Can you use fillers over Zinsser Gardz?

Author: Gene Goodwin  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

1- rake out the cracks 2- seal the cracks with zinsser Gardz ( this'll help the filler bond to the porous surface ) 3- push your filler in the cracks and smooth out ( once the primer is dried ) 4- sand till smooth ( may need a second fill ) 5- seal the repair with zinsser Gardz ( this'll ensure your paint don't fail ) ...

Can you fill on top of Zinsser Gardz?

Zinsser Gardz is the perfect solution. You don't need to clean the walls to the same level as you would if you weren't using Gardz. Apply a quick coat, wait 3 hours for it to cure (don't rush this or you'll experience crazing), fill, sand, then paint.

Can you use Zinsser Gardz on fillers?

yes, just spot prime the filler once sanded with the gardz again. you could have filled, sanded then gardz the whole lot in one. btw... one coat of gardz is enough.

Can you skim over Zinsser Gardz?

If facing paper blisters, cut away blister and reapply GARDZ to exposed area. ALLOW AT LEAST 3 HOURS DRY TIME Then apply skim coat or spackling to achieve a smooth, uniform surface. Clean up all dust. Wipe down area with cloth.

Can I spackle over Gardz?

GARDZ is compatible with all types of joint compounds and spackling pastes and any texture or popcorn finish may be applied over it. Some types of wallpaper and translucent wallcoverings may require an additional coat of an opaque primer such as ShieldZ® Universal.

An expert guide to Zinsser Gardz high performance sealer for plaster / drywall

Can you paint directly over Zinsser Gardz?

A: Yes. Zinsser Gardz is used to cure troublesome/porous plaster by sealing it. When the application of Zinsser Gardz has dried you can then paint any of the various types of emulsions over it.

Can you paper over Zinsser Gardz?

Porous surfaces that have been sealed with Gardz are ready for finish coating or wallpapering after 3 hours. Top coating / Wallpapering– When dry, Gardz may be top coated with any standard architectural water-based or solvent-based primer or topcoat paint.

What's the difference between Zinsser Gardz and Peel Stop?

Peel Stop's flexible, breathable membrane is specifically designed to stabilise and bond to deteriorating surfaces, making it ideal for weathered wood, concrete, or stucco. Choose Zinsser Gardz if you're working with porous, chalky, or crumbling surfaces like damaged drywall, plaster, or textured paints.

Can you use Gardz as a primer?

Pre-Wallcovering Primer– Gardz penetrates, seals, sizes and protects drywall facing paper and skim coat, providing a properly sealed surface for new wallcovering.

Why use Zinsser Gardz?

Gardz® is formulated to deeply penetrate and dry to a hard, moisture resistant film that seals and binds down porous, chalky and crumbling surfaces, paints and textured finishes. Gardz® takes the "problem" out of problem surfaces.

How many coats of paint do I need to cover fillers?

Just paint the wall twice and it should be fine. If you really want to you can touch up the filled areas first but make sure you brush it out well so you don't get brush marks showing after that dries and you roll.

Can you use water based paint over Zinsser primer?

Zinsser Cover Stain Primer can be used on water-stained drywall ceilings. If the source of the water has been resolved, this will effectively cover the staining. Can Zinsser Cover Stain Primer be overcoated with a water based interior emulsion? Yes, you can apply a water-based paint over Zinsser Coverstain.

Is Zinsser Gardz breathable or not?

As well as being a water-based stabiliser, Zinsser Gardz is a breathable alkaline primer.

Can you paint straight over Zinsser?

can i paint over zinsser primer/stain remover emulsion paint? How can I clean the brush afterwards? Yes, The Zinsser BIN Primer can be painted over. you would have to use methylated spirits to clean the brushes.

Can Zinsser Gardz be used on wood?

While Gardz can be used on bare wood it is not typically practical to do so as this is outside of its intended use / purpose. It will not offer any unique benefits toward sealing or protecting the wood and would need to be primed before any topcoat could be applied.

Which zinsser is best for wood?

When priming MDF wood for painting, we recommend Zinsser BIN Primer. BIN primer is a shellac-based primer that creates great adhesion for your chosen topcoat. A fast drying primer, it can be applied directly without any sanding and is ready for a topcoat after just 45 minutes.

Is Gardz oil based?

About This Product. Zinsser 1 gal. Gardz Clear Water Base Drywall Primer and Problem Surface Sealer (Case of 4) is a water base, low odor product designed to penetrate, bind and seal torn or damage drywall popcorn ceilings.

What primer is best for high gloss surfaces?

Extreme Bond Primer is a high quality, waterborne, acrylic bonding primer that promotes adhesion on a wide range of hard to paint surfaces with only a one coat application. Designed for coating hard, slick, glossy non-porous surfaces with minimal surface preparation (not designed for floors).

Can you use oil based paint over Zinsser peel stop?

Can I paint over Zinsser peel stop with an oil based paint? Yes, The Zinsser Peel Stop can be used with oil and Water based products.

Can you use Zinsser Gardz before wallpaper?

Sometimes you should use Zinsser Gardz before hanging wallpaper. People get mixed up and think Gardz is a substitute for normal size, and it is in a way. But Gardz does so much more! Picture this scenario; you strip a room ready to redecorate.

Can you use Zinsser Gardz on painted walls?

It seals and protects new drywall, filler, skim coats, plaster, wallpaper adhesive residue and previously painted chalking paint etc, penetrating and binding the substrate together, it therefore does a similar job to a water-borne stabilising solution. Use prior to wallpapering or painting.

How many coats of filler primer?

Apply 2-3 coats allowing 5-10 minutes of dry time between coats. Do not use near open flame.

How do you paint with Gardz?

Surfaces must be clean, dry, sound before application. Remove loose or peeling paint by sanding or scraping the surface. Stir well before using and do not dilute. The thin, milky liquid can be applied using a brush, medium pile roller or sprayer.

Do you use Gardz before or after skim coat?

Gardz has 2 purposes. First, use it before skimming or patching if the sheetrock has torn parper, leaving a fuzzy surface. It will harden the fuzz and make the skim coat go on better. The second use is after skimming OR patching.

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