Let's talk about nicotine

[Mindy Jensen]

I bought a smoker's house. Prior to sale, they painted all the walls that didn't have wallpaper on them. 

Painted, not CLEANED then painted. Paint is starting to bubble up in places, I assume due to nicotine. 

Has anyone ever dealt with this without just replacing all the drywall in the house?

[Jill F.]

Usually it's the tar not the nicotine that is the problem. zinnser bin shellac primer. My painter recommended it. It actually gave me a headache to use until it dried but it did get rid of all the odor and stains.