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Internet # 100398403

Model # 3504

Store SKU # 808461

Cover Stain 1 qt. White Oil-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer

$20.48
  • Oil-Based primer seals, blocks stains and gives great adhesion
  • Requires no sanding, hides dark colors and prevents tannin bleed
  • Fast drying, stain killing primer can be coated in 1 hour
  • View More Details

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Product Details

About This Product

Zinsser Cover Stain 1 qt. Oil Base White Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer sticks to any surface without sanding. Exceptional stain killing power, its oil-based formula effectively seals stains from water, smoke, fire, nicotine and blocks tanning bleed. It offers excellent flexibility and adhesion.

Highlights

  • Ideal for interior or exterior use such as sealing exterior wood and blocking tanning bleed
  • Covers up to 100 sq. ft.
  • Flat/matte finish
  • High hiding all surface primer hides dark colors and seals most interior and exterior stains
  • Oil-based formula provides excellent adhesion to all surfaces without sanding
  • Ensures longer life of top coats
  • Fast-drying oil-based formula provides exceptional stain killing power, hides dark colors and blocks stubborn stains from water, smoke and more
  • Dries to touch in 30 minutes
  • Clean up spills and drips with a rag soaked in mineral spirits
  • Note: product may vary by store
  • Return Policy
  • California residents
     see Prop 65 WARNINGS

Product Information

Internet # 100398403

Model # 3504

Store SKU # 808461

Additional Resources

Shop All Zinsser

Specifications

Container Size: 1 Quart

Dimensions

Container Size

1 Quart

Details

Application

Sealer

Application Method

Brush, Paint Sprayer, Roller

Base Material

Oil Based

Coating Product Category

Primer

Color Family

White

Color/Finish

White

Coverage Area (sq. ft)

100

Dry to Touch (min.)

30 min

Interior/Exterior

Exterior, Interior

Number of coats recommended

1

Number per Package

1

Paint Product Form

Liquid

Paint/Stain Clean Up

Mineral Spirits

Primer Purpose

Sealant, Stain Blocking

Returnable

90-Day

Sheen

Flat/Matte

Surface Material Use

Drywall, Wood

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Satisfaction guaranteed for full refund of purchase price

Questions & Answers

Can I use cover coat on new sheet rock
ByOct 6, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Happy to help with this! Yes, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer can be applied to new drywall. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

By|Oct 6, 2026


    Can this primer be used on metal surfaces
    ByOct 2, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Great question, Terry. Yes, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Primer can be applied to non-galvanized metal surfaces. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

    By|Oct 2, 2026


      Can I paint over the oil base Zinsser primer with a water based paint?
      BySep 4, 2026
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      Great question, Jodi! Yes, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer can be topcoated with a water-based paint after 1 hour. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

      By|Sep 4, 2026


        I live in California. What product do you suggest as a replacement since this isn't available?
        ByAug 28, 2026
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        We're happy to try to help, John! Depending on your location, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Base Low VOC Primer SKU 271448 is available in California. Please check the Home Depot website for availability near you. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-Cover-Stain-1-gal-White-Low-VOC-Classic-Oil-Based-Interior-Exterior-Primer-and-Sealer-271448/206803060 — Rust-Oleum Product Support 15

        By|Sep 1, 2026


          Handed this to the paint clerk at West Long Branch HD paint department to have tinted dark gray and he said they were unable to tint Zinsser primer?
          ByAug 22, 2026
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          We're happy to clarify this for you, Donald! Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Base Primer can be tinted with up to 2 ounces of universal colorant per gallon or 1/2 ounce per quart. The paint counter at your local Home Depot can assist you with any questions regarding tinting. If the paint counter associate has any questions, please have them contact Rust-Oleum directly at 888-855-1774. We're happy to help them! — Rust-Oleum Product Support 15

          By|Sep 24, 2026

            (1)

            Can you use water based paint over this primer
            ByAug 11, 2026
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Great question! Yes, after allowing Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer to dry for an hour, you can apply a water-based paint. As always, a small test application should be done to ensure favorable results are achieved. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

            By|Aug 16, 2026

              (1)

              I used this primer two coats for redwood window trims. Have not painted the top paint yet because the project is still going for at least 1 month. Do I need to apply one more coat of the primer after 1 month? Then paint the top paint after the primer dry?
              ByJul 26, 2026
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Let's see if we can clear things up. While Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Primer can be painted 1 month after applying, to ensure the strongest adhesion we always recommend to paint before the primer fully cures. This ensures the strongest bond between the primer and top coat rather than the top coat sitting on top of the primer. We recommend reapplying a new coat of primer and painting within 7 days. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

              By|Aug 13, 2026

                (1)

                Can I use this primer for my new stucco wall ? How many coats do you suggest ?
                ByJul 26, 2026
                1 Answer | 
                Answer This Question

                Good question! Yes, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain can be applied to stucco surfaces. Before applying be sure the surface has been thoroughly cleaned to remove any potential contaminants. There is no minimum amount of coats required, however, multiple coats are suggested for more porous surfaces. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

                By|Jul 27, 2026


                  Viewing 1-8 of 378

                  Customer Reviews

                  4.6 out of 5

                  • 4.6 out of 1,267 reviews
                  • 84% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 1,267 reviews
                  Excellent primer! Used it for priming beveled cedar siding. Probably could have gone with just one coat but went for 2 just in case. Paint went on great afterwards with only one coat needed. Great product!
                  by
                  The product covered the water stained ceiling area with 1 coat of the primer sealer making it simple to paint over with ceiling white
                  by
                  This primer works great. It is oil based. I bought it because I needed to cover dark paneling to paint a light color. The photo shows two coats of primer. I will add one more and then two coats of my light paint color. I would recommend this for use but it is really strong smelling and the smell lingers for days...so be prepared for that.
                  by
                  I am a Cabinet Maker an I only use cover stain primer prior to applying my finish paint. This indeed blocks any bleeding or any tannins that might appear. I like the fact that Home Depot sells them in the Quart, Gallon and 5 Gallon. My go to store for these Cover Stain Primer
                  by
                  Don't have this paint shipped! The can isn't made for the beating it takes being delivered by even the most gentle delivery guy. I did have to put the paint in a different container, one without a hole in it. I like the paint, it flows nicely and seems to be high quality and I would recommend it at this point. I reserve the right to change my opinion as the job ages.
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  I got this for basically a remodel of a bathroom. I needed to cover large bondo areas and then after that cover re-textured walls not to mention shiny paint. I first tried doing the entire room with an airless sprayer. It did work but it needed two coats (as I had fingering lines with the sprayer) and then a quick roller. I would not use in sprayer again, it is hard to clean up. I also used it for my cabinets and while it is still newly painted with cabinet paint I am happy. It looks great. I did have to sand and double coat but it was good coverage. I feel like it had good grab and sturdy curing. I did wait about a week to paint cabinets after using this to primer. I don’t believe there is really any paint or primer that covers in one coat so it worked as I expected.
                  by
                  Roller in can shocked
                  I’m giving to stars to this product not because of how it works the stuff is great and actually works its more about disappointed with Home Depot or company where it came from i opened can went to mix with painter stick and found a small roller inside the csn don’t know how that happened or if it was a can that was returned but most of my product was gone after taking that roller out of can so very disappointed that had to spend the money and buy another
                  by
                  Response from Rust-OleumSupportMar 3, 2025
                  That is certainly not something we’ve ever heard about Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Base Primer! For assistance with your homedepot.com order, call Home Depot customer service at 800-430-3376.
                  - Rust-Oleum Product Support 15 Rustoleum
                    • Recommended
                    I am a cabinet painter and I use this when spraying doors in my shop, has excellent adhesion, sands awesome and hides stains and tannins like no other.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    Pretty sure I poisoned myself with the fumes…
                    Tannins GONE 70’s pine panels BUT SCARY! Use respirator! Was sober to begin! Hour 1: mass confusion. Knew the fumes were getting to me, but couldn’t figure out how to exit the room. Hour 2: stomach pain, nausea, puked, headache. I remember tryin to continue painting with no paint left multiple times. Apparently painted my door with a “dry” roller. Oh and the best part? I planned to remove the door later to AVOID gettin paint on them entirely. Zero recollection until I saw the door the next day.
                    by
                    Response from Rust-OleumSupportAug 1, 2024
                    That is not what we like to hear, Jubilee! We recommend ensuring adequate ventilation at all times during the application of our solvent-based products, such as our Zinsser Cover Stain Oil-Based Primer. A NIOSH approved respirator with organic vapor cartridges may also be worn. If you experience any symptoms, leave the area and get fresh air immediately. Please give us a call at 888-855-1774 if you have any questions. Here is a link to the Safety Data Sheet for the product as well: https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/f2/f21d555c-6565-40f0-b20b-25e13d1011b7.pdf - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2 Rustoleum
                      3 found this review helpful
                      This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                      by
                      • Verified Purchase
                      Showing 1-10 of 1,267 reviews

                      Compare Key Features

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                      Product Snapshot

                      Ideal for stain blocking and sealing, this primer ensures longer topcoat life and hides dark colors effectively.
                      Ideal for stain blocking, odor sealing, and quick-drying on interior surfaces like drywall, wood, and metal.
                      Ideal for stain blocking and mildew resistance, ensuring a smooth, uniform finish in high-humidity areas like bathrooms.
                      Ideal for customers who want to seal peeling paint, ensuring durable interior/exterior surfaces.

                      Coverage Area

                      100 sq. ft./gal
                      75 sq. ft./gal
                      400 sq. ft
                      400 sq. ft. per gallon

                      Drying Time

                      30 min
                      30 min
                      30 min
                      30 minutes dry to touch

                      Stain Blocking

                      Mold and Mildew Resistance

                      High Humidity Suitability