We know the trouble of having your pet spray on your precious furniture and the nightmare that follows soon after. Pets follow scents and once there is a scent of urine they will just keep on using that spot as their toilet.
That is unless you get ahead of the curve and block the smell for good. Many people try multiple smell removers, spray, mists until they come to the good old odor blocking primers. We suggest you have a primer at hand for all purposes – be it stain removal or odor blocking.
However, odor blocking primers have become increasingly popular in the last few years and there are just so many out in the market. It can be confusing to choose just the one.
Well, that’s where we come in. In this article today we are discussing about the best odor blocking primers in the market and helping you decide which one is the right fit for you.
- Blocks unpleasant odors, even the most hard to get rid of smells
- Can be used on both walls and the floor
The Zinseng Odor killing Primer is one of the most top-rated odor primers and they are equally as effective. Odor blocking primers have never been very easy fixes as they require you to paint over already painted walls, but the Zinsser Odor killing primer makes it easy.
It has an emollient white paint formula, not too different from the watercolor you have used in your childhood. It blocks very strong odors, even cat and dog urine. And, it dries clear with a non-shiny, rather glossy finish.
That means it will not disrupt the paintjob or the interior of your house. It would rather amplify the gloss and block out the unpleasant odors in the process.
It works on a variety of flooring materials such as hardwood floors, concrete, wood, drywall, and more. In that way, it is not a single-use product by any means. You will get several uses out of this one and get the worth for your money.
Pros
- Blocks unpleasant odors, even the most hard to get rid of smells
- Can be used on both walls and the floor
- Doesn’t add any unpleasant color to the surfaces
- Easy to work with
Cons
- If you are painting over any stained surface, this product will not cover the stain
- Fast drying formula
- Kills even the most stubborn odors
Kilz has a great sealer in their aresenal. It gives safety against both stains and unpleasant odors. This formula is known and made popular for the stellar performance in blocking Odors. It is understandably a crowd favorite. And, it stands true to its name. It is indeed a maximum odor blocker.
It can paint over and prevent water damage stains. Upto a medium level of water damage can be prevented with this maximum sealer. It can also paint over nicotine smells, urine odors, and other pesky stubborn odors in general.
It is made with a strong formula that can paint over graffiti and keepit off the walls for good. So, with this one you get industrial level coverage. It can be painted over many many materials going from hardwood floors to drywall decking.
It can be used as floor primers too. But, we recommend you use it sparingly since it is a premium primer. Make sure your wall is dry before you prime it for the best results.
Pros
- Fast drying formula
- Kills even the most stubborn odors
- Protects against stains
- Keeps walls dry and easy to clean with soap-water
- Good for both walls and floors
Cons
- The formula needs some getting used to
- Requires ventilation while painting
- Covers stains effortlessly
- Protects against both odor and staining
The people using this seem to have very polarized opinions. Some swear by it, some say it didn’t work for them. However, we think it’s worth a mention since it does come with dual protection. It removes both stain and odor and it provides future protection against stains.
If you are looking for something within the budget and would like to prime your walls against stains, this might be a good for you. Take it with a grain of salt though. We know that the product has good claims, but it may or may not work out for your individual needs.
Pros
- Covers stains effortlessly
- Protects against both odor and staining
- It is reasonable and easy to get your hands on
Cons
- Some people have unsatisfactory experience with this product
- Comes in a large quantity and lasts a along time
- Water color formula is easy to work with
This product is part of the Rust-Oleum Surface Deodorizer series. The products in this series are famous for their odor blocking quality. Some have different formulas, some have different finishes, but all of them excel in their primary function which is odor blocking.
This surface deodorizer can easily take care of many pesky scents including the odor of urine, smoke, water damage, and more. It paints over the stain and blocks the odor permanently.
The product has a white-to-clear drying formula to make sure you don’t miss a spot while painting. The watercolor like formula makes it fairly easy to work with. It comes in units of 128 fl oz and will last you a fair while.
It has everything you could ask for in an odor blocking primer. If you don’t have any specific needs for primers, this is a good baseline one to start with.
Pros
- Comes in a large quantity and lasts a along time
- Water color formula is easy to work with
- Has a subtle glossy finish so furniture looks freshly retouched
Cons
- Doesn’t have stain blocking properties
- Multi purpose use
- It has no harsh fumes
Zinsser really does their primers well. So much so that even their all surface primer is a top contender in terms of odor blocking properties. That just shows the thoughtfulness in product design and user-friendliness.
Needless to day, an all surface primer is going to give your money’s worth. It is very hard to waste this product. Once you buy it, you will find numerous uses of this specific product around your household. Trust us, we’ve been there.
The fun part is that it is one of the first products we stumbled upon that worked simultaneously well both indoor and outdoors. Lots of primers make that claim but very few actually perform on it. But, this one definitely did.
Pros
- Multi purpose use
- It has no harsh fumes
- Works well both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- You need a separate topcoat for this
- Water-solvent non-hazardous formula
- Comes in a large container
FIBERLOCK Ultra Recon Smoke Odor Sealer Universal Premium Restoration Stain Blocking Primer
The Fiberlock recon sealer is marketed primarily as a smoke odor primer. Now, users have said that it performs well with other stubborn scents too but we need to keep in mind that smoke odor and urine odor are largely different.
So, this might be a good fit for you if you are looking for something that is not so hardcore. If your space just has a mild odor of smoke, this will work great for you.
It can be painted directly onto concrete and dry walls. It performs well on masonry too. You can use it on metal too, if you need but you will have to put down a base coat of another metal-safe primer so it doesn’t rust.
Pros
- Water-solvent non-hazardous formula
- Comes in a large container
- White-to-clear formula dries fast
- Has a broad spectrum of usage
Cons
- Although not unpleasant, it leaves behind a fragrance.
- Covers up previous stains
- Acts like an oil paint formula
Yet another kilz product that we love and adore. This is also a two-way protectant solution that prevent odor and staining on the surfaces. It has a latex base so your best bet is not using it around flammable objects or flame sources.
It works both indoors and outdoors, effortlessly well at that. There isn’t much to say about this product other than the fact that it is one of the most standard choices out there.
It is a good no-brainer purchase. One of those staple products that people buy over and over. The water based formula acts like an oil color that quickly glides over surfaces. One gallon can cover upto 300 sq ft of surface area. And it covers previous color so most people prefer to use it before they color in their walls.
Pros
- Covers up previous stains
- Acts like an oil paint formula
- Works well on most surfaces
- Covers a large work surface with a small amount of product
Cons
Has a considerably long initial dry down time
- Comes with the convenience of a spray bottle
- Easy to use and carry
Here comes the curve ball! So far all the primers have been the standard tub with white-to-clear dry down formula. Yet, this one, one of the best primers out there, comes in a spray bottle.
While it makes for great convenience the spray bottle does come with much less product. Each spray bottle is manufactured as an unit of 12 oz primer. You will run through the product like air (well, it is pressurized as gas).
The aerosol formula also makes it a fire hazard so you might want to be careful when using it. It is best to use it when the kids aren’t home. But as far as it primary function goes, this primer quite literally outshines all of its competition.
It is fast, efficient, very easy to apply even for absolute beginners, needs almost no prepping, doesn’t spill, works on all surfaces including trim work, cabinets and furniture. It blocks all odors with ease, and it is very easily portable.
Pros
- Comes with the convenience of a spray bottle
- Easy to use and carry
- Can be used on all surfaces
- Easy to store
Cons
- Bottle contains very little product
- Easy application due to the spray
- Matte-clear formula
Yet another spray formula for you. We have come across several other aerosol like stain blocker sprays. But, in our experience Rust-Oleum makes the best primer sprays till date.
This particular spray works on concrete, masonry, drywall, and many other surfaces. But it shines best on wood. There is no competition for it when it comes to odor blocking or stain protection on furnitures, cabinets and things of the like. If you struggle with a spraying cat, this will be a life savior for you.
This also packs a very small quantity in that can but it is still an ounce more than the previous listing. You decide whether that’s worth the purchase for you.
It blocks all odors including smoke, urine, and cover stains ranging from water stains to small scratches. The product has an initial white spray to help you see where you are applying it. But it dries down to a matte clear finish. It leaves behind a very faint low odor which many people find pleasant.
Pros
- Easy application due to the spray
- Matte-clear formula
- Works best on furniture
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- A very small amount in the can
- May not work super well on floor and walls
- One of the best primer formulas
- Comes in a pack of 13 cans
Throwing it back to the OG! The original Kilz primer, still the best odor blocking primer in the market till date. We definitely rave about it till this day because we have gotten a really long use out of it.
It is fun to tamper with newer products of the same category, but you always have something to touch base on. And the Kilz Original Primer is the one for us.
Even though the best aerosol primers comes from Rust-Oleum, the best formula in the cans comes from Kilz. This is the only one we find that blocks heavy odor and staining. Very few primers make that claim, and even fewer hold ground when put to the test.
But, this primer has surprised us every time with its performance, in the best way possible. It can be used on wood, metal and drywall equally well. It is supposed to have been America’s bestselling primer and we definitely see a reason behind that claim.
It blocks all odors including smoke odors, pet urine odors. And, it protects against stain damage to the walls. If you have a kid who likes to draw on the walls, this is just the thing to put an end to your worries.
Pros
- One of the best primer formulas
- Comes in a pack of 13 cans
- Very fast drying
- Works efficiently
Cons
- Aerosol can be a fire hazard
Buying Guide
Well, now that you know of the product selection and their specific features, here is a handy buying guide to help you a bit more. Consider these factors before making a purchase-
How Much Primer Do you Need?
How big of a area you’re trying to cover is going to dictate how much product you end up needing. If it is an entire wall scribbles from your kid, it is best to go with a tub of primer. Tubs or containers are the standard size which holds almost 128 oz of primer.
But, if you’re just trying to cover up a few tiny spots, one aerosol can is more than enough for you.
What Are You Trying To Cover?
What is your primary concern as far as primers go? Most people would only look for either odor blocking or stain protection. But, if you need both, you can just as easily choose a two-in-one product. Make sure you know what you’re getting. Be thorough with your research on the products you’re buying.
Fumes
Most heavy formula primers, or the more reasonable ones usually come with heavy fume emission. Which is not an issue for most people. But, if you have kids or pets, or someone in your family who has asthma and breathing issues, it is best to go for non-toxic, low-fume primers.
We recommend the Zinsser Bulls Eye All Surface Primers.
Drying Time
Most primers do have the dry time limited within 1 hour. We have carefully curated this list to only include the fastest drying ones. But, if you have a child who might get to the wall before the primer has a chance to dry, it is best to use a faster drying primer. Something with the dry time of 30 minutes or less should be ideal.
Are Odor Blocking Primes Better Than Odor Blocking Paint?
Usually, yes. Although they both have the same primary function which is covering up the smell, they both go about it in different ways.
Odor blocking primers sit on top of a surface, blocking off the smell, and eliminating the odor entirely. You can do a top coat to be completely sure that the odor has been sealed in and it will not come up again.
Odor blocking paint however works by absorbing the odor. It aborbs the foul smell and tries to mask it with a smell of its own. Needless to say, it is an innovative approach. However, it works only on the faint odors. For something as pesky as pet urine, odor blocking paint will not work.
There is also the question of usability. You cannot always use a fresh coat of paint on every surface but you can use a primer since it dries down absolutely clear. Paint takes a much longer time to dry and it can transfer onto other objects like nearby furniture.
In our experience, odor blocking primer gives much better, efficient, and convenient results than odor blocking paints.
If you do want to be absolutely sure though, we recommend using an odor blocking primer and topping it off with odor blocking paint to create the ultimate seal.
Conclusion
If you have read this far thank you so much for coming along. Well, you sticking along till the end of this article tells us you really do need that odor blocker. If you still haven’t set up your mind, one last advice we can give you is to buy a blocker that has all the basic needs met. Like the Kilz Restoration one.
If you need something that you are only going to use for a few application, something light and small, we recommend the Kilz original primer.
And, with that, we shall take your leave. Happy painting, folks!
FAQ
- Can a odor blocking primer block urine smell?
Of course. Make sure to pick a primer that makes those specific claims.
- Can a primer remove a coffee stain?
If the primer is of stain blocking kind, it might. Some primers have no color to them. In that case, it would be best if you paint over the stain, let it dry and then use a primer to prevent further staining.
- Can I use primer on grease?
Primer will not adhere to grease. You need to get rid of the grease as much as you can before applying the primer. If nothing works, sand the wall, paint over it and use a primer on top.
- Is ther any Odor Blocking Paint?
Yes, there is. But it has lesser rate of effectiveness than using odor blocking primers. Odor blocking primers are a much faster way of sealing in a foul smell.
- Does Kilz get rid of Odor?
Say less! Kilz makes one of the most efficient odor blockers to exist till date,