KILZ^® Primer FAQs

Which KILZ Primer should I use for this job?

For general interior priming:

KILZ General Purpose primer

For new drywall, wood trim, and painted surfaces, KILZ General Purpose primer is a fast drying latex primer sealer that minimizes decorating problems caused by surface texture and differences in porosity. This primer can be used on almost all interior surfaces including drywall, plaster, woodwork, masonry, and brick.

To cover smoke damage:

KILZ Original or KILZ Odorless primers

In dealing with smoke damage, surface preparation is essential. Always wash, rinse and dry surfaces before priming. When using KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer, use single stroke roller or spray application. For maximum stain blocking, apply two coats.

To cover light water stains:

KILZ 2 Latex or KILZ Premium primers

To cover medium/heavy water stains:

KILZ Original or KILZ Odorless primers

KILZ 2 Latex primer or KILZ Premium primer can be used on light water stains, but KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer should be used on medium/heavy stains to acheive maximum stain blocking. When in doubt, use KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer.

To block pet odors:

KILZ Original or KILZ Odorless primers

KILZ Original primer and KILZ Odorless primer are the ideal primers for sealing in odors, especially those created by pets. KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer can be applied to flooring, walls, and baseboards. For severe odors, two coats are recommended. NOTE: KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer should only be applied on flooring when carpet or tile will be applied.

To prime new wood:

KILZ Original, KILZ Odorless, KILZ 2 Latex, KILZ Premium, or KILZ Exterior primers

KILZ Original primer, KILZ Odorless primer, KILZ 2 Latex primer or KILZ Premium primer can be used as a primer/sealer on new wood and millwork without raising the wood grain. On exterior jobs, use KILZ 2 Latex primer, KILZ Premium primer, or KILZ Exterior primer.

As an enamel undercoater:

KILZ Original, KILZ Odorless, KILZ 2 Latex or KILZ Premium primers

KILZ Original primer, KILZ Odorless primer, KILZ 2 Latex primer and KILZ Premium primer are excellent enamel undercoaters, though many painters prefer KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer due to the product flow and fast cure time for sanding.

To prime over wallpaper:

KILZ Original or KILZ Odorless primers

KILZ Original primer and KILZ Odorless primer are ideal for priming over wallpaper. If removing the wallpaper, it is essential that all adhesives be removed prior to applying KILZ Original primer or KILZ Odorless primer.

To prime glossy surfaces:

KILZ Original or KILZ Odorless primers
 
For maximum adhesion, scuff sand, clean, rinse and dry glossy surfaces prior to applying KILZ primers.  Liquid deglossers/cleaners should not be used in the preparation of glossy surfaces.

To block tannin stains:

KILZ Exterior, or KILZ Premium primers
 
KILZ Premium primer can be used as a tannin sealer and undercoater on all types of exterior wood. NOTE: Because of the variances in wood substrates, even multiple coats may not stop tannin or resin stains on all wood surfaces and knots.

To block mold and mildew stains:

KILZ Exterior, KILZ 2 Latex, and KILZ Premium primers
 
Mold and mildew covered surfaces must be thoroughly washed with a mildew remover, rinsed with water and allowed to dry before priming. We recommend KILZ 2 Latex primer or KILZ Premium primer for interior surfaces, and KILZ Exterior primer, KILZ 2 Latex primer, and KILZ Premium primer for exterior Mildew-prone areas.

For spot priming:

Spot priming may cause a non-uniform appearance in the final coat, due to a difference in hold out between the primed area and the unprimed areas. Prime the entire surface to ensure a uniform appearance of the final coat.

About thinning:

Best results for stain blocking are obtained with no thinning. However, KILZ 2 Latex primer and KILZ Premium primer may be thinned up to 10% per gallon with water.

A note on curing time:

Primers and paints require 14 days to fully cure. For best results, avoid scratching, abrading, or scraping the primed or painted surface until it’s fully cured. Cure time will vary depending on temperature and humidity.