Old cigarette smoke

[LagoDiComo]

Hi there, we are moving to a flat where the previous resident smoked. We'll be repainting anyway and I've read that you can use a sealant base coat to seal the remaining smell in. Can anyone recommend a sealant for this purpose? I've found products which say they will sort staining out but it's the smell that seems to be more the problem. Tia!

Clean everything you can - carpets, curtains, etc. Sugar soap is great for removing nicotine stains and you might want to consider washing the walls, ceilings and woodwork with it to remove residues. Zinsser BIN and Bullseye 1-2-3 and two primer sealants to look at - one is for painting over with water based paints and the other solvent based ones. They claim to block smells as well as stains, including fire damage. They also have the advantage drying quickly so you can paint over them in a short time.

you definitely to use sugar soap on all surfaces before painting - start at the top. It is a FILTHY job so dress and cover floors appropriately!

dispose of all fabrics, with the possible exception of carpets which will need shampooing.

that should get rid of it. No need for 'special sealants' - snake oil, I think.

Yep sugar soap from top to bottom... You'll be amazed at how much muck comes out.

I had this problem, and the only think that sorted it was wallpaper!