For tackling nicotine-stained rooms, decorators shared a wide variety of insights, techniques, and product recommendations based on real-world experience. Here’s a more in-depth look at the common approaches and best products used by professionals when dealing with nicotine stains on walls, ceilings, and woodwork.
Preparation: Cleaning and Priming
A recurring theme across many decorators’ recommendations is the importance of thorough preparation. Sugar soap is frequently cited as the go-to product for cleaning surfaces before painting, as it effectively removes grease and nicotine residues. Some decorators, like Dean F, even experimented with Virosol, a strong degreaser, to clean nicotine-stained surfaces, though most still recommend sugar soap for its familiarity and effectiveness.
Another aspect of preparation is washing down surfaces before applying stain blockers. Several decorators, including Daniel A and David A, emphasise the need to wash the surface thoroughly to avoid reactions between old nicotine and new paint, such as bubbling. In severe cases, like the one mentioned by Liam K, failure to clean can lead to contamination that even the best stain blockers struggle to handle.
Top Product Recommendations
Johnstone’s StainAway
One of the most frequently recommended products, Johnstone’s StainAway, is a water-based stain-blocking paint that covers nicotine stains in as little as two coats. Decorators have lauded its effectiveness, especially when applied with strict adherence to drying times, typically 4 hours between coats. Matt A and Russell W shared that they have successfully used StainAway for heavily stained ceilings, and in many cases, decorators report applying it without the need for additional primers or oil-based undercoats.
Pros:
- Water-based, minimal fumes
- Requires fewer coats compared to traditional products
- Excellent stain-blocking properties
- Can be used on both walls and ceilings
Cons:
- It’s crucial to allow proper drying between coats; skipping this may cause bleed-through.
- Some decorators, like Steven N, reported failures when drying times were not adhered to, or when surfaces weren’t cleaned thoroughly.
Zinsser Cover Stain (Yellow Tin)
Another widely recommended product is Zinsser Cover Stain, particularly for heavy nicotine staining. Cover Stain is oil-based and has been the go-to for years among many decorators, such as Andrew L and Rob L, who highlighted its robust stain-blocking properties. The versatility of Cover Stain also makes it suitable for both interior and exterior use, which decorators like Mike T praised for nicotine stains that require extra strength.
Pros:
- Strong, reliable stain-blocking performance
- Suitable for heavy staining
- Can be used on various surfaces, including walls and woodwork
Cons:
- Strong odor due to being oil-based, which may not be ideal for spaces like retirement homes or areas where occupants are sensitive to smells, as noted by Calvin A.
- Longer drying time compared to water-based products.
Oil-Based Undercoat
Decorators who prefer traditional methods often choose oil-based undercoat as a cheaper and effective way to deal with nicotine stains. Professionals like Gary H and Michael U have used it for years, especially in heavily stained rooms, with remarkable success. Vaughan W and Daniel S shared that oil-based undercoat has proven to be an inexpensive solution that offers great coverage over nicotine stains.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Excellent at blocking stains, even without primers
- Traditional solution with proven reliability
Cons:
- Long drying times (sometimes overnight)
- Strong fumes, which may be a concern for certain occupants (as David highlighted, particularly for someone with COPD).
- Not environmentally friendly compared to water-based alternatives.
Zinsser BIN
Zinsser BIN, a shellac-based primer, is another top contender for decorators dealing with nicotine-stained surfaces. While it is typically reserved for more severe stains, decorators like Paul W and Richard D suggested that BIN works particularly well to block stains and odours. The key advantage of Zinsser BIN is its ability to seal odours while providing a smooth, flat finish.
Pros:
- Excellent at sealing both stains and odours (important for smokers’ rooms)
- Dries quickly, making it suitable for fast-paced jobs
- Works well on woodwork as well as walls and ceilings
Cons:
- Shellac-based, meaning it has a very strong odour and can be brittle (as Precision noted).
- Higher cost compared to oil-based undercoats or some water-based alternatives.
Pliolite
For decorators dealing with extreme nicotine stains, Pliolite-based masonry paint is occasionally used indoors, despite its intended exterior purpose. Decorators like Stuart Y and David E noted that Pliolite dries faster than oil-based undercoats and is highly effective at covering stains, though its strong smell can be off-putting for indoor use. It’s a niche recommendation, usually employed when other methods fail.
Pros:
- Dries quicker than oil-based undercoats
- Extremely durable and effective on severe stains
Cons:
- Strong fumes make it less ideal for residential or confined spaces
- Not designed for interior use, so its durability indoors might vary
Application Techniques
Several professionals emphasised that while choosing the right product is crucial, application technique is equally important:
- Multiple Coats: Almost every professional agrees that a minimum of two coats is essential, especially for heavier stains. Some, like Mike A, noted that applying just one coat leads to failure, and several coats are key for full stain blocking.
- Drying Times: As with any project, following manufacturer-recommended drying times is crucial. Andrew D pointed out that failing to let stain blockers dry properly before applying additional coats can result in bleeding, especially with water-based products like StainAway.
- Use of Space Heaters: In some cases, decorators like Paul I used space heaters to speed up drying times in colder environments, which can be particularly helpful when time constraints are a factor.
The Statistics
From all the responses we received on the topic (or more specifically the product recommendations), this is how popular each product is:
Challenges
Despite the effectiveness of the products mentioned, decorators frequently encounter challenges with nicotine-stained rooms:
- Bleed-Through: Even with proper cleaning and multiple coats, some decorators like Barry have encountered situations where stain blockers like StainAway still resulted in bleed-through. In these cases, decorators often switch to more robust products like Cover Stain or oil-based undercoats to ensure complete coverage.
- Health and Safety: Due to the strong fumes of oil-based paints and primers, working in well-ventilated areas is essential, particularly when using products like Zinsser BIN or Pliolite. David emphasized this concern, particularly for individuals with health conditions, such as COPD.
Conclusion: Professional Recommendations for Nicotine-Stained Rooms
When it comes to tackling nicotine-stained rooms, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and decorators must choose products based on the severity of the staining, the environment, and the health of the occupants.
For most jobs, Johnstone’s StainAway is highly regarded as a water-based, low-fume option that delivers excellent results with minimal effort, provided proper drying times are observed. However, for particularly heavy staining, decorators often revert to tried-and-tested methods like Zinsser Cover Stain or oil-based undercoat, which offer strong stain-blocking performance but come with longer drying times and stronger odours.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in thorough preparation, including cleaning surfaces with sugar soap, allowing adequate drying time between coats, and choosing the appropriate stain-blocking product for the job. By following these professional insights, decorators can effectively transform nicotine-stained rooms into fresh, clean spaces while minimising the risks of stain bleed-through and odour retention.
