Painting Smoke and Nicotine-Stained Ceilings in Cairns
Heavy cigarette smoke and nicotine staining can leave ceilings covered in yellow or brown discolouration, particularly around cornices, light fittings, air-conditioning vents and other areas where smoke accumulates.
This problem is common in rental, social housing and community housing properties where cigarettes have been smoked inside over a long period.
Smoke and nicotine-stained ceilings cannot simply be covered with ordinary ceiling paint. Without the correct stain-blocking sealer, the stains will bleed back through the new paint and ruin the finish.
Preparing the ceiling
Before sealing and painting, the ceiling must be properly cleaned and prepared. Any mould also needs to be treated before the painting system is applied.
In Cairns and throughout Far North Queensland, mould and nicotine staining are often found together because of the warm, humid climate. Both problems must be addressed before repainting.
Sealing smoke and nicotine stains
Once the ceiling is clean and dry, I apply Dulux Precision Oil-Based Stain Block & Sealer over the entire affected ceiling.
The oil-based sealer locks in the nicotine and smoke staining so it cannot bleed through the new ceiling paint. Spot-priming only the most visible marks is usually not enough when staining is spread across the ceiling.
For heavy nicotine contamination, one coat of sealer may not completely block the staining. In these cases, a second full coat of Dulux Precision Oil-Based Stain Block & Sealer may be required before the ceiling can be repainted.
Why the job generally takes two days
Painting smoke and nicotine-stained ceilings is generally a two-day process.
On the first day, the ceiling is cleaned and prepared, any mould is treated, and one or two coats of oil-based stain-blocking sealer are applied as required.
The sealer must then dry and cure overnight. This step should not be rushed, as the finishing paint needs a properly cured surface.
On the second day, the ceiling is finished with Dulux Professional Ceiling Flat. I always use mould-resistant ceiling paint to provide additional protection in Far North Queensland’s humid conditions.
Strong smell from the oil-based sealer
Dulux Precision Oil-Based Stain Block & Sealer, as well as all other brands, has a strong smell while it is being applied and drying. Good ventilation is essential.
Because of the odour, occupants may need to remain out of the affected rooms or the entire property overnight. This is particularly important when several ceilings are being sealed or when the work is completed inside a small unit.
The strong smell and overnight curing time should always be considered when arranging access to an occupied property.
The correct system provides a lasting finish
Painting directly over cigarette smoke and nicotine stains with ordinary ceiling paint will not solve the problem. The staining will bleed back through.
The correct process includes:
Cleaning and preparing the ceiling
Treating any existing mould
Applying one or, where required, two coats of Dulux Precision Oil-Based Stain Block & Sealer
Allowing the sealer to dry and cure overnight
Applying mould-resistant Dulux Professional Ceiling Flat for a clean, even finish
Proper preparation and sealing take additional time, but they are necessary to achieve a professional and lasting result.
Painting and Maintenance FNQ provides professional treatment and repainting of smoke-, nicotine- and mould-stained ceilings throughout Cairns, the Northern Beaches, Port Douglas, Mossman and surrounding areas.
Owner-operated, QBCC licensed and fully insured. Free, no-obligation quotes are available.