Case Study: Eliminating Fire and Smoke Damage with SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker

Highlight

• Heavy-Duty Performance: Effective on tough smoke stains and odours for long-term results.
• Quick-Drying Formula: Ready for a topcoat in around 30 minutes.
• Odour & Stain Sealing: Locks in smoke odours and prevents bleed-through.
• Expert UK Support: Our technical team provides step-by-step guidance for fire-damaged surfaces.

Introduction

When a kitchen fire leaves behind stubborn smoke damage, standard paints often fail to hide the discolouration, allowing stains to show through again and again. This case study highlights how a UK homeowner finally overcame recurring smoke stains in their kitchen using SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker—with zero bleed-through even four years on.

Background & Challenge

Client Background

The homeowner experienced a kitchen fire that covered walls and ceilings in soot and left a lingering smoky odour. After multiple attempts with standard primers and paints, the stains kept bleeding through, making the kitchen appear perpetually discoloured.

Challenge

• Severe Smoke Damage: Conventional paints couldn’t permanently block the dark stains.
• Lingering Odour: The homeowner noticed a persistent smoke smell, especially in damp weather.
• Repeated Repainting: Multiple repaints wasted both time and money without yielding a lasting solution.

Initial Conditions

When the client reached out, the kitchen walls and ceiling had obvious soot marks and a yellowish tinge. Each new coat of paint only lasted a few weeks before smoke stains reappeared.

The Solution & Implementation

How the Product Was Used

1. Surface Prep: The homeowner cleaned the soot residue and lightly sanded.
2. Primer Application: SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker was applied with a short-pile roller in one generous coat; some heavily stained areas received a second spot coat.
3. Fast Drying: Within 30 minutes, the primer was dry enough for a topcoat.
4. Topcoat Application: The final colour was applied, sealing in the shellac primer and offering a uniform finish.

Our UK-based technical team guided the homeowner on best prep methods and drying times, ensuring the toughest smoke stains were properly sealed.

Results & Customer Feedback

Outcomes

• Zero Bleed-Through: Even after five years, no trace of smoke stains returned.
• Odour Control: The shellac primer locked in unpleasant smoke smells.
• Durable Finish: The kitchen remains fresh-looking, requiring no further touch-ups.

Testimonial

“We tried everything to cover the smoke stains but nothing worked—until we used SPO Shellac. Four years later, the kitchen still looks perfect!”
— Dianne H., Homeowner in Scarborough

Further Reading

• Read our main blog on SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker for more details
• View the product here: SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker

Conclusion

When confronted with persistent smoke damage, SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker proves it can outlast and outperform conventional primers. For UK homeowners looking to restore a fire-damaged kitchen (or any heavily stained room), shellac-based technology offers a reliable, quick-drying solution.

Contact Us

Our technical team includes qualified paint inspectors with extensive manufacturing and supply knowledge. We're here to support you—whether you need advice, help with this product, or guidance on other paint projects.

• Live Chat: On our website (bottom-right corner)
• Phone: 01482 222421
• Email: info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk
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