Ask Tom & Leslie

Painting Over Cigarrette Smoke Stains

Dear Tom & Leslie,
I enjoy your program very much.  I listen to it on Central Jersey 1450 AM - WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey.  I am planning to paint the interior of my elderly parent's home with the help of my brothers and sisters.  The problem is - both of my parents smoked in the house for many years and the walls appear stained throughout.  Is there anyway the walls should be treated from these smoking stains before we begin to paint?  Thanks for all your help.
Tom Clark
New Brunswick, New Jersey
 
Dear Tom,
If you are a fan of the show -- you know that we are fans of using primers!  Skipping this step, even on a repaint, can bring disastrous results.  In this case, the primer will servew and added benefit in sealing in odors associated with years of cigarette smoking.  We would suggest a thorough cleaning using a solution of TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) which is available in any home center, hardware store or paint dealer, followed by a coat of oil-based primer.  This will give you a clean surface to work from and assure a terrific finished job.
Good luck and thanks for listening,
Tom & Leslie

Print Version

Search Related Topics: Cleaning, Painting & Staining, Walls & Ceilings...