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Overview

Model # 256184 Store SKU # 1000123364

Get ultimate hiding power indoors and out with Zinsser® Cover Stain® Oil-Base Primer. This whole-house primer-sealer is a favourite with professionals. Use it to block stains, hide dark colours, prevent tannin bleed and penetrate and seal exterior wood. Can be used under any oil- or water-based topcoat.

  1. Interior & exterior use
  1. Best exterior wood sealer
  1. Blocks cedar & redwood bleed
  1. Seals water, smoke & nicotine stains
  1. Sticks to all surfaces without sanding
  1. Dries in 1 hour
  1. Universal oil based primer
  1. Great for interior or exterior projects
  1. Compatible with oil or latex paints

Specifications

Dimensions

Assembled Depth (in inches)
7.5
Assembled Height (in inches)
8
Assembled Weight (in lbs)
11.5
Assembled Width (in inches)
7.5
Packaged Depth (in inches)
6.625
Packaged Height (in inches)
7.688
Packaged Weight (In lbs)
13
Packaged Width (in inches)
6.625

Details

Can Size (L)
3.79
Can Type
Gallon
Certified
Country of Origin
US-United States
Coverage Area (Sq. Ft.)
375
Drywall Primer
Interior & Exterior
Interior & Exterior
Low VOC
Sheen
Flat
Size
3.8
Smoke & Water Damage Primer
Tintable

Warranty / Certifications

Cover Stain is guaranteed to perform as indicated when applied according to label directions to a properly prepared surface. Directions are complete as possible but cannot encompass all conditions, applications and/or surfaces beyond the manufacturer's c
Cover Stain Oil-Based Interior & Exterior Primer Sealer & Stain Killer, 3.7LZinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Interior & Exterior Primer Sealer & Stain Killer, 3.7LGet ultimate hiding power indoors and out with Zinsser® Cover Stain® Oil-Base Primer. This whole-house primer-sealer is a favourite with professionals. Use it to block stains, hide dark colours, prevent tannin bleed and penetrate and seal exterior wood. Can be used under any oil- or water-based topcoat.
Zinsser
1000123364
Cover Stain Oil-Based Interior & Exterior Primer Sealer & Stain Killer, 3.7L is rated 4.6 out of 5 by 402.
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Rated 1 out of 5 by from Product Did Not Perform Based solely on my experience, I would definitely NOT buy this product if you want to cover Knots on pine. I built an accent wall from Pine Ship Lap. On a recommendation from the Home Depot associate and the product description on the can, he recommended Bin 2 and said it would cover and protect the knots from bleeding. After 9 months, the knots bled. I complained to Rust Oleum and they refunded me the money and recommended I use Zinsser Cover Stain. I purchased this product and after about 1 year, same results ... knots bled. So the bleeding penetrated both the Bin 2 and three costs of Cover Stain.
Date published: 2024-11-27
Rated 4 out of 5 by from great stuff I used this stuff to prime old, grimey greasy kitchen cupboards. it was great and they ended up looking like new once I was finished.
Date published: 2009-03-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from This is one strong primer I needed to cover nicotine smell and hazards infused by previous tenants' smoking. It sure seems to cover the hazards, as well as hides concentrated wall colors nicely.... But the smell is overpowering!! It is advisable to prime a dwelling while empty. The smell is similar to the old oil-based paints (lacquer?). Paint thinner should be by your side at all times, as well, to wipe any drops quickly, to wash any smudge off your body, and keep your brushes from drying up. The primer dries up to a nice off-white matte finish. On colored surfaces, a bit of color is showing through after one layer of primer. It definitely needs a latex paint over. Nicely prepares the surface, though!
Date published: 2018-03-08
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Stinky! I live in a 60 year old house and needed to cover old, dark paint. I wasn't sure what kind of paint it was (oil, or maybe even lead?). I bought this primer so that I could use latex paint. The primer worked well, but the smell was terrible and very strong! It almost made me sick. If you don't need a heavy-duty primer, I'd buy the odorless kind!
Date published: 2007-02-20
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Homedepot is frustrating to deal with I ordered this product back in March for delivery. I tried 5 different times to cancel my order (as it is now May) and each time Homedepot told me that they would cancel it. Not only was this purchase not cancelled and my money not refunded (during this covid time the money is greatly needed) but it has not yet been delivered (despite Homedepots requests for a review)....I am beyond frustrated.
Date published: 2020-05-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from COVER STAIN is the best primer to seal in Smoke This is hands down the best primer to cover smoke smell on drywall. Even after washing the walls, I tried the Killz Exterior and Interior Primer, and the Bullseye 1-2-3. The COVER STAIN was the best (also the hardest to work with as its oil based), followed by the Bullseye and the Killz last. This has a very strong scent though, so if you can't handle the fumes, open up some windows.
Date published: 2021-03-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy Breezy Beautiful Cover Stain Worked great to prime my custom wooden light plates. I've used the gallon cans and the spray. Spray enables a smoother finish with less effort. Good product.
Date published: 2023-07-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excellent value I think this is the best product of its kind on the market and being able to buy it in this bulk size is a great way to save money.
Date published: 2021-05-21
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does this Primer stop bleed through from wood that has been varnished or sealed previously. Thankyou

Asked by: Arlene
Hi Arlene, Yes, our Zinsser Cover stain will block bleed through from wood that has been varnished or sealed previously. We recommend cleaning the surface and sand any glossy, smooth areas with 220-grit after the surface has dried. Some stains made require 2 coats of primer.
Answered by: Rust-Oleum Answers
Date published: 2024-11-04

I had older stained doors which I painted with latex primer and paint after sanding. I am getting tannin bleed. Can I apply this directly over the latex paint I just painted and recoat with the latex paint? Or do I need to re-sand the doors first?

Asked by: Derek
Hi Derek, Great question! Yes, you can apply our Zinsser Cover Stain overtop your latex painted doors. Make sure the surface is clean. Sand only if the surface is very smooth. After priming with our Cover Stain, you can topcoat with your latex paint once again.
Answered by: Rust-Oleum Answers
Date published: 2024-02-26

Am i required to use a paint after using this product? Which colors does this cover stain available?

Asked by: Wony
The primer itself dries to a matte finish. On previously white surfaces, it dries to off-white color. On previously colored surfaces, the paint can be visible through (I painted over medium blue). In summary, you don't have to have paint over this primer, under following conditions: - you like matte finish - you like off-white color - you are priming over white surface, then one layer of primer is enough - if you are priming over concentrated color, then you would need 2 layers of primer - you don't mind strong lacquer-like smell hanging in your house for a long time (paint over it cuts the smell some)
Answered by: Fredrique
Date published: 2024-11-04

Is this safe to spray on water radiators and does it need to be saved to put latex as a finishing coat ?

Asked by: Mike
Hi Mike, We need more information before we can assist. Please consider calling us at 1-800-387-3625 so we can help!
Answered by: Rust-Oleum Answers
Date published: 2024-04-23

do i need to clean the wall before

Asked by: bill
Hi Bill, Great question! Yes before priming with our COver Stain Primer Sealer, surfaces should be clean, dry, sound and free of dust, dirt, excessive chalky material, grime, grease, oil, wax, mildew, wallpaper, adhesive or any contamination that may interfere with adhesion. If unsure of cleanliness, always wash surface with Krud Kutter® Prepaint Cleaner TSP Substitute or ammonia and water solution or solvent (Do not use TSP).
Answered by: Rust-Oleum Answers
Date published: 2024-10-02

Can this be used in a electric paint sprayer? How many sq. ft. does it cover per gallon?

Asked by: Jayd
Hi Jayd, Our Cover Stain primer can be sprayed with an electric paint sprayer. You will have to refer to the manufacturer's instructions when using your spray equipment. One gallon covers 400 sq. ft. on smooth, painted, non-porous surfaces and 300 sq. ft. per gallon on rough, unpainted, porous surfaces. Application losses will vary according to the porosity of the substrate and the method of application and should be taken into account when estimating the quantity if product needed.
Answered by: Rust-Oleum Answers
Date published: 2024-11-04

Does this product have a "critical recoat time"?

Some primers requrie that you top coat them within 24 hours, or the top coats will not adhere. Is this the case with ths product?
Asked by: Anonymous
The recoat time for this product is anytime after an hour but don't wait weeks before putting a top coat. I hope this helps.
Answered by: OnlineAssociate
Date published: 2024-11-04

Can this product be used on concrete? I need a product that can be used on concrete under ice for a curling rink.

Asked by: Cracks
Hi Cracks, Unfortunately, we do not have any products for your project. Our primers will not hold up when fully submerged under water.
Answered by: Rust-Oleum Answers
Date published: 2024-11-04
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