
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.

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.

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.

Tinting Primer
October 31, 2023What is tinting primer and what is the purpose?
Primer acts as a base coat and helps the paint adhere to the surface. Tinting the primer can help you achieve color matching with your desired paint color in fewer coats.
When is tinting primer necessary?
It is not absolutely necessary but recommended to help the topcoat paint achieve its true color in fewer coats. By tinting the primer especially if painting dark, deep, and rich colors or going from darker shade to a lighter one, it will lessen the work and coats needed to closely match the desired topcoat color.
Can I tint primer for drywall or previously painted walls?
Yes, most primers are white in color and can be tinted to a limited color palette.
How do I tint primer? Should I have a professional tint for me?
Most paint stores or home centers that sell paint have tinting machines and associates/employees who know how to do this.
Is there anything I should know before tinting the primer?
Label instructions about tinting of the primer should be followed. It is recommended to tint to a lighter shade than the topcoat color.
Can all primers be tinted?
Primers for residential painting typically come in white color and this is most suitable for tinting. Gray or pre-tinted primers do not need to be tinted. Aerosol primers cannot be tinted.

Can you tint a water-based primer?
Yes, water-based primers that are white or light color can be tinted.
Should I tint primer that will be used on mold and mildew?
These types of primers can typically still be tinted unless the label claims it should not be tinted or does not say that it is tintable.
Do I tint my primer with regular colored paint, or with a colorant?
Most paint stores or home centers and hardware stores that sell paint and have tinting capabilities will use tint machines which have the color formulations specific to brand, tint base type and other specifics already in their tint machine software. It is recommended to have the primer tinted in a store using colorants dispensed by a tinting machine.
What is a colorant?
Universal colorants are materials containing a color pigment dispersed in a blend of surfactants and a liquid (most often a glycol). The level of pigment is dependent on the type, color strength and pigment surface area – from paintinfo.com
In what use cases should you not tint primer?
Tinting primers is not needed if you are painting the same color as before or there is little change from the old color and the new one. Tinting primers is particularly helpful to lessen the number the coats needed to achieve truest color and when doing dramatic color changes.

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.

THE CASTLE COLLECTION: CONSERVATORY
October 25, 2023Rich, warm and dark are some of the words used to describe this moody gray. A quick fan favorite, Conservatory, was inspired by the Castle renovation and transformed the once dull room into a vibrant space full of life.
Conservatories, also known as sunrooms, are a nice choice for those looking to add some extra living space to their homes. What started out as a greenhouse in the original castle floorplan was eventually demolished, leaving this room to be built from scratch and converted into a conservatory and entertainment space. While this is the smallest room in the castle, it’s packed with charm and history.
The color Conservatory, which was named after the room itself, is a rich and warm dark charcoal gray that elevates any room and can bring in a unique contrast between your walls and décor.
While the paint itself is on the darker side, the large windows illuminate this room giving it a cozy feel, and fun balance between enjoying the inside while feeling like you are outside. This color will make even the smallest rooms feel spacious and elegant.
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“The understated beauty of a deep charcoal gray adds just the right amount of sophistication and versatility.”- Joanna Gaines |
Refurbished concrete tiles, from a historic chateau in France from the same time period as the castle pair perfectly with the deep walls, bringing its history back to life. Full of natural light, plants, and a complimentary terracotta couch, the Conservatory is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at dawn.
Encouraged to tackle a project using Magnolia Paint, color Conservatory? Check out the pallet below that compliments and coordinates with its rich and warm tones.

Silos White

Blanched

Sage Stem

Secondhand Find

Gold Moss
“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.

Primer Myths – 5 Common Myths About Primer
October 3, 2023If you’re new to DIY home improvement, there can be a lot to learn, which is why we’re here to help. We talk a lot about all the things primer can do—how it can improve your paint results, save you time and money, cover up stains, and block irritants like odors, mold, and mildew—but we don’t always discuss the many misconceptions about primer that prevent people from using it. So, today we’re going to address some common primer misconceptions, so you can feel confident you’re making the right choice for your next project.
Myth#1: Primer is Just Paint Without Color
This is one of the most common misconceptions, but the fact of the matter is, primer and paint are two completely different formulas. Paint is formulated to deliver color, and primer’s purpose is to adhere to the surface, create a clean and smooth foundation, protect the surface, and in some cases block stains or hide other imperfections.

Myth #2: Primer Doesn’t Make a Difference and It Takes Too Much Time
Applying primer will actually save you time and money in the long run. Depending on the condition and problem areas that exist on your surface, it’s smart to spend the extra step priming. Using primer to address a problem before applying paint may prevent the need to re-paint or add additional coats of paint to get the results you want.

Myth #3: I Should Use Multiple Coats of Primer if I Can Still See a Stain or Previous Color
Not necessarily. If the previous color or stain is severe, you may need to apply more than one coat of primer, however, it’s not necessary to keep applying coats until a stain or previous color disappears. If the primer is applied uniformly over the previous color or stain, then one or two coats should be sufficient.
Primer works underneath a coat of paint to give you a uniform surface, hide robust colors, block stains, and enhance the paint’s ability to stick to the surface better and last longer. But even if the primer coat does not fully hide the stain or former paint, it will still perform these functions. With help from primer, a coat of paint should completely cover the surface — including previous paint or stains — and get you the results you want.

Myth #4: You Only Need to Prime Indoors, Not Outdoors
Priming outside is just as important, as priming inside because exterior surfaces are exposed to the elements and can experience expansion and contraction (from heat and cold), as well as UV exposure that may cause your paint application to fail due to lack of adhesion to the surface. For these reasons, using an exterior primer first on a properly prepared surface can make a huge difference. If you want to protect your painted outdoor surfaces from cracks, peels, and blisters, and ensure your paint lasts longer, using a primer formulated for these circumstances is a must.
Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Use Primer If Your Paint Contains Primer
Most paints do not contain primer, and if they do—such as an ‘all-in-one’ product—most pros and experienced DIYers will tell you to apply an external coat or two anyway to cover yourself. The only time you should use a combination paint and primer is if you’re touching up paint of the same color. For all other jobs, whether you’re changing the color, starting from scratch, or refreshing a surface, priming before you apply paint is always going to give you superior results.
We hope this information helps you with your next paint project. Be sure to come back to the blog for more tips like these and to get all your primer and paint questions answered beforehand to save you time and money.
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.

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.

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.

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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