White Pigmented Shellac, or Original Kilz Oil Base Primer to Get Rid of Smoke Odor?

Question

Had house fire. Gutted home to the studs. There is not a whole lot of visible smoke damage, and once I got down to the studs, I don't notice that much smoke odor. I want to make sure though that once the house is put back together with new drywall, and such, that the odors don't penetrate through the walls. I was thinking of renting a paint sprayer and spraying everything down with oil based original Kilz, but a representative from a local paint store indicated to me that Kilz is really not to remove odor, and that I would be better off going with a White Pigmented Shellac Primer. Any suggestions would be great, because there is a huge difference in pricing here, and I'm about to get married, and need all the extra $$ we can save. Thanks...

Answer 1

Shellac or other sealinants like it are great for covering stains. KILZ is great for removing odors.

Answer 2

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RE:
White Pigmented Shellac, or Original Kilz Oil Base Primer to Get Rid of Smoke Odor?
Had house fire. Gutted home to the studs. There is not a whole lot of visible smoke damage, and once I got down to the studs, I don't notice that much smoke odor. I want to make sure though that once the house is put back together with new drywall, and such, that the odors don't penetrate...

Answer 3

Without going farther than Snoman; the suggestion to seal the sub structure should be your fist step; although before sealing some sort of cleaning can be done: IE: pressured steam.

The process advised by the REP, certainly offers a band-aid, but not stricly a cure. LEACHING happens most especially in odor and substance staining. Beyond that; the exterior substance on the OTHER side of the Studding; might also have absorbed some odor.

With all due respect to your getting married issue and its costs; the place you will occupy might become an issue in a quick fix that might be a daily debate after you move back in with a new wife. As important and loving as getting married might be; IT will be as life long; hopefully; as the dwelling.

I'm curious too about a PIGMENTED shellac??? Why bother with a substanced based in alcohol; and adding a color? ESPECIALLY if it will be hidden? The agents in any coating would be a substantial sealer; without needing any tinting.

In this process you might also include what equates to a "vapor barrier" not only at the exterior walls on their Interior face, but attached to the studs UNDER whatever you choose to install OVER/onto the studs.

Just one old Wolfs; experienced opinion.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

Pigmented Shellac

Answer 5

Vinegar will kill smoke odor. Why not just spray the studs with a mixture of vinegar and water. Let it dry thoroughly before hanging your drywall.

From:

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/981007d.cfm

Just Vinegar and Water for Smells

I used to be a smoker and when I quit I would get sick when I came into my house from the smell. I put vinegar and water in bowls around the house and soon the smell was gone. I also know some landlords who do that when a renter moves out.

After a House Fire

Our house partially burnt down several years ago, but was declared a total loss. We saved portions of the old house in rebuilding. The contractor used a white pigmented paint called KILZ that has completely blocked out the smoke smell. Never once has there been a hint of the odor. Unfortunately for Stephanie, this can be a lot of work with high ceilings and it would need to be painted over with the color of their choice. We also used a liquid cleaning additive called Odo-Ban, which we got at Sam's Club-mostly to get the smoke smell out of clothes, blankets, etc. We have since used this product to get smells out of the carpet-pet accidents, etc-and it has worked very well; add it to your water when cleaning

Answer 6

You need to wash the walls and ceiling (and the woodwork and doors) or the primer won't properly adhere. The easiest way is to buy a new sponge mop and use it for the washing. TSP mixed with water is best for washing walls prior to painting. Once the walls are washed down, give them a day to dry, then apply your primer. If the stains don't show through the primer (even though the walls are clean you may still have stains), then go ahead with your paint. If you can still clearly see stains through the primer, then a high-hiding coat should be used before painting. If the woodwork and doors are painted with gloss paint, make sure you treat them with a de-glosser before priming.

Answer 7

If you seal the pores of the smoke damaged wood you will solve the problem.Nothing will eliminate the smoke smell totally,but in time it will go away.Spray it with KILZ.