Smoke does lots of damage to your room's interior. Your walls and ceilings mostly suffer because of smoke. Stain and odor from smokes on the walls are too much stubborn and tough to eliminate. That is why you can apply the best primer for smoke damages before painting your walls to vanish the damages.
Best Primer for Smoke Damage

According to our recent research, we find the KILZ interior latex primer a good choice for this job. Apart, there are several more options available to help you fix your interior. Our article leads you to such primers by showing you some of the best ones and the way of finding the right product. So, without wasting any time, let's go to our main discussion.  

Preview
RUST-OLEUM 03501 Cover Stain Primr/Sealr
KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior...
KILZ L200201 Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor...
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior...
Giani Granite IronCore Primer 12oz
KILZ Original Primer, Interior, 1 Quart, White
Product Name
RUST-OLEUM 03501 Cover Stain Primr/Sealr
KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior...
KILZ L200201 Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor...
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior...
Giani Granite IronCore Primer 12oz
KILZ Original Primer, Interior, 1 Quart, White
Based On
Oil
Oil
Water
Oil
Water
Oil
Durability/Warranty
Long Life
Long Life
Limited (1 year)
Long life
Long life
Long life
Speciality
Sticks surface without sand
Excellent adhension
Six main benefits of priming
Sticks to all surfaces without sanding
Easily applied with the roller
Excellent adhension
Dry Time
In 1 hour
30 mins
30 mins
35 mins
8 hours
30 mins
Good for
Interior/Exterior
Interior/Exterior
Interior
Interior/Exterior
Interior/Exterior
Interior
Preview
RUST-OLEUM 03501 Cover Stain Primr/Sealr
Product Name
RUST-OLEUM 03501 Cover Stain Primr/Sealr
Based On
Oil
Durability/Warranty
Long Life
Speciality
Sticks surface without sand
Dry Time
In 1 hour
Good for
Interior/Exterior
Details
Preview
KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior...
Product Name
KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior...
Based On
Oil
Durability/Warranty
Long Life
Speciality
Excellent adhension
Dry Time
30 mins
Good for
Interior/Exterior
Details
Preview
KILZ L200201 Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor...
Product Name
KILZ L200201 Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor...
Based On
Water
Durability/Warranty
Limited (1 year)
Speciality
Six main benefits of priming
Dry Time
30 mins
Good for
Interior
Details
Preview
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior...
Product Name
Rust-Oleum Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior...
Based On
Oil
Durability/Warranty
Long life
Speciality
Sticks to all surfaces without sanding
Dry Time
35 mins
Good for
Interior/Exterior
Details
Preview
Giani Granite IronCore Primer 12oz
Product Name
Giani Granite IronCore Primer 12oz
Based On
Water
Durability/Warranty
Long life
Speciality
Easily applied with the roller
Dry Time
8 hours
Good for
Interior/Exterior
Details
Preview
KILZ Original Primer, Interior, 1 Quart, White
Product Name
KILZ Original Primer, Interior, 1 Quart, White
Based On
Oil
Durability/Warranty
Long life
Speciality
Excellent adhension
Dry Time
30 mins
Good for
Interior
Details

Removing stains off your walls is a tough job and needs a lot of effort. Simple cleaning often doesn't do the trick because of the absorption of nicotine into the walls and the consistent odor it is going to spread throughout the house. Dedicated primers for removal of these stains help in not only hiding the stains but also covering the blemishes and ensuring that the walls do not absorb any more of the nicotine from the smoking. The primers are also helpful in keeping the walls smooth and shiny for ease of cleaning afterward.

Read on below as we bring you some of the best primers to effectively handle the smoke damage from cigarettes:-

Kilz KILZ MAX Maximum Stain

KILZ L200201 Restoration Maximum Stain and Odor...

Overview

The legendary Kilzmax has not become the Kilz Restoration, which is perhaps one of the best prime for all kinds of stains on the wall, especially smoke strains. The primer is water-based; hence it can easily be prepared and applied unlike the oil-based paint, which requires you to make it carefully.

However, interesting enough, the Kilz Max is designed to ensure the performance at par with the oil-based primer and dries even quickly. Kilz max is known for smoothly resolving the issue of all kinds of tough stains, including smoke, rust, grease, nicotine, watermarks, ink, pet marks, etc.

Due to the ability to Kilz max to provide a strong layer, it seals off all kinds of odors your wall may have. Kilz Max can be used on any type of surface, be it a brick wall, drywall, glass, painted metal, or wood and is no doubt one of the best primers available for the said job, but there is a downside to it as well.

This primer needs a prior topcoat of oil-based paint before it can be used. Another disadvantage of the Kilz Max is that it requires a thorough sanding after use.

Bottom Line

According to our tests and trials, 1 Gallon of Kilz Max was able to cover an area of 300-350 sqft, which is a good coverage area for 1 gallon based on the market average. Kilz Max can block even the toughest of the stains, including the gray water damaging marks, greasy interiors, and smoking stains, thus making it an ideal primer.

What I Like

  • Non toxic
  • Totally non Flammable
  • Has superior bonding

What I Didn't Like

  • Pricey
  • Only suitable for indoor use

Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior

Rust-Oleum Zinsser 03504 Cover Stain Interior/Exterior...

Overview

Zinsser CoverStain Interior is top of the class primer, which can put an end to all kinds of stains on your walls or furniture. If your old smoking habit has paled the walls of your house and left your entire home with depressing stains and a really annoying odor, you need to go for Zinsser coverstain interior to cover those stains.

Not only will this primer cover the stains, but it will also avoid staining of the walls again. This oil-based stain removing primer is known for its shiny finishing on any kind of surface. Due to its oil-based nature, this primer acts as an efficient sealer for the wall to kill all sorts of odors your old surface had.

One of the most intriguing facts for me about Zinsser CoverStain Interior for me was that it is manufactured in none other than the United States, which itself speaks for its quality. The primer is an all-surface primer suitable for exterior as well as interior and absorbs deep into the surface and seal it permanently avoid any odor from coming out of the surface.

Bottom Line

The primer provides the best enamel coating touch for your surface, making it clean and flawless.

What I Like

  • Quality paint
  • Awesome for painting laminate
  • It adheres great

What I Didn't Like

  • Is very thick
  • Has initial odor so be sure to ventilate your room

KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Latex Primer

KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior...

Overview

What are the qualities of a good primer? It should allow the paint to stick to it like paint sticks directly to a wall, yet the primer should be smooth enough to ensure that the shine of the paint does not diminish due to it. Kilz Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking interior primer gives you just that, which in turn reduces the use of paint.

Kilz Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking interior primer is designed to conceal all kinds of stains on your wall, even if it's a touch nicotine stain with a foul odor, this primer can hide it like it was never there. As its name suggests, the primer is multi-surfaced products, which can be used from the wooden surface to walls and from painted metals to glossy surfaces.

The excellent adhesiveness of this primer helps it to stick to even the glossiest of the surfaces. This oil-based primer takes only 30 minutes to dry out. As per our testing, the primer works better if the surface under is cleaned off any dust, grease, or old paint.

Bottom Line

The primer can be applied using all kinds of paint tools, including brush, spray, or roller. Regardless of the qualities of this primer, the award-winning company Kilz is a guarantee of its high-quality on its own.

What I Like

  • Fixes water ceiling leaks like a charm
  • Less primer gets more work done
  • Multi purpose

What I Didn't Like

  • Gets thick very fast
  • Has a strong odor

Giani Granite IronCore Primer

Giani Granite IronCore Primer 12oz

Overview

Known for its intense adhesiveness, the Giani Granite IronCore Primer is one of its kind primer, whose sealing abilities are matchless. If you are tired of the smoking odor coming out of the walls from the past tenant of the house, you should go straight for Giani Granite IronCore Primer.

The primer is actually Acrylic Urethane, which is known for its sealing qualities. One of the downsides of this primer is its color. This primer comes in black color, which may not set very well under the light-colored surface and may need double-coating to hide the black color under it.

The primer is also included in the Giani Granite Paint Kit, which comes with all necessary items, including applying products and tools for its application, including roller.

Bottom Line

The primer is water-based, but its adhesiveness and drying time matches the oil-based primers. Giani Granite IronCore Primer can be used on multiple surfaces, including wood, bricks, marble, or laminated surface. Available in the 12 fl. oz packing, which can cover a surface of 35 sqft, the Giani Granite Ironcore primer is an all-in-one solution for the smoking stains on your wall.

What I Like

  • Looks like real granite
  • Is very shiny
  • Easy to use

What I Didn't Like

  • The can comes only part full

RUST-OLEUM 03501 Cover Stain Primer

RUST-OLEUM 03501 Cover Stain Primr/Sealr

Overview

RUST OLEUM is basically intended to cover rust stains on any kind of surface; however, upon its application on a smoke-stained wall, it provided a very high-quality performance. RUST OLEUM was not only able to cover the stains completely but also covered the odor of the stain.

Unlike some of the products available in the market which are specified for internal use only, RUST OLEUM is usable on both interior surfaces as well as external surfaces. If the wooden walls of your house are stained due to the excessive smoking or cat pee, this primer can eliminate those stains and cover the odor as well, giving your home an all-new feeling.  

RUST OLEUM is an efficient primer that can be applied to any surface without a need for prior sanding, and it takes around 1 hour to completely dry out. Although this product may not be at the top 3 list of our products, nevertheless, it is a high-quality primer that can successfully cover all the stains and make your home as good as new.

Bottom Line

The downside of this primer, however, is the rough finish. Unlike the rest of the primers we tested, the finish of this product proved to be rough

What I Like

  • Usable on both interior as well as exterior surfaces
  • Requires no prior sanding
  • Reasonable price

What I Didn't Like

  • Has a rough finish
  • Initial odor is irritating

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Paint to Cover Cigarette Smoke?

There are many aspects you need to look for while buying particular paint to cover the cigarette smoke stains. Here are some of the prime factors that you need to consider:-

  • The surface on which the primer is supposed to be applied needs to be ascertained before application. Certain primers are specific to a surface i.e., wall, ceiling, or flooring, hence a primer should be chosen based on the surface it is expected to be applied on.
  • Some primers provide an excellent and smooth covering of the stains, but their adhesiveness and sealing qualities are not as good and thus allows the odor to come out nonetheless. If you are looking for a primer to cover stain and odor both, you should go for a primer with much better adhesiveness.
  • Primers can be an extra burden on your pocket while painting your house, hence based on the stains you are faced with and the budget you have, a balanced primer should be chosen to cover the smoking stains.
  • If you are in a hurry and want to get the primer done quickly, you should choose a primer that dries quickly and provides you with a quick and ready surface.
  • Price is an essential factor in the selection of best paint to covert cigarette smoke stains.

How to Choose the Best Primer for Smoke Damage?

Choosing the best primer for smoke damage is a technical task and needs knowledge about the technical parameters. Here are the essential technical parameters that you need to know to choose the best primer for nicotine-stained walls:-

Adhesiveness

Paint sticks over the primer and hence depends on the adhesiveness of the primer. If your primer does not have a durable adhesive power, it is going to peel off the wall and results in peeling off the paint. The sticking power of paints varies from primer to primer. It is highly advised to look for a primer that provides the most adhesiveness.

Surface Type

Some primers are available for multiple-surfaces, while some are intended for specific surfaces. If you are looking for a primer for wooden surfaces only, you should go for those primers which are known for their performance on a wood surface.

Indoor/ Outdoor

Some primers are intended for indoor use only. If you are seeking to use a primer at an external surface, the prime should be chosen accordingly.

Odor Cover

The adhesiveness of the primers helps in covering the odor of a particular surface. If the primer is specifically intended to cover the odor of nicotine and smoke, other parameters may be compromised. The best odor-blocking primers may not be sold independently, but some primers are known to have better odor-blocking qualities than others.

Drying Time

Some primers take more time in drying than others. If you are time short, you should go for quick drying primers.

Oil/ Water Based

Oil-based primers are known for their better quality than the water-based primers. However, their preparation is comparatively cumbersome. Hence oil/water-based primers are chosen based on the requirement.

Price

Primers are available in a varying price range, obviously. And their features differ depending on how costly they are. Therefore you should always choose one depending on your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions of Best Primer for Smoke Damage

How to Clean Fire Smoke Off Walls?

Fire smoke can be particularly nasty. Firstly if you see any kind of smoke, puffing from windows, doors or cracks to the exterior, stay away. It needs to be vented properly and in coordination with hose teams while the fumes are a bit rough unless you can have open windows and maybe even a fan. 


And sure, there are ways to clean walls. Tough detergents and a little elbow grease, and you can probably get 30–40% of fire smoke stains off your walls. But the existing paint is permanently stained, and the smell of fire smoke may not leave by this way.


What you can do is to paint the walls and ceiling (if necessary) with an odor-blocking primer. There are a couple of brands you can use. One thing to mention, black mold on refrigerator gaskets is notoriously difficult to remove, but by using some cleaner, you may find some result.

How to Remove Black Smoke From Walls?

Smoke can be removed with a common degreaser if you are lucky. You can use a wall wash. These are usually available at janitorial supply stores. 


There are specific washes for black smoke. You can use a multi-step process involving smoke cleansers, ozone and fogging. The fogs are available in a can like the old bug bombs that used to be sold for insects. You can also give a try to a mixture of sugar soap, eucalyptus oil, and water.


A mixture of these should do the trick. Use a scourer to start with (but don’t be too rough), then wipe over with a dry cloth or tea towel. If the marks are old, try a cream cleanser or Ajax and lightly scour. Then try the mix what is mentioned above with a soft dry cloth. Any burned substance should be removed.

Does Cigarette Smoke Ruin a House?

As a cigarette is not good for your health, it is also not good for your heath. It can ruin your walls, ceiling and windows of your entire house. And most importantly, there is no easy way to wash those down. If there is a central ac or heating ducts, rest assured they will have been hampered of that too.


Smoking cigarettes in your house can ruin your electronic devices too. Especially it will shorten the lifetime of your computer. Nowadays, the most important limit on the lifetime of your hardware is technological. Within a few years, your computer is going to be obsolete. Nonetheless, if you hope to have your computer still working properly after a few decades, smoking in the same room is not your best choice.

Conclusion:

All said and done, Primers are the only solution to remove the smoke and nicotine stains and their odor on difference surfaces. No matter how hard the stain and smell maybe, if treated with the right kind of primer, can clean it up quickly and give you a new and fresh-looking wall. Based on our testing and analysis, we found that the oil-based KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior is the best primer to remove cigarette stains and odor. Not only its performance in removing the stains is remarkable, but its price and qualities make it stand out among the others.

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