How can I repair interior fire damage?

Cheri Johnson
by Cheri Johnson
We are in a rental. Last month we had a fire. One bedroom’s walls and ceiling were black. We have scraped and cleaned as much as possible. Now we need to paint. I am planning to retexture before painting. Would it help control the smoke odor by adding baking soda to the mud when I thin it? I could also use inexpensive solutions for covering the floor. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  5 answers
  • Gelaine Fasse Buhk Gelaine Fasse Buhk on Jan 29, 2018

    There is a paint that has a scent to it now. Don't remember the name of the paint but your local hardware or paint store should know.


  • 27524803 27524803 on Jan 29, 2018

    The problem is that the smoke may have reached the insulation behind the drywall and infused itself into the drywall itself.... since it is a rental... I would contact one of the professional services like Serve Pro... they will have the knowledge, equipment, and products that will get the job done right... I would tender a guess that you do not have renters insurance... and that the landlord does not know about the fire??

    KILZ makes several paints that might help

    • Cheri Johnson Cheri Johnson on Feb 01, 2018

      Yes the landlord repaired the wiring, replaced the windows and painted the entire house. I am doing the room because he is elderly. The house is old, walls sheetrock over shiplap, no insulation, but thanks for your suggestions.

  • First, why are you doing the work??? The landlords insurance should cover cost and landlord should pay for all repairs. Hello!!!! Fire and flood restoration companies are everywhere! Are you getting free rent for all this? Just gets my goat hearing about all the slumlords out there.

    Everything and I mean everything needs to be cleaned with TSP. Without this step, no matter what you do will not turn out well. Then you need to prime with the correct formula - any good stand alone paint store can help you.


    Vinyl flooring would be the least expensive, just know quality does matter. Cheap is cheap and will not last long.


    Keep track of every penny you spend and tally your hours too. It is admirable that you want to do the work, just make sure it is done right and get reimbursed for your efforts.

  • William William on Jan 29, 2018

    I agree with Naomie 100%. This should be the landlords responsibility not yours. Yes, everything should be cleaned with TSP. Smoke is greasy and oily. Then you need to prime with a VARNISH based primer to seal the odor and staining. Then you can texture the walls. Do not add anything to the mud. Anything you add wall compromise it. Baking soda will just thicken it and make it dry faster limiting working time. Vinyl flooring is low cost option. If you can prime the floor do it or lay down at least 4 mil plastic sheeting to seal any odors before the flooring.

  • Castrang17 Castrang17 on Jan 29, 2018

    Call a restoration company to clean the fire damage or talk with them for suggestions. Your insurance should cover the damage and any professional services. The smell of smoke takes a long time to "air" out and remains a health hazard. Be safe!