How to Paint Over Smoke Damage

Painting over smoke damage in a home is an easy way to help move forward after an unfortunate event. However, many people mistakenly think that a few coats of paint will cover the damage, only to be surprised when the stain bleeds through after a few days.

Before beginning any painting, get a licensed home inspector to look for any damage caused by fire. It is not only unethical to try to cover fire damage if it has affected the underlying structure, but it could land you in court if you attempt to sell your home. If the home inspector is certain there is no significant damage, follow these steps to restore the appearance of your home.

As is the case with any type of painting, your goal should be to prep the surface so it is clean, dry, and solid before beginning. Paint will not cover any of these problems for very long, so you may want to consider replacing a ceiling or wall if it is only drywall.

However, if the smoke damage is light, or on a hardy surface such as masonry, you may just want to paint over the damage. To begin you must remove as much of the stain as possible. Water based stain removers will only encourage the stain to sink in father. Instead, use a chemical sponge to remove as much of the stain as possible.

When the surface is completely dry and dirt free, you should apply at least two coats of primer to the surface. Make sure that you have waited a sufficient length of time for each coat of primer to dry before continuing. When choosing a primer for this task, look for something that promises to stop stains from coming through the wall to prevent any shadows of any underlying smoke damage.

Next, apply your chosen paint over the primer. At least two coats of paint will be needed, although three is recommended for this job. Remember to apply thin coats of paint, so the paint job will dry thoroughly and look professional.

Smoke damage can be devastating to many home owners, but if the area is in good condition, consider painting over it. Often a new coat of paint over several coats of high quality primer can give your home a new look while stopping smells.