Bad smell from plasterboard

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So we've recently moved into a 1985 built (Bovis) house. The previous owner bought from new and was a pipe smoker. The smell wasn't too bad though when we moved in.

We have recently been removing wallpaper from the hall, stairs and landing. The paper had been put straight onto the plasterboard (except for a thin coat of something magnolia - perhaps just an emulsion or maybe some sort of primer). The paper was removed by peeling off the top patterned layer to leave a thin paper backing. This was then removed by spraying with a mist of water and gently scraping off.

As this water spray was applied the pape gave off a strong smell, slightly smokey smelling. We weren't sure if this was just the way the paper smelled when damp or whether it was unusual?

Anyway, the surface was then given a light sanding with 120 grade paper. This removed any odd bits of paper or glue left. I then applied a mist coat using Dulux supermatt 3:1 dilution.

Although the paint smell was strong to begin with, the walls now seem to be giving off that same strong bad smell, slightly smokey? Not sure? That might be just something in our minds because we know there used to be a smoker in the house.

Ant ideas what's causing the smell? Is it something to do with the plasterboard getting slightly damp? Will it go as it dries?
 
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This morning I'm convinced it's more of a damp cardboard smell than it is tobacco. Wondering whether it's the effect of applying a watery mist coat to plasterboard.
 

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