“Carefree Prime-ZALL is an innovative universal primer created
using breakthrough technology to offer unparalled
stain blocking for use in both interior and exterior applications.
This unique formulation provides superior performance
when compared with traditional solvent-based
primers.
Carefree Prime-ZALL adheres to a variety of substrates
including previously painted alkyds with a gloss finish.
Carefree Prime-ZALL is low odor, low VOC and meets or
exceeds air quality standards. The quick-drying properties
of Carefree Prime-ZALL allow a finish/top coat to be applied within 40 minutes after application of this primer.” Vista Paint Carefree Prime-Zall Product Data Page
Vista Paint Carefree Prime-ZALL has only been on the shelves for a little over a year. I have used this product on stucco, wood, plastic and most recently on a chalkboard. When I opened my 1st sample quart of Prime-Zall, one of the first characteristics I noticed was that it seemed to have a heavier body than most of the primers I have worked with. At first I used the quart on small spot prime jobs, priming the raw wood after scraping off old paint, priming a drywall patch, and to block a water stain. We kicked the quart of The Prime-Zall around for a few weeks. On my next exterior repaint I decided to give it a chance. The exterior repaint had both stucco and wood. The house was built in the mid 90’s and had never been repainted, as you may have guessed it was desperately needing a paint job. It was a perfect challenge for Prime-Zall as this substrate had water staining, mold stains, and tannin staining. We applied one coat of Prime-Zall, let it cure for 24 hour and applied the finish coat. immediate results, no stains had resurfaced, I then revisited the site 2 months later, still no stains had resurfaced. The “unparalled
stain blocking” is truly that.
As I used this new primer, there were a few characteristic qualities
that were hard to not notice, besides the stain blocking capability, is it’s ability to apply a finish coat within 40 minutes and the adhesion strength. I have had a few instances where time was of the essence. Like painting a front door or a project with a short time frame, where the short curing time was needed. We recently did a project for United Way Day of Caring. A volunteer, Kristy Franco who happened to be a teacher at the San Gorgonio Child Care Consortium 
had inquired about a chalkboard in her classroom. The chalkboard was too slick for the chalk to be draw on, making it a useless chalkboard. I thought it would be a great opportunity to do a simple adhesion test within the 40 minutes, testing both adhesion a swell as applying a finish coat within the 40 minutes. Applying the Prime-ZALL with a brush and 1/4″ mini roller, as always it applied smoothly, leveling out nicely as it dried.
I performed 2 tests, one being a scratch test and the other a tape test. After 40 minutes I began my simple testing. Taking a pin I scratched the surface forcefully. The coating began to break down after approximately 4 seconds of scratching, great results considering the coating had only cured for 40 minutes. Next I performed a tape test by applying 3M 2020 1.5″ tape which has great holding power. I pressed firmly for approximately 10 seconds, then pulled the tape. 
As you can see none of the coating lifted, nor is there primer residue on the adhesive side of the tape. Being only 40 minutes after the application,
I find that Prime-ZALL has excellent adhesion strengths and it would be safe to apply a finish coat within the 40 minutes that Vista Paint has claimed. You will be able to see the finish product of the chalkboard on my next article reviewing Benjamin Moore Chalkboard paint.
For further information on Vista Paint products visit their website at http://www.vistapaint.com/