Author: Carmen Serrano
How to Transform an Ordinary Primary Bedroom into a Sophisticated Sanctuary
December 19, 2023As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPs) and certified color consultant, I share DIY projects, tool how-to guides, and home makeovers as a book author, home show speaker, DIY workshop coach, and radio host. I contribute regularly to BobVila.com and Architect and JLC magazines. I’ve been lucky to create fast-paced makeovers for TV shows, and enjoy sharing home trends and DIY tips as a guest on news shows and satellite media tours for TV and radio.
Our primary bedroom was more than ready for a paint makeover. It was not the rejuvenating sanctuary that we needed while managing a busy household, especially with the added pressure of the holidays.
What’s the makeover motivation?
I started paint prep during the pandemic, and never actually painted the room. We’ve been living with patched walls for way too long, and it was time to give the room a refresh.
The goal was to create a more sophisticated and modern look with a richer and more soothing hue that exudes a calm and relaxing vibe. By painting the walls using contrasting sheens to create a stripe pattern, I’m adding subtle sophistication through gentle texture that will catch the light from the overhead dimmable lighting.
Select the color.
You’ve probably heard the advice from designers to paint a few samples on the wall before selecting the paint color for a room. It’s such a common tip that paint companies often offer small samples for less than $10. While I agree with this advice, there’s a step that’s missing.
It’s important to prime the wall before applying the sample colors. For this project, I chose KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer to prime ahead of painting. The current color on your walls can affect how the new color looks to you and whomever else is picking the paint. Then make sure you view the samples during the day, at night, in natural light, and with artificial light, so you have a good idea of what the color will look like throughout the day.
Also, don’t unload the room before putting the samples on the wall, especially if you plan to use the same furnishings in the room after the paint job is complete. The reason? The colors from the other home decor items can affect how a paint color looks to you.
For this project, I chose four colors and asked my husband Mark to pick his favorite. He chose Secondhand Find from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® by KILZ (the color on the right), which is a rich and very saturated bluish-green. An excellent modern color that fits with our goal of a calm and sophisticated vibe.
Select the primer.
While you might be tempted to skip the primer or choose a paint-and-primer in one, we don’t. We always use a high quality primer because it sets the foundation for a good quality paint job and a professional finish. Even though the KILZ brand partnered with us on this makeover, KILZ has been our go-to primer for more than a decade because it delivers long-lasting results for our home and our clients’ homes.
For this project, we chose KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer because it’s fast drying, low odor, very low VOC, and it has excellent adhesion. The thicker formula also hides surface imperfections, which is ideal for this house that was built in 1903 and has a lot of ‘character’ marks from the previous owner and our busy family.
Gather primer, paint, tools, and materials.
The next step in this makeover is gathering the tools and materials. For this project, I needed:
• Drop cloth (We like to use a moving blanket because it has more weight to it.)
• Multi-tool
• Awl
• Hammer
• Ladder
• 1½-inch angled paint brush
• Paint roller and extender
• Paint tray
• Painter’s tape
• Paint Samples in selected colors
• Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® by KILZ Interior Paint in Secondhand Find, Matte Finish
• Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® by KILZ Interior Paint in Secondhand Find, Eggshell Finish
Paint the trim.
While many might paint the ceiling or prime the walls first, we don’t. We often paint the trim first, especially if the ceiling has previously been primed and painted white and will be painted white again, and if the trim will be painted white. The reason is that it’s easier to go quickly and over-paint the trim on the first pass, and then cut in the ceiling and wall color later. We find that it gives the trim a crisper line.
I used Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® by KILZ Interior Paint in True White, semi-gloss finish for the trim, and gave it two coats.
Paint the ceiling.
The next step before priming the walls is painting the ceiling. Since this ceiling was primed before and is painted flat ceiling white, it didn’t need another coat of primer, just a fresh coat of white paint. I used Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® by KILZ Interior Paint in True White, matte finish.
If the ceiling was freshly installed drywall, was looking less-than-stellar, or was painted a color other than white, I would have primed it first. Still, I painted two coats.
Prime the walls.
After the ceiling and trim were done, it was time to prime the walls. I first cut in the primer using a brush along the painted baseboard, and then the inside corners and other areas that a roller can’t fit: along the window sill, window trim, door casing, and our built-in cabinets
I then primed the joint compound patches all over the walls. While KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer is thick and hides imperfections, I still wanted to be sure that the patches would disappear after rolling out the primer. This little double primer on the patches is a belt-and-suspenders approach that might not be necessary in your project.
Then I rolled out the field—-the walls—with a paint roller.
Paint the walls.
The primer dried super fast, so I didn’t have to wait long to start cutting in the color on the walls. (I can’t tell you how much of a joy it is to not wait long for paint to dry.) I started by cutting in the wall color along the baseboard, window trim, door casing, and cabinets. And then used the paint roller to finish. The color immediately popped on the wall, which is a sign of a good primer. Still, I painted two coats.
Paint the stripe.
After the paint was dry, the next step was painting the stripe. I’ve been dreaming about painting a contrasting sheen in the same color for years, and was very excited to finally create the look. The idea is to use a flat or matte color and then use the same wall color but in another sheen. For this project, I chose eggshell, since we wanted to create a subtle and calm vibe. If I was creating a dining room or a playroom, I’d probably choose a different combination of sheens for greater contrast.
After marking the layout of each stripe with a tape measure, level, and pencil at the top, middle, and bottom of the wall, I extended the painter’s tape from the top of the wall to the bottom. For a stripe to work, it needs to look vertical and consistent. So, after each set of stripes, I checked for plumb and measured the distance between the stripes to be sure I was on the mark.
The painstaking part is applying the tape. The fun part is applying the paint. But, before painting, I make sure that every bit of tape is adhered to the wall so that no paint can infiltrate beneath it. Then I rolled Secondhand Find in Eggshell on the wall. After waiting for the first coat to be dry to the touch, I applied a second coat. And then I removed the tape. I make sure to keep a low angle to the wall when I remove the tape so it comes off without messing with the paint on the wall.
No, I don’t wait for the paint to dry to remove the tape, as it can take a long time and it can be more difficult to remove. Just be sure to have a trash bag ready to drop the wet tape into after removing each strip. It can be a mess if you need to go searching for a place to dispose of the bundle of wet tape.
Update the decor.
When the paint was dry, the electrical faceplates needed to be put back. Before rehanging the antique pineapple light, I installed a ceiling medallion to help accentuate the little glass light fixture so it looks less like an afterthought and more like a featured player in our primary bedroom.
The old bedspread was swapped for a white quilt, the bedside table lamps have new shades, and the antique mirror went back in its spot. Since the yellow deacon’s bench is a family heirloom, we decided to use it in another room, and swapped it out with a backless modern bench that fits in better with the goal vibe.
Now we have a hotel-like sanctuary to retreat at the end of each day, instead of a looming project with decor that didn’t quite go together. It’s a calm primary bedroom with a perfect paint finish.
Learn more at kilz.com
*This is a sponsored blog post with MyFixItUpLife.
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Best of Primer Tips: What Did We Learn This Year?
November 21, 2023To inspire another productive year ahead, let our pro primer tips 2023 recap be your guide. You already know how important a good primer is to any successful painting project, but the finer point may be less clear. That’s why we’re recapping some of the best primer tips of the year and taking a moment to appreciate just how much we learned.
Tip #1: Save time, money, and labor by using primer.
Because it is formulated to solve specific problems before you paint, primer creates an ideal surface for lasting results. This means there’s less likelihood that you’ll have to retouch or redo a project in the short-term. By sealing porous surfaces evenly, for example, you’ll use fewer topcoats, and since primer costs less than the topcoat, using a primer first and then applying the topcoat is cheaper than applying multiple coats of topcoat only.
Tip #2: Choose the right primer for your substrate.
Before beginning any painting project, identify the type of surface you want to prime and paint. Different substrates accept coatings differently, which is why KILZ formulated a primer with each surface type in mind. Also take note of your surface’s condition. What circumstances should be addressed before applying a coating? Lastly, identify the environmental conditions where the surface is located. Is it damp? Will it be exposed to weather damage and temperature fluctuations? Each of these conditions dictates the primer and paint you choose to use.
Tip #3: Know your project details ahead of time so you can prepare.
Preparation is key before starting any paint project. You should know the products you’ll need and what steps to follow. For most projects, you can trust a multi-surface primer to prepare the surface for painting, but more complex situations require a specialty formula primer—such as mold, stains, and odors. Preparing for the job beforehand will help things run smoothly from start to finish. Not sure where to start? Review this checklist.
Tip #4: The right application can make a big difference.
Quality usually comes at a higher price than a cheaper alternative, but the results are worth it. Besides selecting a quality applicator, the construction of the applicator should be compatible with the chemistry of the coating being applied. Some brushes are built for water-based products, some are designed to work with oil-based products, and some will work with both. Most rollers are compatible with oil- and water-based products. This information is usually listed on the packaging, so make sure to check for it when choosing an applicator.
Tip #5: Know when to use primer and when paint & primer in one will work.
The idea of saving time and money by skipping a step in the painting process is appealing, and while many paint and primers in one (PPIO) boast this claim, it’s not always that simple. While it can work for some jobs, more specialized products will give you better results depending on the situation. For example, PPIO can work well on pre-painted surfaces without a drastic change in color or texture, but this is possibly the only reason to choose it. If your job is more complex than that, it’s best to opt for a specialized primer in addition to paint.
Tip #6: Understand the different types of sheen and choose wisely.
If chosen incorrectly, sheen can amplify surface imperfections, make a surface shinier (or flatter) than intended, or not provide enough durability for the space. Some sheens are easier to clean than others and can provide a barrier against moisture, mildew, and other grime. The darker and richer a paint color is, the more colorant it contains, which boosts sheen. If you’ve chosen a rich or dark paint, and you don’t want it to turn out super shiny, choose one with a lower sheen. In the same vein, if painting a large, sun-washed, or flawed surface, a lower sheen paint is best for hiding imperfections.
For more helpful tips like these, be sure to check back in with us so that you can tackle all your future projects with confidence. KILZ® Primers are here to make your DIY dreams a success. We hope you had a productive year and can’t wait to see what will inspire you in 2024.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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Project Spotlight: A Bathroom Remodel With KILZ® Primers – Part 1
November 20, 2023We are Jamie and Morgan Molitor, a dynamic duo in both life and business, and the driving force behind our journey in home remodeling, interior styling, and the world of small media. Since 2012, we’ve been all about keeping it real.
What started as a lifestyle blog has since blossomed into c2s, a thriving design and build business combined with a small media enterprise. With over a decade of experience, we’ve mastered the art of transforming houses and crafting spaces filled with joy, not only for our clients but for ourselves as well. We’re here to take you on a journey through every step, from design and construction processes to the intricacies of digital marketing.
Our most recent bathroom design and remodel project is in Wayzata, MN for the fabulous Chris Freytag, a local health and fitness expert, blogger, author, and popular keynote speaker here in the Twin Cities.
At our core, we have a genuine passion for remodeling primary bathrooms, and there’s a unique excitement when we embark on a total transformation while preserving the existing layout. It’s like unlocking the hidden potential within the familiar confines. Each year, we take on approximately 10 bathroom projects that follow this transformative approach, where we breathe new life into the space without altering its fundamental structure. There’s an art to retaining the essence of the layout while infusing it with modern elegance and functionality. It’s about enhancing the existing beauty, ensuring that every corner reflects the homeowner’s vision, and delivering a space that feels both rejuvenating and utterly luxurious. These projects allow us to showcase our expertise and creativity, creating bathrooms that are not just functional but also awe-inspiring havens within the home.
And one of the best ways to do this is through paint! The KILZ® brand is one of c2s’ go-to brands, especially for bathroom remodels. In high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms, finding the right primer that can withstand moisture is crucial. That’s where KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer truly shines. Specially designed for these challenging environments, it forms a protective barrier that not only prevents mildew growth but also supports the paint, ensuring it thrives in its best condition. With KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer, you can confidently transform your spaces, knowing that your paint will stand strong against the challenges of high humidity, allowing your home to look its best for years to come. Say goodbye to worries and hello to enduring, vibrant walls!
THE PROJECT
At first, Chris and her husband aimed for a cosmetic refresh since the space’s layout was already well-designed. Removing the jetted tub was a priority, and the only structural change involved expanding the shower entrance. Everything, except the cabinetry, underwent a transformation — from paint and countertops to tiles and fixtures. A complete makeover to match their vision! The whole goal of this project was to say goodbye to the beige and hello to white, white, white. A light and bright bathroom makeover!
A classic bathroom remodel is like a timeless makeover that keeps things stylish and comfy. It’s all about simple lines, cool fixtures, and a calming color scheme that makes your bathroom a chill space to be in. Think subway tiles, vintage tubs, and those shiny chrome fixtures you love. Classic bathrooms never go out of style and give you a space that’s not just pretty but also super practical. Whether it’s the retro vibes of black and white or the cozy feel of wood accents, classic bathroom makeovers keep things cool and comfy for years to come.
This project has been smooth sailing. Painting is underway, plumbing up next – and this project will be a wrap! Can’t wait to share the final reveal with you all soon. But today – we wanted to chat about priming and painting! Especially the importance of primer, something that is so often overlooked. We see so often those buying the cheapest primer or even worse, not priming at all. Once you get done reading this blog post – we hope you will never be that person.
Importance of Primer
Priming is like the secret sauce for a successful paint job. It’s the difference between just getting it done and getting it done perfectly, ready for Instagram-worthy photos. Taking the time to prime is a smart move that can save you time and money down the road. With KILZ® Primers, you can achieve long-lasting results that you can show off with confidence. These go-to products always deliver the dependable and consistent performance you need.
Our Go-To KILZ Products
These are c2s’ four go-to primers when it comes to any project beyond this bathroom renovation. And we’re here to tell you the differences between them and why we love and use them.
KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer is your go-to solution for residential spaces that deal with high humidity, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, like kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms, and laundry rooms. This water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker offers excellent adhesion on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, providing a solid base for paints to adhere to. What sets it apart is its EPA-registered ingredient, which forms a protective, mold and mildew-resistant layer on the primer surface, keeping these unwelcome guests at bay. It’s also a champ at blocking medium to heavy stains like markers, grease, ink, and more. Plus, it dries quickly, has a mild odor, has low VOCs, and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
KILZ RESTORATION® Primer is like a modern superhero for your home surfaces. It’s a water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker that rivals the performance of traditional oil and shellac-based primers. This powerhouse takes on the toughest stains, from water damage and rust to smoke, nicotine, ink, and even pesky pet stains. But it doesn’t stop there—KILZ RESTORATION® Primer is also your go-to solution for sealing in persistent odors like those from pets, food, and smoke. You can use it on a variety of indoor surfaces, from drywall and woodwork to plaster, masonry, and even glossy surfaces. It’s the perfect base for water-based or oil-based paint, and it’s a game-changer when you’re replacing carpet or wood flooring and need to block subfloor odors. Say hello to your home’s new best friend!
KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE Primer is your speedy, go-to solution for priming, sealing, and blocking stains on a variety of surfaces. This water-based wonder is known for its quick-drying, excellent adhesion, and mildew-resistant properties, all while emitting a very faint odor. It’s your trusty partner in blocking medium stains, such as minor water stains, rust, ink, and more, and it’s especially handy when you’re changing colors, reducing the need for multiple paint coats. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces like woodwork, drywall, masonry, and even glossy surfaces with proper preparation. You can confidently use it under or over water-based or oil-based paints.
KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer is a top-notch, quick-drying, and low-odor water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker. It’s got a very low VOC, making it environmentally friendly, and it excels in adhesion while providing a protective, mildew-resistant coating—perfect for areas prone to moisture. This powerhouse can tackle medium to heavy stains caused by water, tannin, ink, grease, and more. With its thicker, high-hiding formula, it’s a champ at concealing surface imperfections and prepping your surfaces for a fresh coat of paint. From indoor to outdoor projects, it’s versatile and suitable for woodwork, drywall, masonry, and even glossy surfaces with proper prep. Plus, it plays well with both oil and water-based paints.
We hope you enjoyed learning about our progress, and more is to come! We are waiting on a final light and the shower glass door and then this project will be a wrap. Stay tuned for the big reveal – before and after coming to KILZ’s The Perfect Finish blog soon!
*This is a sponsored blog post with c2s.
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Destination Restoration Rewind: A Look Back at our Best Projects of the Year
November 7, 2023At the end of the year, we like to reflect on some of our biggest accomplishments, and this year, we’re looking to our Destination Restoration series for inspiration. For this exciting video series, we enlisted the help of two paint, construction, and design experts to make over individual rooms in a single-family home. With their help, we refreshed and modernized four outdated rooms, saving time and money in the process, and extending the life of this charming residence.
Let’s recap our favorite moments from Destination Restoration and get excited to tackle another year of home improvement.
If you’re looking for kitchen remodeling ideas to inspire your DIY dreams, this is a great example of how you can make a big design change while keeping the integrity of the room intact. Our team of pros took a dark and dated kitchen, and, with a vision and some ingenuity, achieved a bright and modern space, renewed for the next generation. The striking cabinet transformation came to life with some light refinishing, KILZ 3® Premium Primer and a fresh coat of paint.
See the full project here.
If you have a DIY bathroom project in mind for the new year, be sure to check out this stunning refresh for tips. Our Destination Restoration team made this makeover look easy to give you the bathroom inspiration you need to tackle your own transformation in 2024. With just a few cosmetic fixes, and the help of KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer, our pros converted this outdated room into a beautifully modern space that will last for the next generation to enjoy.
See the full project here.
The power of KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer did wonders for this open-concept living/dining room, where it helped to completely restore an old fireplace and brighten up the room. Rather than put the home through an expensive and time-consuming remodel, our pros reimagined the space and rejuvenated it for years to come with a few simple changes. DIY living room inspiration at its peak, this is a great example of how you can breathe new life into an older home while sticking to a budget.
See the full project here.
We finish our look back at the series with the primary bedroom remodel. This room’s biggest issue was that it had a large ceiling stain from water damage. Our pros didn’t let this stop them, and instead, used KILZ RESTORATION® Interior Primer to cover and seal the stain and a beautiful terracotta color paint to transform this room into a warm and luxurious space. To finish the look, they upgraded the old closet with a custom, built-in storage unit with a hidden TV display, painted in a complimentary forest green. We couldn’t be more pleased with the result, which reminds us of a chic and cozy desert retreat.
Note: The cause of the water damage had been remedied prior to our pros coming in to fix the cosmetic side.
See the full project here.
This was another great year for home makeover inspiration, and even though the year is winding down, our motivation is full steam ahead. Whether you’re taking it easy or busy organizing next year’s DIY game plan, we hope these projects inspire you to bring your dream home to life. Thanks for spending the year with us. We can’t wait to see what you choose to tackle in 2024.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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Project Spotlight: A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
November 1, 2023Hi! My name is Abby from Making It With Abby. I am a self-taught DIYer who loves to learn new things and take on all sorts of different projects. I find so much joy in creating with my own two hands and teaching others how they can do it too! As a new homeowner, I started building furniture, but it wasn’t until 7 years later that I started taking on other types of home projects, which is when Making It With Abby was born!
When we built our second home 7 years ago, I didn’t have a strong design sense or style, so when my builder suggested a dark gray/brown stain for our kitchen island, I agreed. I never really liked it and especially disliked how much dirt it showed. I recently renovated our dining area, and it left our island looking out of place. I started thinking about painting it to better fit the space and be a color I actually love.
I think a lot of people are in the same boat and don’t like the color of their cabinets, or their cabinets just need a fresh coat of paint. It may seem daunting to think about painting your kitchen cabinets or an island, but it is actually very simple. Best of all, painting your cabinets can breathe new life into your kitchen, giving it a fresh and updated look. In this tutorial, I’ll take you through the entire process using KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer, ensuring a durable and beautiful finish that will stand up to the demands of a high-traffic kitchen. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Cabinets
The first step in this cabinet transformation journey is preparation. To do this, you’ll need to:
• Remove Decorative Hardware: Begin by taking off all the hardware from your cabinets. Place screws, hinges, and other small parts in a secure place to ensure you don’t lose any.
• Remove Cabinet Doors: Carefully remove the cabinet doors so you have easy access to the cabinet frames for painting. I also removed the hinges where it was blocking areas that needed to be painted, but the other hinges just needed to be covered with painter’s tape.
Step 2: Clean and Degrease
Before applying any primer or paint, it’s important to clean your cabinets thoroughly to remove dirt and grease buildup. Use a degreaser to cut through kitchen grime, ensuring a clean surface for the products.
Step 3: Scuff Sand the Cabinets
To improve paint adhesion, lightly scuff sand the cabinet surfaces. This step removes any sheen and provides a better grip for the primer. I recommend using 150 or 180 grit sandpaper.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Cabinets
After sanding, wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth to remove any dust and residue from sanding. A clean surface is essential for a smooth finish.
Step 5: Primer Application
Priming is a crucial step in cabinet painting, especially in a high-traffic area like a kitchen. It makes all the difference between a job done and a job done correctly. I selected KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer because it provides excellent adhesion to prevent any paint chipping or peeling in the future, and the mildew-resistant coating prevents any mildew growth in moisture-prone areas like a kitchen. There is nothing worse than fixing your old mistake; using a primer helps ensure that this job is done right the first time. KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer was also the best choice for my project because it provides coverage for medium-to-heavy stains, which will ensure that the current dark color of my island doesn’t bleed through the paint.
Apply a uniform coat of KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer to your cabinet frames and doors. The thicker formula fills in imperfections in the wood grain of your cabinets, creating a smooth surface for paint application.
I used a brush to get into corners and crevices and a mini foam roller on the rest of the surface and to cover any visible brush strokes. I find a mini foam roller gives the best and smoothest finish when painting cabinets or furniture without the use of a paint sprayer. I decided to use my paint sprayer on the cabinet doors, but you can definitely use a brush and roller for the doors as well.
Using a paint sprayer may seem intimidating, but it’s really quite easy to use. I like to use an airless sprayer, and it really is as simple as pulling the trigger and moving in a slow, even motion. I have used a few different kinds of sprayers at all different price points, and all have been easy to use and have given an impeccable finish.
Step 6: Sand and Wipe Down Again
KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer is ready for paint in just one hour. After the primer has dried, lightly sand the surfaces once more to ensure a smooth finish. Be sure to remove any dust with a tack cloth or damp cloth.
Step 7: Paint Your Cabinets
For the paint, I used Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Cabinetry and Furniture Paint. Choose a color that suits your kitchen’s style. There are so many gorgeous colors to choose from in the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Paint line, but I decided on the color Anatolian, a perfect warm tan with gray undertones. I love this line of paint because of the perfectly curated color options and the superior durability and stain resistance. Their cabinetry and furniture paint offers superior flow and self-leveling which is crucial when painting cabinets to get a smooth and sleek finish.
Apply the paint in even, thin coats to achieve a sleek and professional finish. Be sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Once again, I used a brush for corners and crevices and then went over the surfaces with a mini foam roller.
Step 8: Sand and Wipe Down Between Coats
Between coats of paint, lightly sand the surfaces again and remove any dust with a tack cloth or damp rag. This step ensures a flawless finish.
Step 9: Hardware Upgrade
After painting the cabinets, you might want to also update the hardware for a complete transformation. I used KILZ® ORIGINAL Aerosol to prime the metal hardware and then BEHR PREMIUM™ Metallic Spray Paint to give it a fresh, new look. This small change can make a significant impact on the overall look of your kitchen.
Step 10: Reinstall Hardware and Cabinet Doors
Once everything is dry, reinstall the hardware onto your newly painted cabinet doors, and then reinstall the doors to the cabinet frames. Painting your kitchen cabinets can be a rewarding DIY project that transforms your kitchen’s appearance. By following these steps and using KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer and Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Cabinetry and Furniture Paint, you’ll achieve a beautiful, durable finish that will make your kitchen feel like new. Enjoy your freshly updated space!
*This post is a paid partnership with Making It With Abby.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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MINI RENI – A TIMELESS RENOVATION
August 21, 2023Welcome back to the KILZ® Perfect Finish blog. Today we are going to talk about Joanna Gaines’s first Mini Reni project, where she renovated a house without undergoing a major demo day. The home featured in this mini reni belongs to a couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and were looking to refresh their space under a budget. Watch as Joanna is able to transform this family’s living and dining room by using some primer, paint, and new décor.
With less than $5,000 to spend in the living room, Joanna chose to embrace the space and make it modern with some fresh paint and key design elements.
The home’s original living room had shiny wood paneled walls and a white tiled ceiling with wooden beams, which really dated the area. To update the room, the wall panels were sanded and primed using KILZ® Original Oil Primer, which covered up the knots in the wood grain, creating a flat surface that was ready for paint. Once the wood was prepped, the walls and ceiling were painted in one of Joanna’s favorite interior paint colors, Cottage Grove (in eggshell finish) from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Castle Collection.
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“A rich blend of navy and green, this color can take on either tone in different light, which makes it both dramatic and cozy all at once.” |
By bringing the paint up to the ceiling and decorating the living room with a large area rug, plants, and tonal furniture, Joanna was able to transform the entire space into an elevated yet cozy room ready for entertaining guests or fun family nights.
The home’s original dining room started out as a plain white box, which allowed for lots of opportunity, but with a small budget in place, Joanna had to get creative. By bringing in fresh colors and textures, she was able to completely update the room.
To create some visual interest, crown molding and wood panels were installed on the ceiling and painted in the interior paint color Drawing Room, a soft gray from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Castle Collection. The plain wood door also was renovated, turning it into one of the focal points of the room, by adding some trim and painting it in the same Drawing Room color.
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A soft French gray. |
The walls were painted with a coat of One Horn White, making the room feel fresh and new again. In order to create contrast with the soft paint colors, the lighting was updated from an old fan to a new modern light fixture with black accents. Final decorative touches included dark dining table and chairs, along with long velvet curtains and an ivory rug to ground the area.
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One Horn White is a warm white with a light beige tint. |
This home was brought back to life and elevated by a few simple changes, adding KILZ® Primer, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Paint, and new decor. You don’t always need a large renovation to make your home look and feel new!
Encouraged to tackle a project using one of the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint colors? Check out the link below to explore more.
Complementary Palette
Castle Cream
Plaster
Estate
Step Stool Green
Vintage Crown
“Where can I buy Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint?”
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Magnolia.com/shop.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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THE CASTLE COLLECTION: HALL BATH
August 3, 2023Welcome back to another color and room feature from The Castle Collection from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®!
This time we will be talking about the hall bath. Even though sometimes overlooked, it serves not only as a functional space for guests and family members, but also as an opportunity to make a statement with design. This hall bath reflects both elegance and style while inviting a sense of serenity and relaxation.
The Magnolia Home Castle Collection interior paint color, Step Stool Green, is a lively, deep olive that makes this bathroom stand out and invite you in. Using the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines interior paint on the board and batten, paired with white tiles, makes this room modern – yet full of the Castle’s original charm.
“Olive green, a bold and rich natural color, brings a comforting, earthy richness to any space.” – Joanna Gaines
By selecting brass fixtures for the faucets, mirror, and lighting, and adding in some final decorative touches, the bathroom becomes one of the most transformative rooms in the castle. Paired with plants, antique décor and large windows for natural lighting, the Step Stool Green interior paint color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Castle Collection was able to highlight the bathroom’s beauty while still maintaining its rich history.
With colors from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Castle Collection palette and the right materials, you too can transform a plain hall bath into a stylish oasis.
Check back here at the Perfect Finish to learn more about the rooms in the castle, and their specific colors and descriptions.
Read about the Drawing Room here.
Want to start a project using one of the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint colors? The palette below complements Step Stool Green and highlights its rich earthy tones.
Shiplap
Renewed
Landscape
Conservatory
Clean Lines
“Where can I buy Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint?”
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Magnolia.com/shop.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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Pro Spotlight: James Mansour Shows The Power of a Good Primer when Upcycling
June 30, 2023
My name is James Mansour, and I am the owner and operator of Mansour Valley Painting in Mesa, Arizona. I also go by The Arizona Painter online where I work to educate and share my love of painting, including the intricacies of the craft. With over 20 years of experience, my company specializes in exterior and interior painting while always emphasizing the importance of proper prep work. I am partnering with KILZ to highlight one of my favorite products, KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer. I chose a DIY upcycling project because I am a huge supporter of teaching my customers and online audience how to properly prepare surfaces for paint, and then use paint to completely transform an object or space.
I love the idea of upcycling. Not only does it allow you the freedom to create a unique accent for your living space, but it is also sustainable and environmentally friendly. Upcycling is a term used to describe the process of repurposing old, unwanted things into unique, creative, and new items. By choosing to upcycle I am also contributing to waste reduction, conservation of natural resources, and allowing myself an opportunity to innovate. I knew I had to find the perfect piece for this project, so I started by paying a visit to a few local Goodwill stores. After much deliberation, I found a wooden wine rack that my wife loved. It was the perfect size and shape for the dividing wall between our kitchen and living room. In order to kick this project off right, I would need the perfect primer. I chose KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer because it provides excellent adhesion, high-hide coverage, and excellent stain-blocking performance, making it the ideal primer for surfaces like wood.
Along with the KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer, I used the following supplies to get started: a scrubber pad, 220 and 320-grit sandpaper, latex gloves, drop cloths, and mineral spirits. As a helpful tip, be sure to properly follow the safety instructions listed on the product labels or online for the correct application and use of the products.
Setting up my workspace was the next step. I used two tables to hold each piece of the wine rack after the disassembling process. With a screw gun in hand, I broke the wine rack down into individual pieces. I then used 220 grit sandpaper to remove the current finish and wiped each piece clean with mineral spirits, preparing them for the first coat of primer. I used a small ½-inch thick roller nap to apply KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer. After allowing it to dry for only an hour, I lightly sanded all surfaces again and then was able to apply a second coat using the same size roller nap. Due to the mil thickness of the primer, it fills in the wood grain and any small scratches and imperfections in the wood, providing a perfectly smooth surface for paint application.
Since this piece will get used quite often, the superior adhesion provided by KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer will prevent the topcoat from scratching and chipping, ensuring a longer lifespan. After the surface was properly primed and restored, I allowed it to dry for 24 hours. Once completely dried I used 320 grit sandpaper to smooth down all surfaces in preparation for the topcoat. For this project, I decided to use BEHR PREMIUM™ Spray Paint in Black Satin for the main legs and shelf brackets. Then I used BEHR PREMIUM™ Spray Paint with a Hammered Finish in Dark Bronze on the shelves and wine racks to give the piece more visual interest with a two-toned finish.
Finally, after another 24 hours of drying time, the rack was ready to be reassembled. It is important to give this additional cure time to make sure the surface is completely dry, and all the products are working together to provide the sleek, durable, and long-lasting finish I hope to get. Taking the time to prepare the surface properly helps save time and money as KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer offers dependable and consistent results. Placing the piece in the perfect location on the divider wall, I felt I had achieved my desired outcome. It was another job done right with an Instagram-worthy finish, and a piece I can be proud of for years to come.
Thanks for joining me on another project,
James Mansour
The Arizona Painter
To learn more about primer solutions, visit kilz.com.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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What Are Paint Sheens and What’s the Difference?
June 29, 2023If you’re unfamiliar with the nuances of paint sheen, you’ve come to the right place. In the broadest terms, the higher the sheen a paint has, the higher the shine and the more durable it will be. Flat paint has no shine, while high-gloss paint is all shine, and the rest of the spectrum includes matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, which can be used for practical and decorative purposes alike.
What’s a Paint Sheen?
The paint sheen tells you how much light the paint reflects. Paints with higher sheens are shinier, and paints with lower sheens reflect less light. Higher-sheen paints have more enamel in them, which makes them shinier, more durable, and easier to clean. Lower-sheen paints are easier to look at because they have little to no glare.
Why does it matter?
If chosen incorrectly, sheen can amplify surface imperfections, make a surface shinier (or flatter) than intended, or not provide enough durability for the space. Some sheens are easier to clean than others and can provide a barrier against moisture, mildew, and other grime.
The darker and richer a paint color is, the more colorant it contains, which boosts sheen. If you’ve chosen a rich or dark paint, and you don’t want it to turn out super shiny, choose one with a lower sheen. In the same vein, if painting a large, sun-washed, or flawed surface, a lower sheen paint is best for hiding imperfections.
What Are the Different Paint Sheen Types?
• High Gloss: A highly reflective, glass-like finish that’s most durable and easiest to clean.
• Semi-Gloss: A sleek and luminous finish that is mildew, moisture, and wear resistant.
• Satin: A pearl-like finish that’s easy to clean and has moderate durability.
• Eggshell: A soft, velvety finish that covers imperfections while offering some durability.
• Matte: A low-luster finish that’s less durable, but easy to clean, touches up well, and hides minor surface imperfections.
• Flat: A non-reflective finish that touches up well and can hide minor surface imperfections.
Where to Use Common Types of Sheen
The type of sheen you choose for a particular room or surface is up to you, and many types can work well for the same area, but you may choose one over another depending on how much traffic the room sees (durability), how prone to dirt or moisture it is, or simply the decorative look you’re going for. Here are some recommendations to help get you started.
• Kitchens: A high or semi-gloss finish in the kitchen ensures your surfaces are more durable and easier to clean.
• Dining Rooms: For moderate-traffic areas like dining rooms, an eggshell finish will provide smooth, clean-looking walls.
• Bedrooms: A flat or matte finish is recommended as these absorb light, which can make those bright mornings more bearable.
• Bathrooms: Semi-gloss is great at protecting surfaces without being too reflective.
• Living Rooms: A satin finish is your best bet. It’s easy to clean and can stand up to high traffic.
• Hallways: An eggshell finish that’s easy to clean and resists dirt and grime is perfect for these moderate-traffic areas.
• Ceilings: Ceiling flat sheens are designed for ceilings and are extra splatter resistant.
• Brick/Masonry: Satin or eggshell is perfect for highly textured surfaces like brick; a moderate shine can help to conceal imperfections while giving off a pleasing glow.
• Cabinets: The higher the gloss, the easier it will be to clean and care for your cabinets.
Always Prime Before You Paint
We always recommend using one of our professionally trusted primers to ensure your hard work turns out as beautifully as you intended. Primer provides adhesion for any paint you choose, covers stains, prevents chips, and blocks odors, and helps your topcoat perform its best while achieving the truest possible color. Our primers are made for every project, so choosing the best one for the job is easy.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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