Tag: KILZ Mold & Mildew
Pro Spotlight: Update Bathroom Cabinets with Britney Mroczkowski of Build It Brit, Inc.
May 31, 2023
As a licensed general contractor and real estate investor, I know that priming is a fundamental step in completing any paint project. Without primer, paint may peel, crack or flake, resulting in a poor and unsatisfactory finish. And when it comes to achieving a flawless and Instagram-worthy finish, primer is absolutely essential. KILZ® Primers are a good choice as they offer consistent, dependable results.
Recently, I decided to do a quick weekend project to update my mom’s ensuite bathroom cabinets. The bathroom has beautiful solid wood cabinets but are a little outdated with a medium-to-dark wood finish. The bathroom has also not been renovated in over 20 years and needed a modern refresh. Painting the cabinets was the perfect solution to updating the space quickly while also making the room brighter.
Her primary suite is located on the second floor of the home overlooking a beautiful lake just outside Tampa, Florida. She has been in this home for over 35 years and raised our family here, so it was nice to be able to give back to our family home. To minimize the mess, I removed the cabinet drawers and doors and took them downstairs to the garage where I set up a workstation.
In the garage, I used a few drop cloths to make sure everything stayed clean and pristine. I set up two tables to create an “assembly line of painting,” where I would sand, prime, and paint. The cabinets were solid wood but had a lacquer finish that I wanted to make sure we could cover. To start the process and ensure a beautiful end result, I scuff sanded down all of the doors and drawers with 150-grit sandpaper and then did a final pass with 220-grit paper. Don’t forget to wear safety gear during this step, I made sure to wear a mask and eye protection.
After sanding, I was ready to prime! The primer that we used for this project was KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer. This primer is a water-based, primer-sealer-stain blocker that is specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture, and temperature environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms, and laundry rooms.
KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer offers excellent adhesion to the surfaces of the bathroom cabinets, ensuring that the paint would stick and stay in place even with high moisture levels typical of bathrooms. Additionally, the EPA-registered active ingredient in this primer creates a mold and mildew-resistant film that protects the primer film from developing mold and mildew growth.
This was particularly important for this personal renovation project for my mom, as it would ensure that her bathroom cabinets would stay mold-resistant in the damp environment. The primer also helped us to achieve a smooth and flawless paint finish.
I applied one coat of KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer, allowing it to dry for 2 hours before moving on to the topcoat. We chose Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Cabinet and Trim Paint which I was excited to use for the first time. My mom looked at the color options online and choose the color “Emmie’s Room” which is a very light shade of green.
This very light green color complemented the existing white and green tiles in the bathroom perfectly, creating a cohesive and modern look. We applied two coats of the topcoat, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. The final result was stunning and transformed the old and dated bathroom cabinets into a fresh modern look and personally, I think it made the room look much larger.
Not only did this bathroom cabinet refresh make the room look brighter and more modernized, but it also saved my mom a significant amount of money compared to a complete bathroom renovation. When I finally let her come in to see the final results, she couldn’t believe it was the same cabinets. She told me they looked brand new and straight out of a home renovation TV show.
In conclusion, priming is a crucial step in any paint project, no matter how big or small. Not only does it set the foundation for a long-lasting and beautiful finish, but it also ensures that the paint adheres properly to the surface. KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Overall, this project was a personal one for me, as it was a renovation for my mom, who has been my biggest supporter throughout my career. Recently, we started renovating a few investment houses together so it was an honor for her to ask me to work in our family home as well. With KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer and the right workspace, we were able to achieve a beautiful and modernized look for her bathroom cabinets.
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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Bringing a Primary Bathroom Back to Life
April 17, 2023In this episode of our Destination Restoration series, we show you how to update a primary bathroom past its prime. This bathroom, like the rest of the rooms in this house, was outdated, dark, and in need of some attention. But, with a few cosmetic fixes, our pros, Jason Lai (interior designer) and Jared Foster (contractor/professional painter) transformed this room into something truly special.
This series demonstrates how you can breathe new life into an older home (in this case, a 4th generation family home), while keeping its structural integrity intact.
Just off the primary bedroom, the small, 4-piece primary bathroom was in desperate need of a facelift. Like a kitchen, there are many elements to consider in a bathroom, including hardware, tile, glass, and lighting. Not to mention a color scheme and décor. Using KILZ® Mold & Mildew Primer, we were able to restore the existing vanity and give it a fresh topcoat. We also replaced the tile and countertop, updated the walk-in shower, and painted the walls for a fresh new look that complemented the rest of the home.
While the bathroom is a smaller room compared to the others in your home, that doesn’t make it any less of a project. All it takes is a great concept and a team who knows how to execute, and you can bring any bathroom up to date in no time. For some bathroom inspiration, see the breakdown of our project in more detail below. We’ve also included a step-by-step guide on how to paint bathroom cabinets.
Vanity, Cabinets & Walls
To start, we primed the vanity using KILZ® Mold & Mildew Primer and painted it with Aspen Valley, a color by Behr Paint, for a teal effect that tied in well with other areas of the home. We also updated the cabinets to shaker style to mimic the update we made to the kitchen cabinets. For the other bathroom paint colors, we painted the walls, ceiling, and door with Whipped Cream, a color by Behr.
Shower & Hardware
We replaced the bathtub with a sleek walk-in shower, which we also retiled using a multicolored eggshell tile to contrast with the teal of the vanity. Lastly, we installed all new fixtures by Delta Faucet.
Other Changes
The floor was old and dingy, so we replaced it with an updated, geometric pattern tile—a fun detail that tied in well with the rest of the décor—and we added new overhead lighting and sconces by Kichler Lighting.
Why Do You Need to Prime?
Priming is essential for proper surface preparation for any paint project. It’s the difference between a job done and a job done right. Priming helps solve a wide range of problems, including highly porous surfaces, stains, odors, uneven surfaces, texture differences, and adhesion problems.
KILZ® Mold & Mildew Primer is a water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker, specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture, and temperature environments, and a perfect choice for our bathroom makeover. It offers excellent adhesion, while providing a sound anchor for paints. The EPA registered active ingredient creates a mold and mildew-resistant film that protects the primer film from mold and mildew growth, so you can enjoy your newly-restored bathroom for years to come.
Step-By-Step Guide To Painting Bathroom Cabinets:
Refinishing a bathroom vanity requires a few basic steps to get the smoothest finish and results that will last in a humid environment. Here’s an easy guide to follow for your next project:
1. Use a screwdriver to remove the cabinet doors and drawers from the vanity and to remove all door handles and hardware.
2. Sand the surfaces of the doors, drawer faces, and vanity to create a smooth surface for priming. Do a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper. Remember, the higher the “grit” number, the smoother the finish.
3. When sanding, move the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain. If you go against the grain, you will end up with a lot of scratches that will show through your topcoat.
4. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. Allow to dry.
5. Protect your floors and workspace from paint and primer by covering it with a drop cloth.
6. For mildew-prone areas like a bathroom, select a primer formulated for high humidity, moisture, and temperature environments like KILZ® Mold & Mildew Primer.
7. Now it’s time to prime! Using your primer, use a brush to make smooth strokes that go in the same direction as the wood grain.
8. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
9. Once the primer is dry, apply paint of your choice using the same application process at the primer.
• Pro-tip: For a really great result, apply primer and paint with a sprayer.
10. Once your paint is dry, reattach hardware to doors, and then reattach the doors to the vanity.
You Will Need:
• Screwdriver
• Dust mask
• 100-150 grit and 180-220 grit sandpaper
• Rags to wipe dirty and dusty surfaces
• Drop cloths, canvas, or other reusable material
• Paint roller, brush, and paint tray
• Paint of choice
We hope this episode of Destination Restoration inspires you to tackle your own bathroom remodel this year. Be sure to keep KILZ® products in mind for your next project, and come back for more ideas, tips, and project inspiration.
If you loved this restoration, be sure to check out the other episodes of Destination Restoration. Jason and Jared took on the Kitchen, Primary Bedroom and Living/Dining Room.
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: Ryka Builders
June 21, 2021
This month on The Perfect Finish we’re spotlighting Ryan from Ryka Builders. A veteran contractor with experience in both commercial and residential construction, Ryan recently completed a bathroom remodel with the help of KILZ® Mold & Mildew Primer and we are excited to share it here. Read on to hear from Ryan on why he chose KILZ primer for this job and get a glimpse into how he completed this stunning remodel.
Upscale Your Throne Room
By: Ryan, Ryka Builders
In this day and age, between social media, magazines, and television, beautiful home renovations are everywhere to be seen! The magnificent end results are truly inspiring, however there are proper steps that need to take place in order to get these reno jobs done efficiently and effectively. One of these important steps is the use of primer – KILZ® brand has multi-surface and specially engineered primers suited to take on any type of issue and best prepare surfaces before painting. Whether you’re a DIY’er or are planning to hire a contractor, you must be sure that the right steps are taken to keep your newly renovated home looking great for years to come.
I’m Ryan with Ryka Builders, and I’m a licensed general contractor with over 30 years of experience. Ryka Builders is a family-owned business that has been developing close, trustworthy relationships with our commercial and residential clients for many years. We are passionate about our jobs and care that they are done to the upmost standards. If you are looking to update your bathroom, I’m here to help share the proper steps and to make sure you have a quality finished product.
A recent client of ours bought a house sight unseen in Florida while residing in New York. She researched contractors in the Central Florida area and was impressed with our reviews and referrals from previous customers. After a video call with the owner, we were able to provide design guidance and expertise to help the client achieve her dream home makeover, and she awarded us the opportunity to do some major renovations on her entire home including this bathroom.
Once we started demolition, we discovered a great deal of mold present on the drywall, behind the old cabinets and on the baseboards. We knew right away that a mold and mildew remediation was a necessity; safety first. We brought in our licensed remediation specialist to do the necessary repairs. It is critical that whenever there is any sign of mold or mildew, it is always effectively removed from the surface and that the water damage that caused the mold or mildew damage is appropriately remediated as well. After this step was taken care of, we decided to go in and apply KILZ® Mold & Mildew Interior & Exterior Primer. This primer contains an EPA-Registered Mildewcide to prevent mold and mildew growth on the primer film, ideal for spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
Using KILZ Mold & Mildew primer on all of the new drywall, as well as affected areas on the studs in the bathroom, sets a great base to start any bathroom remodel. For a bathroom paint project, not all primers are appropriate for the moisture and humidity that occur daily in this type of space. Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for mildew, if the proper products aren’t used. As a bonus, this amazing product also has a fast-drying agent with low odor, a very low VOC and has a water-based formula, making clean up a breeze with just soap and water. One of the many positive advantages of KILZ Mold & Mildew primer is that it is a water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker specifically designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments such as bathrooms, powder rooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
“KILZ primer products have been around for more than 40 years and is a brand we trust. We always look to them for products, because we know they have been tested and built for the challenges we come across in the industry.”
We also used KILZ Mold & Mildew primer on the ceiling of the bathroom where there was an old water stain from a previous roof leak that was repaired. The stain blocking agent in the primer worked wonders. With only one coat, the stain was eliminated. In fact, KILZ Mold & Mildew primer will also block medium to heavy stains such as felt marker, grease, ink, pencil and tannin as well. KILZ primer products have been around for more than 40 years and is a brand we trust. We always look to them for products, because we know they have been tested and built for the challenges we come across in the industry.
After we are confident that we have a great foundation and clean slate with the KILZ products, it’s time for the fun part – selecting tile, paint colors, hardware and plumbing fixtures, so that the client can see their vision come to life. Our client chose a very simple and sleek grey subway tile for the tub area and a beautiful complimenting shaker style vanity with chrome finishes and fixtures. For the walls, we went with a very appealing grey paint color (Silver Bullet N520-2 by BEHR®). For the flooring, the client decided on a waterproof, wood plank look, luxury vinyl that we used throughout the rest of the home as well.
Our client loves the end result, and this bathroom is ready to be made homey with plush towels and her favorite scented candles and possibly a cute little Pinterest-y bathroom sign. In the end, we’re confident that she will love it for years to come, because we took zero shortcuts to make this bathroom a success.
As you can see the finished product came out just how we wanted, and we feel good knowing that we took the additional steps to provide a better built product for our client. Many contractors just try to get through the job quickly, however, we know that if we exceed our client’s expectations and provide additional customer service and quality control elements, we will build strong and lasting relationships. This has helped us grow our business over the last 30+ years with many returning customers and strong referrals. A big thanks to KILZ for helping us get this bathroom project completed. Now, on to the next one!
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Modern White & Blue Bathroom Makeover
January 19, 2021A bathroom suspended in time is brought to the present with primer and paint freshening up a floating vanity and turning the boring beige space into a light and airy retreat. For this bathroom transformation, KILZ® Mold & Mildew primer is used prior to painting – easily covering dark beige walls to ensure the new white paint will shine in its purest form and properly preparing the wood vanity for a fresh coat of soothing blue paint.
A water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments, KILZ® Mold & Mildew primer contains an EPA-Registered active ingredient that creates a mold and mildew-resistant film that protects the primer film from mold and mildew growth.
Once the primer is properly applied to the walls and vanity and allowed to dry, the bathroom is ready for paint! KILZ Complete Coat® in White RJ110 brightens up the walls, while the same paint in Soothing Ocean RD160-01 adds an airiness to the substantially sized vanity. KILZ Complete Coat provides a durable, highly scrubbable finish that resists staining, fading and peeling, ideal for DIY painting in bathrooms and beyond!
The light and bright bathroom makeover brings in a touch of contemporary flair with new brushed gold hardware and sleek circular mirrors topped with gold, globe-shaped light fixtures. And for the finishing touch, black and white tile flooring perfectly complements the new color scheme without competing – letting the beautiful blue vanity shine as the room’s focal point.
If you’re interested to create a calming and contemporary bathroom of your own, read on below for step-by-step instructions to prime and paint walls and cabinets.
WALLS
Step 1:
Wipe down walls with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean and free of dust. Allow to dry.
Step 2:
Tape around the vanity frame and countertop edges with painter’s tape to ensure you don’t get primer or paint where you don’t want it!
Step 3:
To ensure a mildew resistant primer coat, apply 1 coat of KILZ® Mold & Mildew (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use) to the walls and allow to dry. Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in” around the edges, then use a roller to fill in.
Step 4:
Once primer is dry, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in White using the same application method as the primer (using a brush first to cut in around the edges 4 to 6 feet at a time, then use a roller to fill in those sections before moving along).
Step 5:
Remove the tape before the paint is fully dry.
VANITY
Step 1:
Remove vanity drawers and hardware, putting each screw back into its hardware and sealing them together with painter’s tape. You’ll want to label each set to ensure you can put each screw back exactly where it came from, ensuring the least amount of stress on the wood.
Step 2:
Sand the surface of the vanity body and all drawers, doing a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper.
Step 3:
After sanding, wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow to dry. Tape around the vanity body where the wood meets the walls and countertop to protect those areas.
Step 4:
Apply KILZ® Mold & Mildew (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use) to the vanity body and drawers, moving in the same direction as the wood grain for best results. Allow primer to dry for 1 hour.
Step 5:
Once the primer is dry, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in Soothing Ocean. Remove the painter’s tape before the paint is fully dry.
Step 6:
Once everything is dry, reattached your hardware and put the drawers back into place.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Tips for Painting Walls and Cabinets
June 1, 2020
Painting your walls or cabinets is an easy and low-cost way to update any room in your house, and most painting projects can be completed in just one weekend. Equally as important as choosing the right paint color is ensuring you prime first with the right primer. Without priming before painting, you risk poor paint adhesion and previous colors or stains seeping through and ruining your new paint color.
Using the right primer ensures that your topcoat color will appear on the walls as you expected it to. If you’re painting over a darker colored wall with a new lighter shade, KILZ 3® Premium Primer works to block previous dark paint colors from seeping through and changing the look of your new paint. When painting over a light color with a new darker hue, it’s still equally important to prime first. KILZ 2® All-Purpose primer is a great choice for light to dark color changes. And if your walls have tough or exceptionally dark stains or damage from smoke or water, KILZ® Original Primer and KILZ Restoration are both formulated to block severe stains.
Priming before painting ensures your paint color pops!
What if you’re painting cabinets, do you need to prime? If you want excellent paint adhesion and for your colors to appear in their truest hue – the answer is yes! Primer also makes your paint job durable, and that is especially important in high-traffic areas like kitchens. You often find cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, and these areas of the home are subject to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels that can make paint peel. For these spaces, a primer like KILZ Mold & Mildew dries with a mildew resistant primer finish that helps protect and extend the life of your paint.
When painting cabinets, priming first ensures excellent adhesion and truer color from your topcoat.
While priming before painting can seem like an extra step, it’s a vital part of the painting process!
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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