Customer Reviews for Zinsser Cover Stain 5 gal. White Low VOC Classic Oil-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

good stuff using it as primer over aluminum siding and it really sticks, a great base for finish coat

I used this after contacting Zinsser support This was their recommendation. This is the Low VOC version of Cover Stain it’s not the “real oil” version. This paint is horrible to apply. I used a Wooster 3/8 nap and the orange peel it left behind caused me 3 days of sanding level the surface. I will never buy again.

Working like a charm

Used this to prine our hallway… big mistake. It has the worst chemical smell! Used a mask and fan and my lungs still hurt. It also goes on like goo and wont wash off your brush. Destroyed one of my rollers. We couldn’t even sleep in our own house because fumes are so awful. Returing ASAP

I used this as a primer to seal over wallpaper. It did the job, but it's a paint that's really difficult to apply. It doesn't really flow, so when using a brush, it takes a bit more effort than when using regular latex paint. My biggest complaint is the fumes it gives off, towards the end, I was getting dizzy and my eyes were getting irritated so I left the house for a few hours to clear my head. It does the job as advertised, it's just more difficult to work with compared to a water based paint.

The name Low VOC is totally inaccurate. The fumes are really aweful and this product should be banned

I've been a painting contractor for 38 years and Cover Stain has been my go-to interior oil primer as long as I can remember. This new "low VOC" formulation, however, is a far cry from the quality product I've used for so long. The viscosity is much higher than the original, making it almost unworkable by brush without thinning....and it doesn't thin easily, costing additional time and money. The odor is, incredibly, much more intense and irritating than the full VOC version and permeated the entire house for several days, despite the ventilation, closed doors, zipwalls, etc. The stain-killing quality and quick drying time are still there, so I gave it 2 stars instead of one, but my client might convince me to deduct it because his eyes and throat are still bothering him, even though he never entered the room (garage) I was priming. My 2 cents: get the original full VOC formulation or try something else. Certainly not worth the $57/gal I had to pay.

I always use this oil primer (mineral spirits clean-up) on raw wood, and to cover not-so-good material that I want extra protection or stain coverage. This formula is new; it used to be available only in quarts, and now only in gallons. I hope this version is as good as the old. It's called "classic" and used to be "original." Not to be confused with the water/oil formula that cleans up with water.

Don’t waste your time with this product, it is difficult to apply with a brush and destroys roller sleeves. Not only is it sticky , it smells horrible and will have your head spinning even with a mask. It take at least twelve hours before it dries and sanding you need to use 220 grit but you have to be care not rub off the coat of primer.

This bonds ok to a variety of substrates. The finish is quite glossy and smooth to the touch, though. I recommend scuff sanding it after it cures prior to painting over it.

Worked great on exterior cedar siding job to replace some rotted planks. Went on thick and dried within 6-10 hours in cool weather. Sealed and bonded with cedar and took the paint perfectly. Some reviewers complained about not drying but no problem here.

I used this primer for a base coat and does exactly what the label says. It covered my wore out cabinets that were a dark stain and bonded to have proper adhesion for my top coat finish without even having to sand. Sure it has a very strong and powerful Oder but the best primer to cover stain and bond usually do. Don’t be fooled by other products claims stating that there is no smell but will never work as good as this product and having the security that your top coat will not fail. Be sure to have plenty of ventilation and face covering.

I bought this because of the low VOC…this stuff is so strong! I was wearing goggles and a respirator mask and it still made my eye burn and gave me really bad nausea. I’ve tried to cover over old wallpaper in my office and thought if I did a few days a part I could tolerate it but nope it was terrible both times. The scent has lingered for a week. This stuff is thick and it covers ok but I cannot physically handle the fumes. Hoping to find another alternative or my room will never be finished.

This has excellent coverage, a little too thick to spread evenly, but doesn't really matter since it is the primer coat. The smell is overpowering so make sure you have good ventilation.

While the paint is messy, it prepared the wood for paint and it looks terrific!

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Does what it’s supposed to do. This last batch was super thick. Needed to thin it out before spraying

Works great for isolating wallpaper glue or covering smoke or fire damage.

It splatters too much. It also doesn't cover all that well after one coat.

Price went crazy $57 plus paint fee? Good primer but may be cheaper at paint store now. Have been thinning with Flowtrol for better brush out

The smell was so awful that I had to sit outside for 2 hours before my headache, dizziness, and nausea went away. I was not able to finish the one room before the symptoms started and now am left with 9.8 gallons that I will never use.