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Zinsser Smart Prime is a water-based acrylic primer, sealer, stain blocker and bond coat that Zinsser built to give the flow and leveling of an oil-based undercoat. It bonds to glossy surfaces without scuff sanding, recoats in 1 hour, and cleans up with detergent and water. Use it inside and out on walls, ceilings, doors, trim, fascia, soffits, foundations and railings. This is the quart; it also comes in a gallon here.
| Base | Water-based acrylic |
|---|---|
| Color | White, tintable |
| Size | Quart (Zinsser part 249727) |
| Coverage | About 400 sq ft per gallon, depending on application and surface porosity |
| Dry time at 70 to 80 F, 50% RH | Touch 30 minutes; recoat 1 hour; full adhesion and hardness after 7 days |
| Stain blocking | Allow 2 hours before topcoating over interior stains; 24 hours over new cedar or redwood |
| Apply at | 50 to 90 F, humidity below 85%, substrate moisture 12% or less |
| Thinning | No more than 10 oz clean water per gallon; thinning may affect stain blocking |
| VOC | Under 25 g/L (0.21 lb/gal) |
| Not for | Floors, decks, roofs, or surfaces under water |
| Cleanup | Detergent and warm water |
| Source | Zinsser TDS SPM-01, rev 11/16/22 |
The current Zinsser technical data sheet lists Smart Prime at under 25 g/L VOC (0.21 lb/gal), which is very low for a stain-blocking primer.
Yes. Zinsser says it bonds to glossy surfaces without scuff sanding, as long as the surface is clean, dry and free of grease, wax and dust. Wash first with a TSP substitute or ammonia if you are unsure.
It blocks water, smoke, grease, crayon and wood bleed stains; allow 2 hours before topcoating. Fix leaks before priming a water stain. For severe water or smoke stains and odors, Zinsser points to shellac-based B-I-N.
Both are water-based all-purpose primers from Zinsser. Smart Prime was developed for professional use, with oil-like flow and leveling and adhesion to gloss without sanding. Compare every Zinsser primer on primers and sealers.
Pairs well with Mule cabinet and trim paint for cabinet and door projects. Shop all Zinsser.
Free standard shipping on orders $75+ to the lower 48 states and DC. Some large or heavy items are excluded at checkout.
30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Returns accepted within 30 days. We send you a prepaid return label. Contact us within 30 days of delivery to start a return. Opened paint, aerosols, flammables, special orders and sale items can't be returned. Read the full refund policy.
Use this product page for the exact item, then check the Weekend Project Carts for prep, applicators, patch, cleanup, and finishing supplies. If you are still choosing a method, start with the Project Guides before adding everything to cart.
