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Help--need to repaint smoke stained textured ceiling

16 years ago

I need to paint a small bathroom ceiling (about 36 sq. ft) that is stained from tobacco smoke. The ceiling is also textured. I don't know if I should do some preliminary cleaning to the ceiling before applying a primer. I read on this forum somewhere that Simple Green was a good product to use for cleaning painted surfaces but it seems to me that any liquid cleaner, even one that didn't require rinsing, would not be good for the texture material. The ceiling was originally painted with a latex flat white ceiling paint.

Here are my basic questions:

1--Is there a stain hiding latex primer made for this purpose? (I will be putting a latex topcoat over the prime and I've been told a latex topcoat can't be put on an oil based primer).

2--If the answer to question is 'no' does that mean I will have to use an oil based primer and topcoat?

3--Would using Simple Green for a preliminary cleaning of the ceiling be recommended? If so, any suggestions on how to get the stuff on and back off without damaging the texture? Is rinsing required?

4--What are my options on primers whether latex or oil based? I can get either Zinzer or Kilz. Which one should I get, which particular paint within those brand names should I use and, again, can I use a latex topcoat over an oil based primer IF that is the route I have to take on the primer?

Any other suggestions or input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

steve-va
16 years ago
#1 A good latex primer might do it. Yes you can put a latex topcoat over an oil based stainkiller/primer.

#2 I would use an oil based stain killer, get an odorless one so you don't pass out & have a fan going with windows open. Zinzer makes good product for this type of job.

#3 I love simple green. What kind of texture do you have? is it a stipple ceiling or popcorn ceiling? or is it just paint? I don't see how wiping down your ceiling with water would hurt if you want. I would do that.

#4 I prefer zinzer over kilz....but either will prolly do the job for ya.
ralphv
Original Author
16 years ago
Steve, thanks for the response.

The ceiling has a medium stippled texture. You didn't mention how to use Simple Green or if that would be something you would recommend in my situation. Could you elaborate a little more?

Thanks for all your help from a fellow Virginian.
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steve-va
16 years ago
You can either spray it on full strength, wipe off & maybe a pass with a wet rag for rinsing, or make a more diluted solution & just work out of a bucket. I do not recommend this if your texture has not been painted cause the texture will soak up too much water & get soft. If thats the case then you would be better off with 2 coats of primer to block the stain.
Michael
16 years ago
That type of stain is nasty. It will bleed out in a few months if you don't seal/prime it properly.

The Zinsser product that best handles this problem is Cover Stain. However, I've not seen it in odorless forumla.

Michael

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