Fire/smoke damage related question

echo4747

Golden Member
Jun 22, 2005
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I have a rental property that recently suffered a kitchen fire and caused moderate to heavy smoke damage. The kitchen will have to be gutted to the studs and completely replaced. I think the rest of the apartment may be okay with thoroughly washing the walls/ceilings and sealing ( to get rid of the smoke odor) before painting again. I was told that original Kilz primer sealer would work, however; I am wondering if anyone has experience with any similar product that may be better than Kilz. Something that specifically designed to seal off smoke odor. I dont mind spending more for a better product
 

drnickriviera

Platinum Member
Jan 30, 2001
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I've always read that Zinser BIN Shellac primer is the best. Stinks like heck. There are other products that are supposed to work as well, like a synthetic shellac from sherwin and some epoxy based ones.
 
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bbhaag

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2011
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You might want to consider wiping the walls and ceilings down with TSP before applying the primer. We bought a new home 3 years ago and the previous owners were a pack a day plus smokers for over ten years in the house. Needless to say the entire house stank like tar and cigarette smoke. PUKE!

We wiped down all the walls, ceilings, and wood work with TSP before the painters came in and is made a HUGE difference. It was a crap load of work but in the end worth it. Everyone who smelled the house before and after can't believe we were able remediate the smoke smell.

Get the real deal not the Sunnyside substitute crap that Menards sells. It doesn't work nearly as well and be sure to wear gloves!

I know it says for decks and siding but read the reviews.
 
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Thump553

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
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Years ago I had a friend that was a painting contractor that specialized in fire damage remediation. He swore by Kilz primer but he readily admitted that it's main value was the strong paint smell masking the smoke odor. I presume your top coat will be latex so if you do go with a oil based primer make sure it's compatible.

PS: TSP is probably a great suggestion.
 
Nov 17, 2019
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Is this a place you own and rent out? Or one you live in?

There are professional cleaning companies that do this kind of thing for a living (ServAll is one). Maybe check with one of them.

Month old thread, so check in and update us.
 

echo4747

Golden Member
Jun 22, 2005
1,979
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Is this a place you own and rent out? Or one you live in?

There are professional cleaning companies that do this kind of thing for a living (ServAll is one). Maybe check with one of them.

Month old thread, so check in and update us.
Ozone generator perhaps?

own the place and rent it out. my plan is to remove and replace the drywall in the heaviest damaged area (kitchen and a hall ) rest of the home wash/scrub with TSP and prime with shellac based primer ( as many coats as needed hoping 2 coats will be sufficient )

I do have an ozone generator and intend on trying that as well.
 

Micrornd

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2013
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If you watch some of the "home" shows on TV, they blast the affected areas with dry-ice. It removes the discoloration AND smells, to a like new condition.
 

bigi

Platinum Member
Aug 8, 2001
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Killz is what restoration companies use to cover smoke 'damaged' timber (studs, floor joists). Smoke damage can be a real bitch depending on its intensity and source. Sometimes is best to replace than to clean and cost of each might be fairly equal.