How to Fix Water, Smoke and Other Paint Stains

Are you facing stained paint and need the right repair solution? While there many potential causes, each has a different solution. Find the right one in this how-to guide.

CAUSES

What Causes Paint Stains?

Stains in the paint surface can be caused by virtually anything that would bleed, leak, or stick to the paint. Common causes include:

  • Water stains
  • Tobacco smoke leaves yellow stains
  • Fire smoke and soot damage
  • Grease and oil
  • Rust

How to Fix It

REPAIR SOLUTION

Water Stains

  1. Find and repair the source of water.
  2. Repair any excessively damaged wood, plaster or drywall.
  3. Remove any peeling paint.
  4. Seal the stained area with a primer designed to "hold out" water stains (such as White Pigmented Shellac Primer).
REPAIR SOLUTION

Smoke, Soot & Oil Stains

  1. Use an appropriate cleaner to clean any tobacco smoke stains, fire smoke and soot, and grease and oil as much as possible from the surface.
  2. Seal stains before applying topcoats.
REPAIR SOLUTION

Rust

  1. Remove any rust mechanically (with a brush or power tool).
  2. Prime the surface with a rust-inhibiting primer (like the All Surface Enamel Latex Primer).
REPAIR SOLUTION

Solvent-Soluble Stains

For oil, grease, tar, solvent-based markers and other solvent-soluble stains, remove with a solvent-based cleaning solution.

REPAIR SOLUTION

Water-Soluble Stains

For dried water stains, smoke stains and other water-soluble stains, as well as related odors, remove with a water-based cleaning solution.

REPAIR SOLUTION

Tannins

Found in wood, tannins can be leached out, generally with water, and discolor a coating. (See How to Fix Paint Tannin).

Primer Products to Consider

When restoring rust-stained surfaces, consider our All Surface Enamel Latex Primer for a durable base. When working with water-soluble stains, try White Pigmented Shellac Primer for interior surfaces and Exterior Oil-Based Wood Primer for exterior ones.

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