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Renovating After Natural Disasters
March 30, 2020Fixing or rebuilding a home after a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane or fire is no easy task. In the worst-case scenarios, the help of a professional contractor might be in order. But if you’re looking to DIY your renovation after a disaster has left your home with water, fire or smoke damage, KILZ® Primers can help! Trusted by pros for over 40 years, KILZ primers are often the go-to products for tackling stains caused by fires, floods and persistent exposure to smoke.
If you’ve got your work cut out for you after a flood or fire has necessitated a renovation, KILZ® Original Interior Primer is made for the job. This hardworking oil-based primer is formulated to block heavy stains including those caused by water or smoke, and its fast-drying formula can help you get on with your renovation project faster.
For restoration jobs on the outside of your home, KILZ Original Interior | Exterior Primer offers the same power of KILZ Original Interior Primer in an all-weather formula. Offering excellent adhesion and durability, KILZ Original Interior | Exterior can be used on wood, drywall, plaster, stucco, brick, masonry, paneling and more.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Odor Blocking Primers for Fresh as Spring Painting Projects
March 16, 2020Spring brings new beginnings and is often the perfect time to tackle a painting project you’ve been putting off. If you have a room renovation project that includes the added challenge of ridding the space of stale smells or bad odors, KILZ® Primers can help. From pet odor to the lingering smell of smoke (even long after the smoker is gone!), unpleasant odors can get stuck in your home and seem near impossible to remove.
Odor may penetrate fresh paint, so simply repainting the walls will likely leave you with a still smelly space. For a room that looks and smells as fresh spring, we recommend priming before painting. Priming provides a barrier that prevents odor from penetrating fresh paint and KILZ offers several primers with the ability to block medium to severe odors. So which primer is right for your project?
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty odor blocking primer, KILZ® Original primer is a great choice. Trusted by pros for over 40 years, it has excellent sealing properties and can block heavy odors and stains.
Working on a project outdoors? KILZ® Original Interior | Exterior primer offers the heavy-duty power of KILZ Original in an all-weather formula with excellent adhesion to both interior and exterior surfaces.
For spaces or areas that might be sensitive to solvent odors, KILZ® Original Low Odor is an interior oil-based stain and odor blocking primer that puts off less odor than typical oil-based primers.
Looking for a water-based primer? KILZ Restoration® is a new generation water-based primer, sealer and stain blocker that offers the performance of traditional oil and shellac-based primers. It tackles tough stains and seals persistent pet, food and smoke odors. It can also be used to block odors from subfloor when replacing carpet or wood flooring.
If your next painting project includes tackling lingering odors, you can breathe easy knowing that KILZ primers can help you get the job done.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Fresh as Spring Laundry Room Makeover
March 6, 2020A fresh coat of primer and paint brings a welcome sense of calm to a room often reserved only for chores in this fresh as spring laundry room makeover. Laundry is virtually unavoidable, so you might as well enjoy the space you’re in when you’re checking it off the to-do list!
The laundry room’s original wood cabinets felt like an endless line up of bland and boring, lacking both color and any interesting detail. A fresh coat of paint was definitely in order, but first things first… we couldn’t forget to prime! Similar to bathrooms and kitchens, laundry rooms are an area of the house often prone to excess moisture, humidity and changing temperatures – making primer an essential first step to ensure a paint finish that will last.
For this laundry room transformation, we chose KILZ 3® Premium primer as it offers exceptional adhesion and durability, and a mildew resistant primer finish. After KILZ 3 Premium primer was properly applied and allowed to dry, we had a clean slate ready for color.
For a relaxed yet modern vibe we chose KILZ Tribute® in Panoramic Trail TB-65, a minty green with an ever so slight gray undertone. Gold hardware added a subtle shine and much needed detail to the otherwise flat cabinet fronts, inspiring the addition of a new gold faucet and metallic pendant lights to tie the space together.
The original laundry room was also lacking surface area to fold after the fluffing is done, with the sink taking up an entire side of the already limited counter space. The fix was both functional and uniquely attractive! Adding a dark wooden panel around the top and sides of the washing machine and dryer not only brought warmth to the space, it also nearly tripled the usable countertop area.
A new faux-wood floor in a subtle grey shade was added to perfectly complement the new cabinet color. The final space is so pretty, it almost makes us want to do laundry!
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Find a Color That Speaks to You
March 6, 2020Choosing a paint color can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re DIY’ing or hiring a professional painter, the investment of time and money in a painting project is enough to make you want to get it right the first time. Now finding a color you love just got easier with KILZ® Color Perfect Tool™, an easy-to-use new online tool that allows you preview paint colors in different rooms and even in your own space!
If you have a hue in mind, you can start by picking a few colors and then previewing them in one of our sample room images. You can even upload an image to see the color in your own space! You can also start by choosing a room type and then selecting colors as the next step. Either way, you’ll have the option to try on colors from the KILZ® Tribute® paint line, a 100% acrylic and low VOC paint that offers both excellent stain-blocking performance and exceptional durability.
Our team loves color just as much as we love proper preparation (don’t forget to prime!) and know that finding a color that speaks to you can truly transform your space. Ready to try on colors in your own space or in one of our sample rooms? Try the KILZ Color Perfect Tool today!
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These Three Rooms Call for a Primer that provides a Mildew-Resistant Primer Finish
February 12, 2020We believe that every project is worth using KILZ® brand primer. Priming before painting is what the professional painters generally like to do, and we would not recommend any other way.
If you talk to a professional painter about priming, they will tell you that certain rooms in the home call for primers with specific properties. From stain blocking to hiding a previous paint color, the KILZ brand has a primer to solve the most common and the toughest painting problems. In this post, we’re going to look at three rooms that all share one specific use case – the need for primer in a moister prone environment.
Mildew can be a common problem in areas of the home where there may be excess moisture. In these rooms, consider using a primer that will provide a mildew resistant primer finish. The first room in which we would most often recommend using a primer with a mildew resistant finish is the bathroom. From small powder rooms to grand master bathrooms, this area of the home is subject to high levels of moisture and humidity nearly every day.
KILZ® Kitchen & Bath Primer is another great choice, as this product not only offers a mildew-resistant primer finish but also provides excellent adhesion and stain blocking properties. We recently used KILZ Kitchen & Bath in a pretty in pink bathroom renovation, you can check that out here.
That leads us into the next room in the home on our list, the kitchen! We recommend priming both your walls and kitchen cabinets with a mildew-resistant primer like KILZ Kitchen & Bath or KILZ 3® Premium. If you’re interested to see a step by step kitchen renovation using KILZ 3 Premium, check out this recent post on a Colorful Kitchen Cabinet Transformation.
Last but not least, there is one more room found in most homes that calls for the use of primer with a mildew resistant finish. The laundry room! This small space is often overlooked when it comes time to think about repainting, but it is one room in particular where you definitely want to use the right primer.
Similar to kitchens, we recommend priming the walls and any cabinets in the laundry room with KILZ 3 Premium or KILZ Kitchen & Bath. If you’re looking to refresh your laundry room, keep an eye out for a light and airy laundry room makeover coming up on the blog in March!
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Pretty in Pink Bathroom Makeover
February 12, 2020It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day and all things pink are top of mind. This month we’re talking about colors and spaces you can fall in love with, including this pretty in pink bathroom. A once boring bathroom was given new life with painted faux wall paper, a bright pink vanity (with matching mirror!) and a dark accent wall. And just as important as picking the right vibrant colors for this small space renovation, was the prep work that went in before we painted to ensure that this makeover would last for years to come.
Before the paint went on, we wanted to ensure that our hard work would withstand a bathroom’s typical humidity, moisture and changing temperatures so we primed the walls with KILZ® Kitchen & Bath Primer. This water-based primer is specially designed for residential surfaces exposed to humidity, moisture and fluctuating temperatures such as kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms and laundry rooms.
Proper priming also provides a solid anchor for paints – in this case a deep purple wall and coral-hued bath vanity. A painted “wall paper” accent wall and pink mirror complete the space. For this bathroom makeover, BEHR Premium Plus® in Watermelon Punch, KILZ Tribute® in Spanish Fortress and Beetroot Purple were used as accent colors over a white wall to create the fun faux wallpaper. Beetroot Purple was also used for the dramatic dark wall behind the vanity, with Watermelon Punch coating the vanity and matching mirror.
An everyday space gets a coat of unexpected flair in this stylish bathroom makeover. Read on for step by step directions to complete this paint project at home including the dark accent wall, painted “wall paper”, bathroom vanity and matching mirror.
The Dark Accent Wall
Step 1: Wipe down the chosen accent wall with a damp cloth to ensure it is clean and free of dust and allow the surface to dry.
Step 2: Once dry, tape around the baseboards, trim and moldings.
Step 3: Apply 1 coat of KILZ Kitchen & Bath (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use) and allow to dry. Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in” around the edges, then use a roller to fill in.
Step 4: Once primer is dry, apply KILZ Tribute in Beetroot Purple using the same application method as the primer (using a brush first to cut in around the edges 4 to 6 feet at a time, then use a roller to fill in those sections before moving along).
Step 5: Remove tape before paint is fully dry.
The Painted “Wallpaper”
Step 1: Once the wall is primed (use same method as above), apply base color.
Step 2: Starting with BEHR Premium Plus in Watermelon Punch, use a brush and apply vertical strokes across entire wall. Once dry, use KILZ Tribute in Beetroot Purple and repeat, slightly overlaying the vertical strokes across the first pink strokes. Allow to dry and repeat with KILZ Tribute in Spanish Fortress.
The Vanity
Step 1: Remove drawers and hardware. Put the screws back into the hardware, then seal the hardware and screws in painter’s tape and label it. It’s always best to put every screw back exactly where it came from. That will put the least amount of stress on the wood.
Step 2: Sand the surface; do a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper.
Step 3: After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow the surface to dry. Once dry, apply painter’s tape around the countertop edges.
Step 4: Apply KILZ Kitchen & Bath (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use), moving in the same direction as the wood grain for best results. Allow primer to dry for 1 hour.
Step 5: Next it’s time for a pop of pink! Apply BEHR in Watermelon Punch (a satin or semi-gloss finish is recommended for superior mildew resistance). Remove the painter’s tape before the paint is fully dry.
Step 6: Once the vanity is dry, reattach your hardware and you’re done!
The Mirror
Step 1: Sand the mirror frame, first with 100-150 grit sandpaper and then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper.
Step 2: After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow the surface to dry.
Step 3: Apply painter’s tape to the interior edges of the frame to protect the glass.
Step 4: Apply KILZ Kitchen & Bath primer with a small paint brush. Allow primer to dry for 1 hour.
Step 5: Next, apply BEHR Premium Plus in Watermelon Punch (a satin or semi-gloss finish is recommended to ensure superior mildew resistance) using a nylon or polyester brush. Remove the painter’s tape before paint is fully dry.
Always remember to refer to our website Kilz.com or product back labels for additional information and instructions on how to apply our products.
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How to Choose the Right Primer for Your Paint Project
January 31, 2020Do your New Year’s resolutions include taking on that painting project you’ve been putting off? Or maybe you have a list of several different DIY home improvement projects on your list to complete in 2020. No matter the size or scope of your project, taking the time to do proper prep work will ensure results that you can be proud of for years to come. Prep can seem like a time-consuming extra step, but trust the pros, it’s worth the time spent.
If your next DIY venture includes painting, the first step is choosing the right primer for your project. The KILZ® brand offers a family of primers to help you complete a wide range of painting projects and tackle a wide variety of common painting problems. With so many primers to choose from, how do you know which is right for your project? To start, assess the type of surface you will be painting.
If you just moved into a new house or completed an addition and you’re painting new drywall, KILZ® PVA Drywall Primer or KILZ® 1 Standard Interior Primer are both made for the job.
Perhaps you’re painting a surface that ordinary paint might not stick to, such as a slick glossy surface, aluminum, vinyl, ceramic tile or glass. In that case, KILZ® Adhesion Interior/Exterior Primer is an excellent choice.
Pro painters and DIYers alike are often in need of a primer that offers multiple surface solutions – which is why KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer is the choice of many! A fast drying, water-based multi-surface primer-sealer-stain blocker, it offers excellent adhesion, a mildew resistance primer film and can block light to medium stains like felt marker or minor water stains. It’s also a good choice for a simple color change, to ensure the truest color from your new topcoat.
And for projects that require even heavier lifting, KILZ Restoration™ offers the performance of a traditional oil-based primer in a water-based formula and can tackled the toughest odors, stains and even fire damage.
For those taking on more complex projects, including blocking smoke or pet odors, covering dark paint colors or heavy stains, there is a KILZ® Primer for you too! KILZ 3™ Premium is one of our more heavy-duty and high hiding formulas, making it ideally suited for blocking old dark colors or covering substantial stains.
If you’re still unsure what primer to use for your next project, answer these simple questions below and don’t be afraid to ask a friendly pro at your local hardware or home improvement store for help.
Choosing the Right Primer:
- Identify the surface type you will be painting.
- Assess any problems you need to tackle, such as stain or odor blocking, and determine the severity of the issue.
- Take into account any unique scenarios like needing a mildew resistance finish coat (good to keep in mind when painting moisture prone areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms), or if you’re covering a dark paint color with a new lighter hue.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Craving a Kitchen Makeover? Start with the Cabinets!
January 9, 2020Does the new year starting have you dreaming of a new kitchen? A complete kitchen overhaul can seem like a daunting task, especially if heavy demolition work is involved. But in many cases, you don’t need to break out the sledge hammer and start from scratch to achieve a fresh new look in your kitchen. Simply repainting your cabinets can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
For a kitchen cabinet makeover that is both beautiful and durable, start with KILZ 3™ Premium Primer. This superior sealer-stain blocker provides excellent adhesion and a kitchen-essential mildew resistant primer coating. In this kitchen makeover, a celery-green paint color for the cabinets created a space that is cheerful, airy and inviting. The makeover went step further and also added new counter tops, a kitchen island (an addition that luckily didn’t involve tearing down any existing cabinetry!) and new modern gold light fixtures and hardware.
Is a kitchen renovation on your upcoming DIY project menu? The first step to a brand-new kitchen might be as easy as a new hue for your cabinets!
Read on for a step by step recipe for painting your kitchen cabinets:
Step 1: Remove the Hardware
Use a screwdriver to remove all door handles and hardware. It’s always best to put each screw back exactly where it came from to ensure the least amount of stress on the wood. Next, remove the cabinet doors and drawers from the cabinet frame.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabinet Frame and Doors for Priming
Sand the doors, drawer faces and cabinet frame. Do a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper, always moving in the direction of the wood grain. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow the surface to dry. Next, tape around the cabinet frame to protect the walls and any areas you don’t want to get primer or paint on.
Step 3: Prime the Cabinet Frame and Doors
Apply KILZ 3™ Premium Primer on the doors, drawer faces and cabinet frame using a brush to ensure a mildew resistant finish. Stir thoroughly before and occasionally during use. Allow 1-hour of dry time.
Step 4: Paint the Cabinet Frame and Doors
Apply KILZ® Tribute® paint in Subtle Celery TB-74 with a brush to the cabinet frame and doors, moving in smooth strokes in the same direction as the wood grain. Remove your tape around the cabinet frame before the paint is fully dry. Once dry, reattach hardware to doors and then reattach doors to cabinets. Now it’s time to decide what delicious dish to whip up first in your refreshed kitchen!
Always remember to refer to our website (kilz.com) or product back labels for additional information on how to apply our products.
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Our Favorite 2020 Design Trends
January 7, 2020While the KILZ® brand is known first and foremost for our hardworking primers, color and design are also important to our team! Primer might technically be colorless, but it is a crucial step in adding color to your walls, cabinets and furniture pieces. Primer should often be the first step in achieving a new look for your space, so in a sense you can consider primer a part of the design process just as much as paint.
As we enter a new year, we’re excited to share a few color and design trends to help you along the way to completing your painting and renovation projects. Color and design trends are everywhere, and there is no one size fits all in terms of the hottest hue or best design style – but we’ve rounded up a few of our 2020 favorites to help inspire your project planning process in this new year.
Kitchens Are King:
In 2020, you’re going to see kitchen renovations and remodels popping like corn at the movies! (Translation: they’re everywhere and on everyone’s minds). In 2020, we’ll be exploring more kitchen color trends and design hacks on the blog to help you renovate your kitchen on budgets both big and small. 
Not Over Navy:
Blues and grays have been popular paint colors in recent years and we’re nowhere near done with them. From kitchens to bedrooms and cabinets to walls, navy can often act as a “dark neutral” to give a pop of color to a space while also keeping it classic. And we’re not alone in our love for navy, Pantone named Classic Blue the Color of 2020. Look out for some of our favorite shades of Navy in upcoming How-To posts later this year (spoiler alert – we’re painting everything from living room walls to dining room chairs in this easy to love shade!). 
Fireplaces that Pop:
Who doesn’t love the crackling of a warm fire on a cold winter’s day? And for a fireplace design that pops both inside and out, we’re loving bright white bricks against colored walls and monochrome fireplaces in unexpected shades. 
Full Circle Design:
Patterns and shapes are easy ways to add fun and unexpected touches to any room, and for 2020 we’re loving circles! From painting round pops of color on an accent wall to circular inspired décor items like mirrors, fabric and lighting, curved shapes and lines bring a nice softness to any design style. 
Color Blocking Children’s Spaces:
A little one’s room is the perfect place to play with pops of colors and interesting patterns or color placement. In 2019 we showcased a nursery makeover with a sweet striped wall, and we’re excited to explore more color blocking in 2020 for kid’s rooms.
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