Stains on walls

[Fleanne]

One of the bedroom walls has some stains (as per the attached photo) which were here when we moved in. I'd guess this was from blu tac but don't know for sure. I have tried various ways of removing these stains - bicarbonate of soda, washing up liquid, sticky stuff remover and a magic sponge, but nothing has worked!

I even tried to paint over it, but the greasy marks show even under the paint.

Does anyone know how I can remove these stains, or advise how I can prep the wall so they don't show through if I paint over them?

Thank you.

Hopeful bump! 😊

I would try Zinsser BIN. The red tin

What you need, OP is a stain cover spray, to seal the greasy stain in before you paint over it. That stops it coming through the paint layer. If you look on Amazon, there are loads of brands, starting at about £5. The stuff is toxic, so ventilate the room while using it, and don’t get it on skin or eyes.

you need the zinsser paint.
I don't think it is the BIN one though, they do one called stain cover.

I used it on a manky church hall ceiling and it covered everything. But I did do 2 coats in some places. Was recommended by a painter and decorator.

Thank you all. Never heard of Zinsser - off to Google.. and to look for stain cover sprays on Amazon!

I would say don't use any other stain cover paint /sprays.

I have heard so many people who have used them and they didn't work.

Zinsser is a specialist paint company (but sold in B&Q etc) they do a lot of different paints. You need to google the best one for stain cover. (eg their 1-2-3 is a primer I think , same with BIN?? Can't remember exactly, but they do one which is specifically a pre paint stain cover.

Stain stop spray then overpaint.

Thank you. Will try to go to B&Q over the weekend and ask someone to help me find the right product.

I would use sanding paper to be honest with you.

Just go over it till it’s smooth, I think it might work for you then you can paint it .

I had massive water stains on my painted wall and ceiling, after a tank leaked through from the attic. I tried painting over them once dried, but the stain kept bleeding through the paint layers. Got a cheap tin of stain sealer from Amazon, sprayed it on, then repainted - perfect result.