Fire damage restoration requires training and the right products to ensure complete odor elimination and surface protection. When smoke and soot contaminate structural surfaces, cleaning alone and gas-phase methods (hydroxyl, ozone) often fall short of addressing some embedded odors and particulate matter. This is where combining Unsoot #1 encapsulant with 9-D-9 creates a powerful value-added deodorizing pre-sealer solution.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact process for mixing and applying this specialized combination, ensuring your fire restoration projects are conducted with professional efficiency and effectiveness and customers are left with superior results.
The Science Behind Deodorizing Presealers
Soot particles possess extremely high surface area, allowing them to adsorb and retain strong odors deep within their structure. Cleaning of certain surfaces can remove substantial visible contamination, but it may leave some microscopic particles that will continue generating odors.
Unsoot #1 serves as a low-solids, low-solvent encapsulant that forms a protective coating over contaminated surfaces. This coating traps soot particles and prevents them from becoming airborne during restoration activities. The film dries clear with no gloss, maintaining the original appearance of treated surfaces.
As a professional-grade odor control agent, 9-D-9 neutralizes odor molecules while Unsoot #1 encapsulates them, creating a dual-action approach that addresses both immediate odor concerns and long-term prevention.
A deodorizing pre-sealer is used on unpainted structural surfaces (concrete, concrete block, brick, and especially lumber and other structural wood products, e.g., plywood, engineered wood, etc.). It is not a standalone process; it is one step of the restoration process, which may include many processes (number of steps depend on the severity of the fire and resulting smoke damage) such as:
Required Materials and Equipment
You will need these items to ensure efficient application and professional results:
Essential Products
Equipment Requirements
Never use ULV foggers to apply the deodorizing presealer. Apply using either a commercial airless paint sprayer or an electric sprayer to achieve sufficient coverage and and adequate penetration on materials.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Creating the perfect deodorizing presealer requires precise measurements and proper mixing techniques. Follow these steps for consistent results:
1. Prepare your workspace: Ensure adequate ventilation and wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection when working in contaminated areas.
2. Add Unsoot #1: Pour one gallon of Unsoot #1 Encapsulant into your clean 5-gallon container. This is the base for your deodorizing presealer.
3. Add 9-D-9: Add one quart of 9-D-9 Smoke Odor Counteractant to the container. This provides smoke deodorization.
4. Optional additive: For severe odor situations, add up to five ounces of Last Resort Plus. Do not add more than recommended or needed, as excessive amounts can can yield undesirable effects.
5. Fill with water: Add clean water to bring the total volume to 5 gallons. This dilution ensures proper viscosity for spray application and ensures effectiveness.
6. Mix thoroughly: Stir the solution completely to ensure even distribution of all components. The final mixture should appear uniform without separation.
Application Techniques for Maximum Effectiveness
Coverage Calculations
The deodorizing presealer solution covers 500 - 750 square feet per gallon when applied with commercial airless paint sprayers or electric sprayers. This range depends on surface porosity and material type.
Application Method
Equipment setup: Configure your airless paint sprayer or electric sprayer according to manufacturer specifications. Test spray patterns on a small area to verify proper coverage.
Systematic application: Apply the solution in overlapping passes, ensuring complete coverage of all affected surfaces. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices and textured areas (such as rough sawn wood) where odors commonly hide.
Penetration focus: Allow adequate contact time for the solution to penetrate porous materials. The encapsulant needs time to reach embedded random small particles and fully absorb into fine pores for effective odor control.
Environmental Controls
Maintain proper ventilation during application while avoiding excessive air movement that could affect spray patterns. Control temperature and humidity levels when needed, as these factors influence drying time and film formation.
Troubleshooting Common Application Issues
Coverage Problems
If the solution appears to bead up or provide uneven coverage, the surface may have residual cleaning products or other substances on it. Wet clean the problem surface area again with an appropriate cleaning solution and dry before reapplication.
Odor Breakthrough
If odors persist after application it could be because other necessary procedures/processes (see above) were not performed. However, if all appropriate steps have been accomplished, then another application of the presealer including Last Resort Plus (at no higher than recommended limits) may be necessary for complete odor control satisfaction.
Equipment Clogging
Thick solutions can clog spray equipment. Ensure thorough mixing and strain the solution if necessary. Clean equipment immediately after use to prevent product buildup, which could affect future applications.
Safety and Cleanup Procedures
Professional restoration work demands strict adherence to safety protocols and proper cleanup procedures. These steps protect both workers and occupants while maintaining equipment in optimal condition.
Personal Protection
Always wear appropriate PPE when handling deodorizing presealer solutions. This includes chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection when working in smoke contaminated environments.
Equipment Maintenance
Clean spray equipment thoroughly after each use. Flush systems with a detergent solution followed by clean water to remove all product residue. Pay special attention to filters and nozzles where buildup commonly occurs.
Waste Disposal
Dispose of waste materials according to local regulations. Never discharge wastewater into storm drains or surface waters. Contact local authorities for guidance on proper disposal methods in your area.
Maximizing Your Fire Restoration Success
Taking the step of applying the combination of Unsoot #1 and 9-D-9 as a deodorizing pre-sealer always adds value in fire and smoke damage restoration projects. Whether light smoke, moderate smoke, or heavy smoke, this dual-action solution encapsulates and contains a layer of smoke odor counteracting compounds on the properly prepared surfaces.
Its use helps give assurance of fully effective and permanent lasting smoke deodorization that property owners and insurance companies expect.
By including the step of applying this deodorizing presealer to the appropriate materials, you'll achieve more consistent results and avoid call-backs, as you build your reputation as a skilled fire and smoke damage restoration professional.
For more restoration-related guidance, search our Tips & Tricks for topics of interest.
