How to Paint a Smoke Stained Ceiling?

Applying paint directly over top of the remaining stains or odor will not cover them up. You'll need to apply a good, solvent-based stain-blocking primer to prevent them from bleeding through the paint. You may be able to get by with a product such as Zinsser's Cover Stain, which is an oil-based stain-blocking primer.

How do you get cigarette smoke off walls and ceilings?

Mix a cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water and ½ cup of baking soda. Dip a sponge in the mix and start wiping down the ceilings and the walls. Washing the ceilings and walls with vinegar can both deodorize and clean the surface. Wipe with a clean sponge after.

Will smoke stains bleed through paint?

Painting may camouflage some or even all of the stains (if you use a dark enough color). BUT, it will NOT take care of the odor. Paint is porous, so the nicotine smell will permeate through the paint.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.