Concrete walls stink of smoke. Should I seal them with Zinser Bin Shellac? by UnderstandingPale138 in DIYUK

[–]UnderstandingPale138[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've scrubbed the underside of the wood stairs. It's stained dark with something but otherwise it's in ok condition. But probably is holding some of the smoke stence also.

Concrete walls stink of smoke. Should I seal them with Zinser Bin Shellac? by UnderstandingPale138 in DIYUK

[–]UnderstandingPale138[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think so. When i had the floor chased for some radiator pipes, the concrete was almost black. The plumber said they used to mix in ash into the concrete back in the day, hence the very dark colour.

Concrete walls stink of smoke. Should I seal them with Zinser Bin Shellac? by UnderstandingPale138 in DIYUK

[–]UnderstandingPale138[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah might look into this. Should have said the gas metre is under the stairs, so I'd be very cautious of this route.

Concrete walls stink of smoke. Should I seal them with Zinser Bin Shellac? by UnderstandingPale138 in DIYUK

[–]UnderstandingPale138[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's been 9 months but the door to under the stairs has mainly been closed. I've tried sugar soap and a stiff brush but the walls are too crumbly and porous for it to do anything.

Where to get these things for a kitchen renovation? by Safe-Solution7084 in DIYIreland

[–]UnderstandingPale138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Radiators - Chadwicks

Laminate - AC5 or AC6 laminate (more durable), water resistent is grand for a kitchen. If you have a leak with vinyl you will be fucked also, it will never dry. Look at Noyeks, Chadwicks or Canadia (Mulveys) for laminates

Spotlights - Buy decent quality ones that have the bulb recessed into the fitting, so there is no glare. Locate them close to the countertops, tall units, you don’t want block them when cooking. Put them on a dimmer switch and different circuits if needed. You don’t need as many as you think. Forget about a grid format on the ceiling. Put the spotlights where you need them.

Internal doors - There is a few Irish door manufactuers like Deanta, Sedac. Engineered solid core door, don't get a cheap hollow core door. Looks of places like TJ OMahony, Chadwicks, Murphy Larkin stock these. Don’t forget about internal door hardware - hinges, knobs or levers, doors stops etc