat dry. Check for any remaining smoke stains. Apply a second coat of paint for better coverage and confident paint application.
If smoke stains exist on the continuous ceiling or textured ceilings, follow the same painting steps.
If paint does not stick, the cleaning process may have been insufficient. Sand the surface and reapply a bonding agent.
If cigarette smoke odor lingers, apply another coat of odor-blocking paint.
Use a higher-quality stain blocker like Zinsser Cover Stain or (not just any) shellac-based primer.
Smoke damage can extend to electrical outlets. Have an electrician inspect any damage to properties before painting.
The correct color covers smoke stains effectively. Avoid choosing a color – meh; instead, opt for a quality stain-blocking paint.
Hiring a professional painter ensures proper paint bond and a high-quality finish. However, with simple tools and a step guide, DIYers can achieve a durable paint job.
No. Painting over uncleaned smoke stains leads to adhesion issues and a poor paint job.
Pigmented shellac primers like Zinsser BIN and KILZ Restoration Primer provide the best results.
Use Dry Cleaning Sponges, warm water, and an alcohol-based cleaning agent before priming.
No. You need an odor-blocking primer before painting to seal in smoke odors.
No. Use a dry sponge or chemical sponges to lift soot off walls before wet cleaning.
By following these steps, you can confidently complete a successful paint job over smoke damage.
Visit your nearby local emergency responder or contact us today for more information.
2650 Walnut Ave. Ste. Y
Tustin, CA 92780
