How to get cigarette smoke out of the walls?

wash the walls with TSP and water,prime with Kiltz and paint

I use a primer that seals whenever i have a problem with the walls. The kind i like is Kilz 2... which not only works, it isn't very expensive. It's worked quite well for me with mold or oily stains, and in bathrooms when you need a good moisture barrier.

You can test the spot first with the primer. It might require more than one coat. I don't know how quickly it's been bleeding through your paint but hopefully you would know in a couple of days whether or not the primer will work for you.

Congratulations, by the way, on quitting smoking!!! :D

You need to use TSP (trisodium phosphate). It comes in a carton at home improvement stores near the paint. It is the only thing that I know that will get the cigarette tar out. Mix it up according to the directions on the carton. You have to use gloves while you use the cleaner, and it is an excellent idea if you have all the windows open while you are cleaning. Be careful not to get it on your skin because it can cause irritation. It would also be a good idea to wear goggles while you a washing the ceilings so that none gets in your eyes. If that will not take it off then make sure you get a decent primer like Zinzser or Kilz.

There's a product line called Kilz (Masterchem Industries) that will do what you want. Specifically Kilz is a primer and is intended to cover stains and odors. There are several varieties depending on what surface you're painting over, etc. Kilz is generally available at Lowe's & Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc. in the USA. I assume it's available in the UK as well.

Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. Kilz is pretty powerful stuff.

Hi,

The best primer is alcohol based like BIN. It will be very thin, smelly etc but the only type that blocks that stain. Ask your paint store to add 2 ounces of white colorant to help give it better covering.

TSP and a lot of elbow grease.When you are ready to paint, put on a coat of a good primer first.

You don't. All you can do is cover it up with primer. I recommend you stay away from the water based primer, as it only covers up spots, it won't help with the smell. Latex primer is definitely the way to go in this case.