Smoke Soot On Cement Walls

Headshot

A few years ago, we had a fire in a garage, extremely lucky I didn't spread but It's come to the point I'm sick and tired of the Smoke/Soot damage on the cement walls and want to get it sorted

I've read about getting a dry-cleaning or chemical sponge but not entirely sure on that? Any advice?

10-10-20

Hi! Poured concrete walls or concrete block walls (with mortar lines showing, for example)?

Because concrete block walls have more smaller voids, so you'll have a more difficult time cleaning or covering it.

Headshot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121779323#Comment_121779323

It's concrete block walls with plaster on top as seen in the attached screenshot.

Shows you the smoke damage too

10-10-20

Given the extent and the type of wall, I think you'd be best off washing that wall with a pressure-sprayer first, but use a vinegar based cleaner to soften up any tars first.

Let it dry-off fully and then try pricing this solution from Zinsser. The primer is the important part; you might get away with using a more common/less-expensive stain-blocker paint for the decoration part.

https://www.zinsseruk.com/howto/paint-fire-smoke-damage-water-based-method/

Calahonda52

Might be easier to sheet it with plaster board and paint it

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121814894#Comment_121814894

I'd be afraid that it would condense behind the PB and then the smoke residue would run and cause other issues. But maybe that would be an option if the wall was washed beforehand.

Calahonda52

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121815017#Comment_121815017

The pb on its own is unlightly to bring the dew point in that far unless condensation is already an issue, however you make a very fair point!

MrMusician18

Hot pressure washer with detergent will get the job done.