How do I get rid of a water stain on the ceiling?
 

Had a leak. Got it fixed. No mold so just a brown water stain.

Waited for it to dry and then I tried using Kilz primer but the majority of the stain just bled through. I tried laying the Kilz on heavier but after several attempts still no joy.

Calling all painters: what do you suggest? I read bleach but I'm thinking it is too late for that since it has several layers of Kilz.

Have you painted a layer of paint over the Kilz?

How big is the stain? Have you looked at it from inside the roof?

I'd leave it alone for a while and see if the stain get's any lighter. I suspect the "sheetrock" may not be fully dry from the leak.

Just put a coat of ceiling paint on it. It is better but still showing through - just lighter than before.

There are several variations of Kilz on the market. I bet you are using the newer water based low voc version. Try the oil based original. It is available in a spray can.

1. Let it dry for a month before painting. You may even want to mark the edges of the stain with a marker to see if it is growing or staying the same.

2. Start with Kilz latex. If that doesn't work, try Kilz oil-based. If that doesn't work, try a shellac primer.

3. Apply ceiling paint.

Have you tried bleach?
I've used that on acoustic ceiling tiles ...

Interesting. I've never had Kilz not work. Still wet?

Agree with Legion. Oil based is the ticket.

I did one coat of kilz and then just regular ceiling paint. Worked like a charm. The kilz is thing and doesn't cover well. Not sure it's really designed to cover. I think it just seals the spot and then you paint. I could be wrong.

I would think if it got really wet I would cut out and patch it with a new piece of drywall and finish/paint.

I'd drink a 6 pack, cuss at it and then call someone to do the job. :D

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wV9UKIrP-Pw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Oil based Zinsser Stain Block. NOT the water based stuff.

then a coat of ceiling paint.

Plus 1👌

Suggest using a big hole saw and spraying the inside a few times with 10 percent+ bleach solution over a couple weeks or months.
Take your time. No need to soak it and pop the drywall.
(The brown stains I assume is um from a toilet base wax ring gasket.)

Small hole patches can be fixed with one or two short 1x6 with at least a few inches overhang on both sides.
Attach plug to that. Lever it into place. A couple drywall screws on the sides no closer than 1.5" maybe.
Spackle.
Be warned the vinyl stuff doesn't sand and can leave a wavy mess when gooped on thick.
Don't be hasty, whatever you use. Also leave the primer a few days to cure.
A small bag of Easy Sand 45 or 60 needs to stirred well and rest first, and be applied with 10" or 12" trowel in a 14" square bucket. Done in thin layers it with the last very wet will need very little sanding.

Agree with others: Oil based Kilz should cover it.

Also, Kilz makes a ceiling stain primer and paint in a can. My MIL bought some for an old water stain in one of her bedrooms. I had low expectations, but the stuff worked amazingly well for about 3 minutes of work on my part.

Was it as good as a fresh painted ceiling? No.
But it covered the stain and blended so well you really had to look for it.

Piling on now, water based Kilz sucks but oil based is the bomb. Many years ago I worked at a restoration company we used to spray entire house interiors with oil based Kilz wearing hazmat suits after fires.

I had to clean my computer after that!!