First Impressions

Getting a home ready for market means helping the home be as attractive as possible to potential buyers. We’ve all heard about “first impressions” making a huge difference. The home should look its best and SMELL its best. This can be difficult to achieve if the home has been host to family pets. Pet odors can be extremely difficult to eliminate. Sometimes new carpet and fresh paint don’t achieve the desired results leaving faint yet noticeable odors. Pet urine can seep into walls and sub-floors.

Sometimes enzyme treatments do the job but most likely a more aggressive approach is necessary. Sometimes carpet must be removed and a sealer applied to the sub-floor. But not all sealers are effective. Here’s a quick run-down on the types of sealers and what to look for.

Sealers

Sealers vary in formulation depending on what is being sealed. A primer / sealer for drywall is quite different than one used to seal in odors on a concrete floor. Be sure to read the product brochure to ensure a proper outcome. Most paint manufacturers provide a variety of formulations. Common brands are Kilz and Zinsser.

Drywall primer / sealers are designed to prepare paper backed drywall to receive paint. A chemical reaction between the paper and sealer helps the paint to cover and adhere. These primers don’t block odors.

Bare wood primers are designed to block natural wood tannins from leaking through to the final coat of paint. Again no odor blocking.

Shellac is a resin made from secretions of the Lac beetle. When dissolved in alcohol shellac-based products leave behind a thin shell after the alcohol has evaporated. Excellent for sealing in odors or blocking stains. Shellac is even used in food products to provide a glossy shine. (M&M’s anyone?)

Varnish leaves a hard shell surface like shellac and is often used in creating water resistant coatings on floors and furniture.

Polyurethane is a modern plastic version that can be a water-based or oil-based product.

Lacquer is most often used in fine furniture and provides a high gloss coating.

Modern sealers can be formulated using a combination of the above. To properly seal a sub-floor with pet stains and odors I suggest first using an enzyme to eat away at the proteins then when dry use a thorough coating of either Zinsser Odor Killing Primer or Kilz Max stain and odor blocking formula. Both primers dry quickly and allow a top coating of oil or latex paint. Expect to spend around $50 per gallon.