Smoke Damage Restoratation

Subject: Smoke Damage

Question: Hi Tim:

My house suffered severe smoke damage. I was told that I need to have someone to clean the walls before the walls are re-painted. I got an estimate from a company that does the fire restoration type of works. However the cleaning cost is very expensive. The people in the hardware store tell me that I just need to apply a layer of oil based primer. It will cover the smoke stain and the smell. What is your opinion? Is the cleaning necessarily?

Thanks!

Answer: Hi Kenneth,
Thanks for stopping in.

Fire damage restoration
The cleaning is necessary. You have to think what you are putting the paint on. The smoke and soot don't make a good surface for any paint to adhere to. There is a good chance the paint will come off later if it is put on the soot. You will be better off in the long run if you can get it off . Try a solution of TSP and amonia in warm water to cut through the grime. Follow the directions for the TSP. There are plenty of products you can buy to remove the grime. This is an inexpensive way to get the majority of the smoke off.

You will still need to prime the walls with Kilz or BIN from Zinsser. The shellac base seals in the stain and smell. Regular oil base won't work.

Hope that helps.

Tim Hoeffel
Better Painting
Colorado Springs, CO