smoke damage

**momathome** · 07-01-2008, 03:23 PM

I need some help on how to remove smoke damage to my wallboards, and floors. In a couple of rooms there is quite abit of smoke damage- I was wondering if there is something I could use to salvage the areas. The wallboard isnt made anymore- it is an old-faishon design on one wall- I was wondering what I could use to salvage them.
Thanks in advance.

**SewCrafty** · 07-02-2008, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by gg

The only thing I know of is to paint with a couple coats of primer. It's supposed to cover the stains, prevent bleed through and seal in the odors. I would give it a good scrub with a decent soap like Dawn and warm water, first. Let dry throroghly and then paint 2 coats of primer. Then you can either wallpaper or paint.

Sorry, that won't work, smoke damage is horrible! BTDT You need to use a paint specifically for smoke damage, Bin and Kilz are 2 brands that come to mind. I'm sure any home improvement center has something, just ask. Carpeting and furniture need a professional cleaning, make sure you tell them what it is for as they need a special chemical for the smoke damage. Good luck and I am sorry you and your family are going through this.

**SewCrafty** · 07-02-2008, 03:11 AM

Originally Posted by gg

Bin and Kilz are primers! hehe. It's what I've been using the last couple of days and I will say it does a good job on all kinds of things like water stains too.

Your're right gg, they are, just specific for smoke, stain damage. Little pricier (sp) but worth their weight in gold! They seal in the smoke smell. We had a fire in our home many years ago, dad forgot to prime/paint one closet, man that sucker STUNK for years! Doesn't anymore, he took care of it with Bin.

**Greebo** · 07-02-2008, 06:04 AM

Is the wallboard special in any other way other than it isn't made anymore? I mean - is it patterned or textured in some way?

If not, then replacing it with new drywall *and* using the heavy duty primers gg and sewcrafty mentioned will work even better because you'll reduce the possible sources of odors AND seal the stink in.

Course, hanging drywall is a PITA.

**homemaker66** · 07-02-2008, 07:30 AM

I work for a cleaning company and here is my advice. Call your home insurance and they will get a cleaning crew in there that has special chemicals for that reason. Soot is very greasy and smelly and by the time you pay for all of the paint products that would be your co pay of the fire insurance. Another thing to keep in mind this will be your "Spring cleaning" the company should come in and clean EVERYTHING from the ceiling,walls,floors ect... there is alot more about "smoke & soot" so you really need to look further into this. Good luck.

**momathome** · 07-06-2008, 12:56 AM

Thank you all for all your help- unfortunately, this house of ours was vacant and didnt have insurance- it was a rental house that my parents had - and they let the insurance lapse. So, I have gone out and found Kilz - one guy there said to use bleach water- 3/4 c bleach to a gallon of hot water- and paint it on. Gets rid of everything. I dont know about that- but its worth a try. The wallboard has to go- its too far damaged. oh well - a fresh start is good

- some positive in there

thanks