Marlboro Brown

[Randy (SELA)]

Just picked up our 3rd rehab at Sheriff's sale. Besides all the garbage that had to be hauled out, the interior is in pretty good shape. Except for the tobacco stained sheetrock. It's so thick you can make out the outline of the couch on the wall. Question is, will Kilz 2 cover this, or is this a job for original oil-based Kilz? Or is there something better to use?

[Debbie]

We know of couple of local landlords who had similiar problem. One unit was worse than the other. He did use kilz but the smell of nicotine still permeats. Had to replace the drywall.

Try a small space with kilz and see if it works. If not, then you've wasted very little kilz and go for new drywall.

At this moment, I can not recall if there's any other resolution.

[Jim FL]

Randy,
I've had the pleasure of taking back properties, or buying a few along the way, that were previously occupied by human chimney's.

A simple trick I learned from a handyman, was to wash the walls with white vinegar, and to spray popcorn ceilings with a diluted bleach solution from a spray bottle.
After it dries, use oil based kilz, with lots of ventilation of course, and then paint.
Carpet and pad, lost cause, just tear out and replace, same with wallpaper.

Anyway, that's worked for me, and is rather cheap.

HTH,
Jim FL

[tracy5963]

Hi , My house caught fire and burned on thanksgiving night 2 years ago had . We had to tear out a lot of the interior because of fire damage but smoke was every where . sherwin williams had a prouduct that I spraied on and all I had to do was cover with it not completly spray like paint I have yet to smell anything . I will get the can tomarrow and report back . I sprayed attic ,underneath house, everywhere and I have not smelled anything even in the 100 degree heat we have here in SC. I'll get the exact name tomarrow . Thanks .
Tracy Mills

[Aldo]

I had a 3-pack a day smoker move after about 15 years and I can tell you that you will probably not totally eliminate the odor. Though one coat of oil-based Kilz should do the job for painted surfaces, I applied two coats of latex Kilz and two coats of finish paint. I replaced the not-so-old carpeting and cleaned that unit better than any I've ever done before. The first non-smoking applicant walked in, said "I smell smoke" and walked out. I was not a happy camper.

Not being local to you, I can't recommend a vendor; however, in many areas, owners can rent (or buy for lotsa bucks) an ionizer which is designed to remove an assortment of odors, including smoke. I've talked to owners who have used them and heard mixed results that lean toward success.

For anyone else reading this, the ionizers do not work for cat urine. I can offer suggestions for removing cat odors, but this is not the place.

[Randy (SELA)]

You guys are the best. Thanks for all the suggestions. Will let you know how it works out.