Tag: Products

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 This bathroom, like the rest of the rooms in this house, was outdated, dark, and in need of some attention.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.

From Stained to Stunning: Restoring a Primary Bedroom
April 17, 2023On this episode of Destination Restoration, we show you how to restore a room that’s suffered a bit of damage. Older generational homes can accumulate imperfections over time, especially stains from things like water damage. In the case of today’s refresh, not only do we take a standard primary bedroom and update it for a new era, but we also tackle how to restore unsightly, odorous stains using primer and a fresh coat of paint.
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.
Once again, our fabulous design duo—Jason Lai (interior designer) and Jared Foster (contractor/pro painter) —found a way to update this modest room while addressing the large yellow stain that had leaked its way around the sliding glass door. Our goal was to both cover it up and ensure it wouldn’t show through, which we achieved with a thorough coat of primer and a new coat of paint. Due to the lack of storage in the room, we also wanted to install a custom unit, with ample cabinets to make the space more functional and a modern haven for the parents of this lovely family home.
Covering up stains takes a little extra effort but is totally doable with the right tools. Make sure you choose a sturdy primer that’s right for the job, like KILZ RESTORATION® Interior Primer when tackling a similar project of your own, and follow along to see how our pros approached this room makeover. We’ve also included a step-by-step guide on how to paint over water stains using primer.
Stain Coverage
The main goal of this room refresh was to remove any trace of the water stain and get rid of its foul odor at the same time. To do this, we primed over the water stain using KILZ RESTORATION® Interior Primer then painted the walls, ceiling, and molding with Rio Rust, a color by Behr Paint.
Extra Storage
To replace the lackluster closet, we added a custom, built-in closet system with a hidden TV display, perfect for unwinding after a long day. We primed the unit, and then painted it with Forest Edge, a color by Behr Paint, for its ability to stand out and complement the color of the rest of the room. Together, these colors elevated the room and gave it a warm, modern, and cozy feel.
Other Changes
We wanted to update the existing lighting to complement the new design and bring more warmth to the space, so we added a modern chandelier by Kichler Lighting, as well as additional recessed lighting fixtures on the ceiling. We also replaced the door hardware, updated the electrical throughout, and added carefully chosen décor to bring this refined boho-chic look together.
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.
Because this room required stain coverage we used, KILZ RESTORATION® Interior Primer for its superior, water-based sealing and stain blocking formula. It can tackle tough stains from heavy water damage, rust, smoke, nicotine, grease, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, pet stains and more. It’s also a champion odor blocker and can be used on many interior surfaces including drywall, woodwork, plaster, masonry, brick, painted metal, ceramic tile, glass, and most other glossy surfaces.
Step-By-Step Guide to Stain Blocking and Priming Walls:
Painting over water stains requires a few basic steps from start to finish. Here’s an easy guide to follow for your next project:
1. Patch any holes from damage and sand smooth to prep the surface (if needed)
2.Thoroughly clean your surfaces with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean and free of dust. Allow to dry.
3. Tape around the baseboards, trim and moldings.
4. Protect your floors and furniture from paint and primer by covering it with a drop cloth or plastic sheets.
5. For major stains like water, grease, or smoke, select a heavy-duty stain blocker like KILZ RESTORATION® Interior Primer.
6. Now it’s time to prime! Using a brush first to “cut in” around the edges and small crevices, then use a roller to fill in the larger areas.
7. Allow to dry for 1 hour.
8. Once the primer is dry, apply paint of your choice using the same application process at the primer.
9. Remove the painter’s tape before your paint is fully dry.
You Will Need:
• Dust mask
• Pole sander with sandpaper, 60-80 grit
• Extension pole for prep and painting, 3’-7′
• Step ladder for hard-to-reach areas
• Rags to wipe dirty and dusty surfaces
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths, canvas, or other reusable material
• Plastic sheets, for protecting furniture
• Spackle and applicator
• Paint roller, brush, and paint tray
• Paint of choice
• KILZ RESTORATION® Interior Primer
We hope this episode of Destination Restoration inspires you to tackle your own bedroom 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, Living/Dining Room, and Primary Bathroom.
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.

Primers Save You Time, Money, and Labor
January 18, 2023Primer is essential to properly prepare a surface for the best results for your paint project. Many issues can ruin a project and not make it look its best, affecting your time and money. This could lead to purchasing more paint due to a porous surface not being sealed or using more coats to hide that old color. Priming provides a clean slate for the color of your topcoat to shine. Additionally, primer helps hide any stains, such as water leaks, pet accidents, or years of smoke residue. Some paints have trouble adhering to certain surfaces, which could result in chipping, flaking, or peeling over time. Primer acts like glue to help the topcoat adhere and last longer.
Primer can save you time by sealing porous surfaces evenly and resulting in fewer coats of topcoats. Primer acts as an “anchor” for the paint to adhere to the painted surface, reducing the probability of retouching paint and re-doing a project sooner. For those more technically advanced, primers hold a unique feature that allows you to paint on a new concrete or masonry surface sooner.
Primer can save you money because it is formulated to solve specific problems before you paint, creating a suitable surface for lasting results. Primer costs less than the topcoat, so using a primer first and then applying the topcoat would be cheaper than applying multiple coats of topcoat only. You also save money in the long term due to better, longer-lasting results, which means less need to repaint or repair.
Primers can save you labor because they provide an ideal base coat to which the topcoat can adhere better and result in a better-looking, longer-lasting paint finish. Applying primer also can solve several problems, and best prepare the surface for painting, resulting in less time and later labor do-overs.
The KILZ brand offers primer for all types of substrate and surface issues. Check out our offering here!
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.

Our Favorite Projects of 2022
November 17, 2022The end of the year is right around the corner, which means it’s time to look back on some of our biggest accomplishments of 2022. What better way to recap the last 12 months than to revisit some of your favorite projects? From kitchens to bathrooms to living spaces, 2022 did not disappoint. When it came to updating, revamping, and overhauling, the year was full of inspiring home makeovers, so let’s recap some of our biggest standouts, and get excited to tackle another year of home improvement.
1. How to Prime Kitchen Cabinets for Color That Pops
You may remember this gorgeous kitchen update from earlier in the year. This project featured three different kitchen inspirations, all using KILZ 3®PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer, which came to life thanks to varied design concepts and paint combos that gave the original space some much needed personality. Two toned kitchen cabinets were a theme for this project, and using subtle, yet distinct colors that played off one another, we achieved a polished effect that would make any pro proud. See the full project.
2. Pro Spotlight: Angela Cacace Creates a Spacious and Fresh Feeling Bathroom
This outdated bathroom was in desperate need of a makeover, and pro designer and contractor, Angela Cacace, took everything from budget to aesthetic to difficulty into consideration. She used KILZ® Mold and Mildew Resistant Primer to start, and then finished the room using light and airy paint selections from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® collection to make the bathroom feel fresh, bright, and spacious. Achieving the creamy and neutral result was no small feat considering the hot pink “before” color of the walls and the heavy black cabinets. Primer was an absolute must for this project, and the true star of the show. See the full project.
3. Restoration vs. Original – What’s the Difference?
For this article, we talked to John Golamco, Project Manager and Primer Category lead with the KILZ® brand. His 25 years of experience gave him critical insight into this category. He explained the fundamental differences between the primers and compared them in more detail. According to John, KILZ® Original is an oil-based primer that works great for blocking severe stains and odors. It also has a more pungent solvent odor and requires mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean up. KILZ Restoration® on the other hand is a water-based primer that also blocks severe stains and odors but has lower VOCs and meets all national regulations. It’s a low-odor primer and can be cleaned up easily using soap and water. See the full article.
4. PRO SPOTLIGHT: Make A Front Door Pop with Jared Foster
We know a thing or two about details, which is exactly what we wanted to highlight with this front door refresh. Carpenter, Jared Foster, sought to complement the already calm vibe of his front porch with an equally relaxed color scheme, and he walked us through his process in bringing it to life. “Once I laid on the primer and allowed it to dry, I was able to spray the door and trim using BEHR® paint, remove all the paper and tape and enjoy the new look. All and all, this project was completed in 48 hours. Having used KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer,I knew this door color would pop,” said Jared. See the full project.
5. Creating a Family Room that Brings People Together
This chic, yet cozy family room makeover was all about encouraging togetherness. Using a modern farmhouse look as inspiration, we crafted a similar feel with soft white paint, dark accents, and intentional décor. Taking the room from light to dark meant priming the walls for the best possible paint application, so we used KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer, which made the job a breeze thanks to its great adhesion and fast-drying formula. The finished room breathed new life into a familiar space and created a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for spending time with loved ones. See the full project.
This was a great year for DIY home makeovers, and even though the year is ending, we’re not slowing down. Whether you’re taking a little break or busy planning next year’s projects, we hope this inspirational list gives you the motivation you need to make your vision come to life. Thanks for spending the year with us. We can’t wait to see what new ideas you’ll bring to life in 2023.
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: TEN NEW COLORS FROM MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES®
October 14, 2022The Castle Collection has been released by Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®, a paint palette of ten brand new colors inspired by Magnolia’s Castle renovation, a historic landmark in Waco, Texas. The Castle Collection is comprised of ten rich and timeless paint colors that honor the Castle’s history, each specially designed and curated by Joanna Gaines.
“I wanted to honor the history of the castle with rich, unique colors that would complement its grand and traditional aesthetic, while still creating a timeless palette for any style of home.” – Joanna Gaines
The Castle restoration is the centerpiece of the Gaines’s newest season of their hit TV show. A special edition of their series Fixer Upper: The Castle premiered on the Gaines’ Magnolia Network, Discovery+ and HBO Max on October 14th, 2022. The season follows Chip and Joanna through six episodes of the restoration journey, including the development of The Castle Collection color palette.
Different personal connections or Castle inspirations helped Joanna to name each of the ten unique colors from the Castle collection palette. They are used through the completed castle, and will be featured on Fixer Upper: The Castle.
Rosy Pink: A dusty subtle pink with a nostalgic tone
Castle Cream: A creamy, soft white with a timeless essence
Step Stool Green: A lively, deep olive
Cottage Grove: A moody navy infused with a deep green hue
Drawing Room: A soft French Gray
Estate: A deep sage, with a soft gray undertone
Conservatory: A rich and warm dark charcoal gray
Plaster: A light beige with a warm soothing tone
Moody Fig: A beautifully saturated burgundy
Vintage Crown: an elegant, muted gold
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Magnolia.com/shop.
Visit Kilz.com/Magnolia for more information on the Castle Collection.

Best KILZ® Primer Products to Use After a Natural Disaster
August 31, 2022When disaster strikes, it’s natural for you to feel defeated. Especially when you finally can assess the damages. Smoke residue from a fire or mold and mildew that creeps in after flood waters recede is a considerable challenge in the renovation process. In many cases, disaster recovery calls for the help of a professional. But if you want to DIY your restoration, KILZ® Primers can help with your painting project. Let’s look at the best KILZ® primers for situations you may encounter in the aftermath of a disaster.
Best KILZ® Primers for Inside the Home
For Smoke Damage
Covering smoke and soot is a tough challenge when painting the interior of your home. Whether the damage came from a wood-burning fireplace or a kitchen fire, you don’t want it to bleed through your fresh paint. That’s why cleaning it properly and using the correct primer before painting is essential. If you have smoke damage in your home, follow these steps to cover it.
1. Clean the surface using a dry cleaning sponge. These natural rubber sponges have tiny, porous cells that work to lift the soot from the surface without smearing or streaking.
2. Wash the surface with a grease-cutting dish detergent and water.
3. Rinse with a solution of one part water and three parts vinegar.
Once the walls and ceiling are squeaky clean, it’s time to prime. Properly applied, primers provide a foundation coat that ensures the topcoat looks its best and lasts longer. The following KILZ® Primer products work tirelessly at blocking smoke stains and odors.
• KILZ® ORIGINAL Oil-Based Primer blocks most heavy interior stains, including smoke, and is suitable for wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, and brick.
• KILZ® ORIGINAL Interior/Exterior Primer is a fast-drying oil-based sealer that blocks the most severe stains, including those from smoke and fire. And it seals against any lingering smoke odors. Use it on interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, drywall, plaster, brick, stucco and masonry.
• KILZ RESTORATION® Primer (Formerly KILZ MAX) is a water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker you can cover with either a water-based or oil-based topcoat. Performing like traditional oil and shellac-based primers, it blocks tough stains like smoke and seals against its odor. Use it on drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, and brick.
For Water Damage
Anyone who’s lived through a flood understands the shock after the water recedes. There’s a definitive line marking the water level. The drywall is ruined, ugly stains are everywhere, and the smell is nauseating. Unfortunately, the odor comes from another set of problems for homeowners who want to repair the damage left behind–bacteria, mold, and mildew. And all are challenging to cover with paint. If this sounds like what you’re facing after a hurricane, tornado, or flood, KILZ® Primers can help.
Once clean-up is complete and all soil, mold, and mildew removed, you’re ready to prime the surfaces for painting. The following KILZ® Primer products are the best choice for blocking water stains, sealing against odors, or preventing mold and mildew from recurring.
• KILZ® ORIGINAL Oil-Based Primer blocks most heavy interior stains, including water, and is suitable for wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, and brick.
• KILZ® ORIGINAL Interior/Exterior Primer blocks the most severe water stains and seals against any persistent odors. Use it on interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, drywall, plaster, brick, stucco and masonry.
• KILZ RESTORATION® Primer is a water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker that blocks tough stains from heavy water stain damage and seals against unwanted odor. Use it on drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, and brick. And topcoat with either water-based or oil-based paint.
• KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE Primer (Previously KILZ 2 Latex) is a water-based primer with a mild odor. It’s suitable for multiple surfaces with excellent adhesion and primes, seals, and blocks medium stains from mild water damage. It also has a mildew resistant finish.
• KILZ 3® PREMIUM Primer dries fast, has low odor, and is very low in VOCs. In addition, this water-based primer has excellent adhesion, provides a mildew-resistant coating, and blocks most medium to heavy stains caused by water. Use it on interior and exterior woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, and brick.
Best Primer for Damage Outside Your Home
Fire, hurricanes, and other storm damage happen outside your home just as readily as inside. For restoration jobs on exterior surfaces, the following KILZ® primers provide excellent adhesion and durability on most surfaces.
• KILZ® ORIGINAL Interior/Exterior Primer
• KILZ® MOLD and MILDEW Primer
Before Disaster Happens
Primers provide a foundation coat that solves various surface problems, ensuring the topcoat looks best and lasts longer. While it cannot prevent any physical damage from natural disasters, a primer does help the paint stick to the wall better and more evenly, thereby helping to avoid damage to some degree. So, before a tragedy, remember to prime your surfaces with KILZ® primers correctly.
Trusted by pros for over 40 years, most homeowners choose KILZ® products for tackling stains and odors caused by fires, floods, and smoke. They’re available where most paints are sold.
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: Kenny and Kate Transform Historic Tin Bedroom Ceiling
August 31, 2022Hi there! We are Kenny and Kate-Home Renovation/DIY husband and wife duo based in northern Alabama. Although most of the time you will find us renovating a space or DIYing a project, on the weekends we can often be found on a hike at our nearby state park with our daughter Remi. Whether playing fetch with one of our three dogs, Kessa, Scout, and Lola or snuggling our guinea pigs, Kipper and Gus, we are also huge animal lovers. Our DIY journey began when we purchased our little 1972 fixer-upper home in 2019. We began renovating the home room by room and ultimately fell in love with the process of transforming each space. When most of the world was shut down in 2020, we found comfort in making our home a place of peace and restoration. We loved it so much that in January of 2021 we started our own local home remodeling business, Kaleidoscope Home Co. LLC, to help others embrace and improve the spaces that make up their homes. As the business grew, so did we. By the end of 2021, we had decided to sell our 1972 fixer-upper home and purchase an 1800s downtown brick mercantile building to live in/operate our business out of. That building is currently where we reside. Our business is located on the ground level and our living space is located on the second floor.
Because the decision to purchase and move into the building was made rather quickly, we did not have the time or resources to renovate any of the spaces before moving in. Our daughter, Remi, has been sleeping in a makeshift closet area for the last seven months. It is finally time to give her the room she deserves!
As mentioned above, this is a commercial property (now zoned for mixed-use). This means it does not have designated bedrooms. We have quite literally built Remi’s “big girl bedroom” from the ground up in a portion of the upstairs loft. Now that the walls are up, the closet and bed are built, and the hardwood floors are sanded, it is time to paint the ceiling. The beautiful, crimson red ceiling color works wonderfully in the rest of the building, however, it is just not the vibe in this room. We are painting the walls green and we’re afraid it would look like the holiday season threw up in here. So, as you might have guessed, we’ve decided to paint the ceiling a creamy white color. The historical tin ceilings in this building are worth preserving, and we believe a creamy white color will help accentuate all of the intricate details.
Although the ceilings were previously painted, there are spots where the paint has been chipped or scuffed. Because of this, we need to prime the ceiling with an oil-based primer to prevent the tin from rusting when painted. Priming is fundamental for completing any paint project. It is the difference between a job done and a job done right. Quite simply, primers create an ideal surface coat for the topcoat paint to perform and look its best: paint delivers color and makes that color and beautiful finish last as long as possible, while primers do the “dirty work” underneath. Of course, we would use no other primer on this project than our favorite KILZ Original Interior Primer.
When painting over an existing color, thick, high-hide primer formulas like KILZ Original Interior Primer are important for preparing surfaces, blocking color bleed-through, and covering surface imperfections. And believe us, these 100+-year-old tin ceilings have some imperfections!
First things first, we need to cover the recessed lighting with plastic bags and lay drop cloths over the hardwood flooring. We will be spraying the primer over some areas that also need to be primed (like the walls and bed), so there is no worry of overspray on these areas.
We always, always make sure to stir KILZ Original Interior Primer before painting because it is very common for the ingredients to separate while sitting in the can.
Now that our primer is stirred and the bedroom is fully prepped and ready, it is time to start painting. Always be sure to use proper PPE when painting with oil-based paint. We like to gear up with a face respirator mask, a hooded paint suit, and protective eyewear.
We have found that slow and steady is the best method for even coverage with KILZ Original Interior Primer. It dries quickly, but not so quickly that the process needs to be rushed. Back and forth motions are the easiest way to get in all the grooves of this super detailed tin ceiling.
And without further ado…drumroll, please… it is time for the final reveal of the painted tin ceiling!
We finished this project by coating the primer with Behr Premium Plus Interior Ceiling Flat paint in the shade Warm Marshmallow. The ceiling now has a soft, warm glow to it, and all of the scuffs, scratches, and imperfections are covered. We could not be happier with this finish. If you have ever wanted to paint a tin ceiling of your own, KILZ Original Interior Primer. is the way to go. It can be used on wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal, and properly prepared glossy surfaces. It is, however, not recommended for mold or mildew-prone surfaces or flooring. You can learn more about preparation, application, and product specifications HERE.
Thank you for following along on this project!
Kenny & Kate
*This is a paid partnership with Kenny and Kate
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: KILZ Restoration Tips with Daniel Ruiz
May 26, 2022Let’s take a deep dive into the life of a professional painter, Daniel Ruiz. Daniel brings over 22 years of painting experience with the mission to enhance and beautify people’s ideas and help bring those ideas to fruition. His father was the jack of all trades that carried his skills from their hometown in Mexico to the states. As his family grew, so did their home and he enjoyed working side by side with his father, grabbing hammers, screwdrivers, nails, etc., to eventually completing a painting project. As a teenager, he was always intrigued by art on the freeways and later combined his love of street art with his painting skills for additional income. Here on the Perfect Finish, we are going to dive into a few questions with Daniel on how he gets the job done right.
What projects do you (Daniel) enjoy the most?
Most of my projects are residential projects on the interior and exterior of the home. I like changing personal spaces. Kitchens, bedrooms, I really feel like color helps change the atmosphere and the feel of a space. Could make them feel more at home or open the space and that makes them feel good which makes me feel good.
Why is a primer important and do you need to use a primer for every paint job?
Primer is the layer of protection that gives your paint a better base and grips to your paint as well as helps to bring out the true color of your paint. It is the best thing to do to make sure your job starts off with a clean canvas. Prime every time before you paint. Wash your walls, prime with a coat of primer and two coats of paint. This provides your wall with multiple coats of protection.
Why choose KILZ Primers?
KILZ Primer is available, front and center, at most hardware stores. It is my go-to brand because it’s available, trustworthy, and I can rely on it for all my projects. It impacts my reputation that I can paint once and create long lasting coverage that speaks volumes to my customers.
For people who aren’t sure, when would you spray, roll, or brush when applying primer and paint products?
It is all about the different textures. Sprayers will have the finest finish, rollers will leave the best texture for high traffic areas, and brush for smaller areas, touch-ups, and cutting in. Brushes and rollers leave the best texture for high-traffic areas. I like sprayer applications because you can get into every nook and cranny. Sometimes spraying in homes can be difficult due to over-spray and lingering odors. It is also the quickest method.
Why did you specifically choose KILZ Restoration® Primer for this job?
The previous tenant was a smoker and KILZ Restoration Primer helps block out the smoke smell and lingering odors in the ceiling and walls.
What general advice would you have for someone who has never done a DIY project?
1. Research – Most hardware stores have samples. Always pick up a few options and paint a section of the room. Get a feel for how the color works with the lighting in the space or the furniture in your home. The color may look nice in store but might not compliment the things you already own.
2. Be Prepared – Protect the space with drop cloths or plastic wrapping. Paint is like water and can get everywhere. Make sure you get everything out of the way and cover all the items you don’t want painted. A little bit of extra prep-work goes a long way.
3. Buying Product – In the past, I would always say go to the store and inspect everything in person, especially for first time DIYers. Since I am a professional painter, I know what types of tools I like to work with so I will order products online and while I wait for them to arrive, I use the time to do all my prep work. Masking the floor, covering the furniture, and putting all our drop cloths down in just the right place.
This is a paid partnership with Daniel Ruiz.
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 KILZ Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.

KILZ® Products, Coatings, and the Environment
April 12, 2022The KILZ brand takes pride and deliberation when it comes to its paints and primers and the environment. Greg Williams, our Director of Product Marketing, shares how the KILZ team keeps the environment in mind when developing products for our business. “I’m passionate about protecting the environment as we only have one world, for us and future generations to come.,” Greg expresses, “It is our responsibility to protect our ecosystems, be good stewards of natural resources, and live in harmony with the world around us. We should all strive to minimize our personal impact on the environment.”
Ways you can paint with KILZ® products while helping you minimize your environmental impact.
1. When completing a painting project, choosing a high-quality coating such as a KILZ primer or paint will extend the lifespan of your project and reduce the frequency of re-painting.
2. KILZ products are designed with quality raw materials to provide optimal performance and service life. Also, they are manufactured in facilities where over 95% of liquid byproducts are repurposed and in 2021, 83% of refuse was recycled.
3. Proper disposal of your paint products is a crucial step in the process to reducing your environmental impact. For more information on disposal, see disposal section below and KILZ.com.
Why is it important to choose a high-quality product for my project?
• Primer and paint help provide protection for the substrates they are applied to, which can increase their lifetime. Achieving your result with fewer coats and reducing your need to re-paint as frequently will help minimize your overall environmental impact.
• Whether it be drywall or a more challenging substrate like bare metal, weathered wood, or a chalky paint surface, primer and paint can help to protect and extend their service life.
• KILZ primers have exceptional stain blocking properties and help achieve full hide by locking the stain molecules into the film. This results in fewer coats, material, and time required to complete the job.
What strides has KILZ made to develop products while keeping the environment in mind?
• KILZ has focused on developing high performing water-based products, with lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds), while maintaining performance attributes comparable to their oil-based counterparts. (Check out our post about Oil vs. Water based products here). All KILZ products are designed to meet national, state, and local VOC regulations, without compromising performance.
• Many of our products are GREENGUARD® Gold certified, including KILZ® PVA, KILZ 2®, KILZ® 3, KILZ® KITCHEN & BATH, KILZ KLEAR®, and KILZ RESTORATION® primers. GREENGUARD Gold certification confirms the certified products are low VOC and minimize impact on indoor air pollution levels.
• In addition to the liquid inside the can, we now use an all-plastic can which is made of recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable at recycling centers.
• We recycle and reuse many materials and byproducts during the manufacturing process. For example, in 2021 we recycled over 5.5 million pounds of plastic, metal, wood, paper and cardboard.
• We make it easy to determine the amount of product necessary for your project. It is important to use only the material that you need to minimize waste. We provide estimated coverage rates as well as a coverage calculator tool so you can purchase the appropriate quantities for your jobs.
What is the best way to dispose of cans and extra product?
• We would advise researching local paint disposal regulations. Many areas have local household hazardous waste drop off sites that will collect old and unwanted paint. In addition, more states are now joining PaintCare, which puts a focus on recycling paint, further reducing the impact of unused paint.
• Local charities may also be willing to accept unused paint in good condition as a donation.
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 safety and application of our products. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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