Can I paint directly over nicotine stains? What type of primer should I use?

Question

Have major nicotine stains on the wall, and want to paint over it. I would like to know can I paint directly over it with a primer or is it best to clean the walls first?

If I use a primer, should it be oil or water based?
Thanks
Matt

Answer 1

grab a spirit based stain sealer preferable one that washes up in methylated spirits. paint that over the stain then finish off with any water borne product and you won't have a problem.
Paint Expert

Answer 2

You definitely want to clean the walls first, unfortunately ceilings too. The nicotine and tar could keep the paint from adhering. Wash with any good wall cleaning product. **** & Span, Mr. Clean, etc. Mix in a bucket per directions with warm/hot water and start washing with a good washcloth that has some roughness to it. Allow to dry for a day. Rinse often and change the water often. You can patch any dents, holes, etc at this time. Sand the patched areas smooth when thoroughly dry. Remove all sanding dust. Now you are ready to paint with Kilz2 Latex primer. About $17 a gallon. One coat should be enough. The primer will cover up any stains and seal the patched areas, making a nice smooth wall to accept the new paint. Prime the ceilings and walls. Pick out a good quality Latex top color. I'd suggest Olympic 0 VOC interior Latex. About $22. a gallon. No odor, environ friendly, goes on beautifully. Use flat finish on the ceilings and eggshell (very low-sheen),satin (low sheen) or semi-gloss for more sheen. (usually used in kitchens and baths only). All of the above steps are necessary to get a good-looking quality finish.

Answer 3

Nicotine stains still have a way to bleed through even primer unless you want to give the wall(s) several coats. Your first bet is to wash the walls. You would be surprised at what comes off. You can use something such as Oxi-Clean which is what I use. This way you do not have to worry about drips on anything. Bleach will whiten the walls somewhat but in trying that, it wasn't worth the worry of dripping on something and discoloring it. Oxi-Clean works well. I use a swifter mop and an old washcloth instead of the refill cloths. In no time you will see the difference. You could then use either primer or just paint depending on your walls and existing paint.

Answer 4

Paint That Covers Stains

Answer 5

Use a primer first. If you are going to paint your walls white, it will take several coats. It would be best if you could find a darker color to go over your primer otherwise the stains tend to seep through.

Answer 6

The walls and ceiling need to be washed. Use TSP (trisodium phosphate). If you can't use phosphate there are phospahate free TSP. Ware rubber gloves and saftey glasses. And follow the instructions. You can use a rag and or a sponge mop for the high areas. It is a lot of work but the resuilts will be worth it.
As for the primer I use PrepRite ProBlock from Sherwin Williams. And it is Latex.
Remember that prep is 90% of the job.

Answer 7

Zissner primer, covers all stains and is mildew resistant, and it gives better paint coverage (only 1 coat)

Answer 8

Before you paint walls you should always clean them. Then best way to clean walls is using a mixture of bleach and water. After the walls are clean you may not want to paint, but you can now prime and paint.

Answer 9

Use an Oil based Kilz primer... it stinks to high heaven! so make sure you have a window open! But it works GREAT!

Answer 10

There is a product called "Kilz" which will cover stains and prevent them from bleeding through.