Painting over fire and smoke damage: how to do it

Has a customer asked you to paint over smoke damage around a fireplace? Or do you need to tackle walls with fire damage? Blocking soot stains and isolating smoke odours is a serious challenge. With the right products, you can not only remove the stains quickly, but also prevent them from returning. Let's take a look at how to do this.

Before painting over fire or smoke damage, you must first and foremost ensure that there is no structural damage. Always seek the opinion of an expert who can tell you whether the surface is still sturdy enough and/or whether there is still a fire hazard. In a fire, for example, electrical cables may partially melt or lose their insulation, causing a short circuit or rekindling. Only when the situation is completely safe can you begin restoration.

1. The right product: Zinsser® B-I-N

Surfaces damaged by flames or smoke will often be covered in soot. Soot stains are very stubborn and can remain visible even after several coats of paint. What's more, few odours are as pungent as the smell of smoke. Therefore, you cannot simply start painting the surface; you need a solution to seal the stains and the odour.

For surfaces damaged by fire or smoke, Zinsser® B-I-N is the ideal solution. It is a fast-drying, single-component primer based on shellac resins. Thanks to this formula, it adheres excellently to soot stains and effortlessly blocks smoke odours and stains. Even porous or untreated surfaces are perfectly sealed, so that the top coat covers better.

2. Preparing the surface

Follow these steps to prepare the burnt and soot-covered surface optimally.

1. Sanding the surface

Sand loose material with a stiff brush or other abrasives until you have a smooth surface. Sand the smooth edges with fine abrasives. Remove the dust.

2. Fill cracks (if any)

Fine cracks or tears in the surface? Fill these with a suitable filler in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Allow to dry. Then sand and remove all dust.

3. Priming the surface

Before you start priming, measure the moisture content of the surface with a moisture meter. Is it more than 12%? Then you cannot start priming yet and must first allow the surface to dry. Once it is dry, you can get started with Zinsser® B-I-N.

1. Prepare the primer

Stir the B-I-N thoroughly. This will ensure a consistent colour and texture.

2. Apply the first coat

Apply the first coat. This is best done with a paintbrush. Allow this coat to dry for at least 45 minutes.

3. Apply second coat

It is recommended to apply a second coat of B-I-N for the best results. The primer will be fully cured after 3 days.

3. Finishing the surface

For the surface finish, you can choose between Zinsser® Allcoat Interior or PermaWhite®. Allcoat Interior is a quick-drying primer and topcoat in one, based on acrylic resin. Thanks to its innovative formula, it adheres well to almost any surface, including walls and ceilings made of wood, metal, masonry, PVC, concrete, plasterboard and plaster. If the surface is in a damp area, it is better to choose the mould-resistant properties of PermaWhite®. This water-based primer and top coat in one adheres well to smooth surfaces and prevents dirt from sticking and mould from growing.

1. Prepare the paint

Stir PermaWhite® or Allcoat Interior thoroughly to ensure consistent colour and texture.

2. Apply the first coat

Apply the first coat. This is best done with a paintbrush. Allow this coat to dry for at least 2 hours.

3. Apply second coat

Apply a second coat. PermaWhite® is fully cured after 10 days, while Allcoat Interior is fully cured after just 7 days.

Conclusion

Want to paint a burnt or soot-covered surface? With Zinsser® B-I-N, you can block stains and odours and ensure that the top coat will adhere properly.