Tag: Inspiration
How-To Paint a Dark Accent Wall
August 30, 2019An outdated wall color is replaced with a bold hue in this easy to replicate bedroom transformation, giving a once bland space a fresh look and feel. It’s typical of many painting projects to be applying new paint over a previous color, and when you’re going from a lighter shade to a darker paint color do you need to prime? The Pro’s answer is yes! Priming before painting allows a truer and richer color from your top coat, so even if you think your new color is dark enough to cover the old paint, you might not get the exact result you were expecting if you don’t prime first.
For this bedroom makeover we chose KILZ 2® All-Purpose primer, a multi-surface sealer and stain blocker that is great at hiding a previous light or mid-toned color. KILZ 2® was perfect for the job as we were taking the wall behind the bed from light to dark, but also changing the wall with the window from the old grey-green to a crisp white – this really made our final accent wall pop!
At first glance the before-to-after transformation of this space might look like it took a lot of work, but the biggest change was the new paint color. The beauty of a dark accent wall is that it can dramatically elevate your space, without the need for many other changes. We chose KILZ Complete Coat® in Night Magic for the accent wall and White for the remaining walls. A deep gray with a dark blue undertone, Night Magic appears as almost black on the wall which resulted in the bold look we desired while still having a level of softness ideal for a bedroom.
After the priming and painting were done, we added new bedding and a few fresh accessories and the stunning bedroom makeover was complete. If you’re feeling inspired to paint your own dark accent wall, step-by-step instructions are below.
Step 1:
Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean and free of dust. Allow the surface to dry.
Step 2:
Tape around the baseboards, trim and moldings.
Step 3:
To ensure a perfect paint finish, start by applying 1 coat of KILZ 2® All-Purpose – stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use. Allow 1-hour of dry time.
Pro-tip: Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in” around the edges, then use a roller to fill in.
Step 4:
Next, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in White on all walls except the chosen accent wall. Use 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:
Next on the chosen accent wall, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in Night Magic. Use 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 6:
Remove tape prior to paint drying.
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Master Bedroom Refresh
August 14, 2018A ready-to-use neutral creates the ideal base for your transformation. In this case, a coat of KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint & Primer in One—we’ve used a color called Swiss Coffee here—leaves little guesswork and effort because it covers all four walls with one coat. After that, the magic happens.
To add a pop of contrast and sophistication, we’ve elected to paint the bottom half of the walls in a slightly contrasting neutral—another KILZ COMPLETE COAT® hue called Origami. This combined neutral palette creates the effect that the ceilings are higher than they are, opening up the bedroom and making it feel more spacious.
But our weekend bedroom transformation isn’t apparent only on the walls; a furniture refresh is in order, too. KILZ® CHALK STYLE PAINT upcycles fixtures with a soft finish, creating the perfect accent piece for our tranquil, welcoming bedroom refresh.
Swiss-Coffee
Origami
Blue Juniper
This combined neutral palette creates the effect that the ceilings are higher than they are, opening up the bedroom and making it feel more spacious.
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Stencil Wall Accents
December 8, 2017For this project we used our KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint and Primer in One in neutral based colors to transform this plain master bedroom wall into the perfect statement. Although we chose more muted colors for this specific space, you could always go bolder, repeating more (or less) of the stencil patterns to accomplish a louder more extroverted look. The great news is that the stencils come in all types of styles leaving the opportunities virtually endless when it comes to which type of look you want to create.
Mix and match! Using the stencil patterns behind or above furniture pieces is a nice way to really make them feel custom to the room. You could also pull stencils in order to frame artwork or simply add extra dimensions to your décor. The color of the stencil here subtly pulls from other colors in the room. In this case, the tone of the stencil ties in with the bedding and comforter set. We could have also opted for an orange tone to really make the accent pillows pop. This could be a nice effect in a living room space, or even in a dining room above a serving unit.
This project is simple! See below for a full tutorial about how you can achieve this look in your space. Loving it? Explore our full KILZ COMPLETE COAT® palette here.
Project Checklist:
- KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint and Primer in One
- Stencil
- Stencil Brush
- Painter’s Tape or Spray Adhesive
- Paper Towels
- Can Key
- Drop Cloth
- Stir Stick
Step 1:
Determine location of pattern to be stenciled on wall.
Step 2:
Stir paint to make sure it is mixed.
Step 3:
Spray stencil with adhesive or secure stencil with painters tape.
Step 4:
Level and then secure your stencil on the top middle of the wall with painter’s tape.
Step 5:
Stencil the pattern by lightly dabbing the paint until the areas are fully covered.
Step 6:
Move on to the second repeat of the pattern by following the registrations that are included in the stencil. These registration marks help you move and place the stencil along the wall perfectly every time!
Step 7:
Allow 2 hours dry time. Then call your best friend and invite them over for coffee because you’re all done.
Pro-tip: Make sure the stencil is secure before you add paint. 
Pro-tip: Load your brush with paint and off-load most of the paint onto a paper towel. Using too much paint when stenciling is the number one reason for bleeding, so make sure to off-load excess paint before starting on the wall.
Mix and match! Using the stencil patterns behind or above furniture pieces is a nice way to really make them feel custom to the room.
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Table & Chairs Makeover
January 12, 2017Project Checklist:
- KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint and Primer in One
- 100-150 Grit Sandpaper
- Painter’s Tape
- Paint Brush
- Measuring Tape
- Chairs
- Table
- 3/8”-1/2” Synthetic Roller
Step 1:
For best results start with a properly prepared and previously painted or primed surfaces. Remove any loose or peeling paint and wash off dirt or grease with a non-soapy detergent or a TSP substitute. Rinse well and allow surface to dry.
Pro-tip: For glossy surfaces, scuff sand with the appropriate sandpaper prior to coating.
Step 2:
Tape off areas to be painted. To achieve a geometric pattern we recommend using measuring tape to evenly space tape.
Step 3:
Stir paint before and during application to make sure it is mixed.
Step 4:
Remove the painters tape when the paint is wet, or have a razor to cut the film if you’ve let the paint dry.
Step 5:
Allow to dry. The product dries to touch in 2 hours (at 77° F and 50% relative humidity) or longer in cooler temperatures and/or higher humidity.
Pro-tip: Measure peak to peak, as well as the distance between the points along the side of the table.
Pro-tip: Use a high quality synthetic brush or 3/8”-1/2” synthetic roller for the application. When painting a horizontal surface, like a tabletop, apply thin coats.
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Small Kitchen Hack & A Pop of Color
January 10, 2017This project is one of our favorites because of the unexpected twist that adds not only color but functionality to this space. If there’s not enough square footage for that 12 person dining table you’ve always dreamed of, we think you will love this solution. For this project we will show you how to create an optional tabletop space that retracts up and down allowing you to utilize at your convenience. This Murphy table will double your working counter space, and can even be used as a desk for the little ones to color! This concept can be used in a hallway, bedroom, office or garage for a working station!
Project Checklist:
- Plywood
- KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint and Primer in One
- 100-150 Grit Sandpaper
- Dust Mask
- Damp Cloth
- Paint Brush
- 3/8”-1/2” Synthetic Roller
- Framed Artwork
- Drill or Screwdriver
- Screws
- Piano Hinge
- Hook and Eye Latch
- Stir Stick
- Can Key
- Framed Artwork
- Measuring Tape
- Level
Step 1:
Start by cutting 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood to size 28-1/4″ X 36″. Then cut 2 additional pieces of plywood to 1″ X 28-1/4″ for the wall cleats.
Step 2:
Sand all pieces of plywood with 100-150 grit sandpaper.
Step 3:
After sanding, use a damp cloth to remove any dust from the pieces of plywood.
Step 4:
Open a can of KILZ COMPLETE COAT® Paint and Primer in One and thoroughly stir the paint.
Step 5:
Paint all of the pieces of wood with your selected colors and allow to dry.
Step 6:
Allow 2 hours dry time*, apply second coat if needed.
*Dark colors and high humidity areas may have extended dry times.
Step 7:
Next measure and cut the 2 piano hinges to size 28-1/4″.
Step 8:
Using screws, attach the first piano hinge to connect the two larger pieces of plywood (table top and leg). Then attach the second piano hinge to connect the table top to the first cleat.
Step 9:
Measure and center the picture frame onto the front of the table leg. Once centered attach the frame with screws.
Step 10:
Attach the table top and lower cleat to the wall.
Step 11:
With the table folded against the wall, measure and attach the top cleat to the wall.
Step 12:
Finish by measuring and attaching the hook and eye latch to the top wall cleat and the table leg.
Pro-tip: For best results, apply with smooth strokes that go in the same direction as the wood grain.
Pro-tip: Use a power drill to attach the piano hinge.
Pro-tip: Use a stud finder to ensure the table is properly secured to the wall.
If there’s not enough square footage for that 12 person dining table you’ve always dreamed of, we think you will love this solution.
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