Tag: Products
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.
Restoration vs. Original – What’s the Difference?
February 25, 2022For the last 7 years, John Golamco has led the primer category at KILZ®. He is the Product Manager representing this category and has over 25 years of collective experience in sales and marketing. He lives in Southern California and enjoys traveling and cooking when he isn’t priming various surfaces!
Why are we comparing KILZ® Original and KILZ Restoration® Primers?
When our customers have a project that involves severe stains and/or persistent unwanted odors, they turn to KILZ primers. Two products that help solve these problems are KILZ Restoration water-based primer and KILZ Original oil-based primer. KILZ Restoration is an innovative water-based primer which provides similar performance in stain and odor blocking as the long-established oil-based KILZ Original primer. Shellac and oil-based are traditionally better known to block severe stains especially water-soluble stains.
What are the differences between KILZ Original & Restoration Primers?
KILZ Original is an oil-based primer and stain blocker which can block/seal severe stains and odors but has higher volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) which are organic chemical compounds that vaporize and enter the atmosphere. It also has a stronger solvent odor and requires mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean-up. KILZ Restoration is a water-based primer which also blocks severe stains and odors, however, has lower VOC’s which meets all national regulations. It is also a low odor primer and has easy clean-up with soap and water.
What is an oil-based primer? What are the benefits?
Oil-based primers are better at blocking or sealing stains, especially water-soluble stains. They’re also superior at blocking tannin. Oil-based primers have natural (i.e. linseed oil) and synthetic (i.e. alkyd oil) variants as their base technology. Alkyds have become popular in recent decades due to more easily sourced raw materials, lower cost and durability of the coating film.
TOP BENEFITS
1. It dries to a hard finish, making it durable against wear and weather.
2. Feels thick to apply and feels like it adheres well upon application which makes for an outstanding application experience.
3. Penetrates wood fibers well, making it ideal in sealing and protecting the wood.
4. Slower dry time compared to water-based which has some advantage in giving more open time to apply and for touch-ups.
KILZ Original interior primer for example, is a legacy product trusted by pro painters for 50 years! It delivers excellent stain blocking, odor blocking, adhesion performance, durability and is a fast-drying oil so pros can get more done in less time. KILZ Original line of oil-based primers use top quality modified alkyd resins as the base technology of their primer formulas.
What is a water-based primer? What are the benefits?
Water-based primers, also known as “latex” primers, are easier to clean (using soap and water), dry fast and have low VOC’s, making them healthier to use for you and the environment. In terms of their formulations, water-based primers, like water-based paints, use water as the solvent. Several other ingredients such as binders, pigments, fillers, and additives are then mixed in to create the final product.
TOP BENEFITS
1. Not combustible or flammable.
2. Low in odor making it ideal for use in interior spaces while oil-based needs very good ventilation.
3. The advancements in coatings technology have allowed water-based primers to dramatically improve and are beginning to perform on par with oil-based primers in terms of adhesion, stain blocking, and even odor blocking; and they have a faster dry time which saves time and money.
KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE, which is KILZ best-selling primer, is an acrylic polymer since it uses an acrylic plastic resin as its base ingredient – this is what makes the primer stick well to the surface and gives topcoat paint a sound, uniform surface to stick to – making it look better and last longer. KILZ RESTORATION is a new innovation in water-based primer technology which gives this product the performance of an oil-based (in severe stain blocking and odor blocking) but with the low VOC’s, low odor, easy clean-up and faster drying time that water-based provides. It’s the “best of both worlds”!
When would you choose to use an oil-based primer over a water-based primer? And vice versa?
TEAM OIL-BASED
• Choose an oil-based primer if priming over a previous oil-based paint and/or priming on fresh wood.
• Oil-based will seal the wood better and block any tannin stains that might bleed out.
• Oil-based is also ideal if blocking smoke and water stains as well as unwanted odors.
TEAM WATER-BASED
• Choose water-based if priming indoors where ventilation may be poor and in spaces sensitive to strong odors.
• Ideal choice when projects require a lower VOC level product, there is a flammability concern, and/or there is preference for clean-up without the use of harsh chemicals.
• State and local regulations might make oil-based products limited in availability or access. In such cases, water-based is a great choice.
What are the best use cases for Oil-based? For Water-based? Project examples?
Oil-Based: priming over water stains on ceiling tiles or priming over bare wood especially redwood varieties that bleed tannin/sealing wood knots would be some specific examples of best use cases for oil-based. Also ideal for blocking/sealing severe stains especially water-soluble stains that might be “activated” and bleed through if a water-based primer is used. Oil-based primers are also durable since they dry to a harder finish. KILZ Original Interior/Exterior primer for example is an excellent choice for exterior application due to its weather resistance, especially on wood surfaces.
Water-Based: priming indoor walls and cabinets in a space with limited ventilation or a project where low VOC emissions are a requirement. In both cases, do not apply too many coats of the primer. Even if the primer does not look like a finished coat, it is adequate to do the job of sealing the surface, blocking the stain (if any) and laying a good foundation coat to help the topcoat adhere (stick). It’s the paint’s job to completely cover everything and deliver the expected final color. The primer will help the paint look its best. A paint coatings calculator is available on https://www.kilz.com/calculator.
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.
Ask the Pro: Must-haves for 2022
January 28, 2022New Year, new inspirations, and new projects! What better way to kick off the year than to share the “must-haves” for any project in 2022. We asked one of the KILZ experts, Paul Dambroso. Paul is the Vice President of Marketing at KILZ and shares over 20 years of experience. Here on the Perfect Finish, we are going to cover the top KILZ products that any professional may need to kick off a project.
Why is it important to use Primer for any project?
- Seal porous surfaces before painting to achieve a uniform finish in fewer coats of paint
- Block stains from bleeding through your topcoat finish (water stains, tannin, smoke)
- Improve adhesion between the surface and the topcoat paint (adhesion promoter)
- “Specialty primers” help solve a variety of problems in specific situations from preventing mold and mildew before painting, transparent finish primers for same color recoats, alkali-resistant primers for powdery surfaces, concrete, cement, and unpainted plaster, metal primers, and more.
What are the top 5 KILZ Primers you need to tackle any job?
- KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE Primer (Previously KILZ 2 Latex) is a fast drying, water-based, multi-surface primer-sealer-stain blocker with excellent adhesion, mildew resistance, sealing properties and very mild odor. KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer blocks medium stains including minor water stains, rust, grease, ink, pencil and felt marker. Enhanced hiding makes it ideal for changing colors and helps lessen the number of coats of paint required.
- KILZ RESTORATION™ Primer is a new generation water-based primer, sealer and stain blocker offering performance of traditional oil and shellac-based primers. It tackles tough stains including heavy water damage, rust, smoke, nicotine, grease, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, pet stains and more.
- KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW 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. It offers excellent adhesion to both interior and exterior surfaces and provides a sound anchor for paints. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registered active ingredient creates a mold and mildew-resistant film that protects the primer film from mold and mildew growth.
4. KILZ Original Oil-Based Interior/ Exterior Primer
- KILZ® ORIGINAL has been a trusted brand for over 40 years! This interior and exterior primer is specially formulated to be a sound undercoat for paint and will help enhance the topcoat’s performance. It has excellent adhesion to both interior and exterior surfaces including masonry, metal, and excellent penetration for bare wood.
- KILZ® PVA DRYWALL PRIMER is designed for use on new drywall. It is a fast drying, interior water-based primer formulated to prime and seal new, uncoated drywall and reduce the number of topcoats required to achieve a uniform, professional quality finish.
What are some tips and tricks while using Kilz primer?
- Check out KILZ Coverage Calculator to determine how much paint is needed to start a project. Typically, a gallon of primer will cover up to 250-400 square feet of surface that depends on a variety of factors. Two coats are usually required to have bright or deep colors or stains that could bleed through the topcoat. If priming over light or white previously painted surfaces, one coat may be sufficient.
- Tint the primer with a small amount of colorant (paint) of the topcoat. This will enhance the accuracy of the topcoat’s true color.
- Lightly sand the surface before applying primer especially if there is a gloss or sheen on the surface. This will help the primer adhere better and result in a longer-lasting paint finish.
- Although today’s advanced chemistry allows compatibility between oil-based and water-based primers and topcoats, it is still best practice to keep the combinations of “oil-based over oil-based” and “water-based over water-based” to ensure optimal results.
- Check out the KILZ blog post on the misconceptions about primer with one of our product experts 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.
Ask the Pro: Primer Makes a Paint Job Better
April 19, 2021It’s no secret that here on The Perfect Finish we’re advocates of proper prep work, and for us that conversation always includes priming before you paint. Primer can do a lot for your paint job, and the professionals know it’s worth the extra step.
To share all the reasons why and how primer makes your paint job better, and answer some often asked primer questions, we brought back Product Manager John Golamco. He’s been on the KILZ team for over six years and has a wealth of primer knowledge. Ready to learn more? Let’s get rolling!
Is primer only necessary when your paint does not have primer in it?
Applying primer is an essential prep step when you apply paint or a topcoat coating. As such, it is important to apply primer first and then (once it’s dry) apply the topcoat/paint over the primer coat. Primer is engineered differently from paint – primer has more resin/binder in the formula, which is the “sticky stuff” that helps with adhesion and other additives that give the primer its ability to solve a variety of problems. Paint, on the other hand, has more pigment in the formula in order to deliver color.
How does primer make my paint job more durable and long-lasting?
Primer helps the paint or topcoat stick to the surface better and prevent problems like peeling and cracking – ensuring the topcoat lasts longer on the surface. Depending on the type of primer (there are several types), it can solve a variety of surface related conditions and problems that could ruin your topcoat paint if you didn’t apply primer first. Primers can evenly and uniformly seal porous surfaces; hide previous colors or marks and stains; block and seal in bleeding stains (like tannin, grease, nicotine, water stains… just to name a few!); seal in unwanted odors; enhance adhesion and help bond the paint/topcoat to the surface; and prevent mold or mildew on the primer film surface, and other special features. There are even primers formulated for different spaces in the home, like KILZ Kitchen & Bath Primer.
How many coats of primer do I need?
Typically, you only have to apply one or two coats of primer to achieve optimal results for which it is intended. One common misconception is that you need to continue to apply coats of primer until you completely cover the surface in a white finish or hide every area possible like you would do a paint. It is not the primers job to provide the final complete paint finish – that’s the paint’s job. Even if it doesn’t look completely covered, one or two coats is all you need as long as it is evenly applied. For blocking water stains or tannin from a “fresh” red wood surface, more premium stain blocking primer is recommended.
Does primer work on all previous paint sheens?
Just like most things you can buy, there are different types of primers ranging from the simpler ones that are made to just seal porous surfaces to the more sophisticated ones that offer additional features and benefits. Typically, the higher performing, more premium primers have better adhesion performance that allows it to stick to more surface types. Typically, the denser/harder the surface and the more sheen (higher gloss), the more difficult it is for paint or primer to adhere to. We recommend using high adhesion bonding primers for dense, glossy surfaces. Sometimes it is also necessary to perform a light sanding of the surface to help the primer bond to it. A high-performance primer such as KILZ 3® Premium Primer or KILZ® Restoration Primer will work with most paint sheens.
Can I apply primer on wallpaper?
When it comes to painting over old wallpaper, the best practice is to remove it completely, remove any old wallpaper glue and dirt residue, ensure the surface is clean and smooth and then apply primer and then topcoat with new paint. However, if painting over old wallpaper is needed, we recommend ensuring the old wallpaper is not peeling and adhesion to the wall is still sound. Then use an oil base primer such as KILZ® Original Primer to prime the surface before applying paint. Using an oil base primer will make sure there is less chance the adhesive of the wallpaper (which may be exposed at the seams) is compromised.
Is there a primer with a clear finish?
Most primers will adhere to wood however there are special primers that will apply in a clear transparent finish. We recommend KILZ KLEAR® Clear Sealer & Bonding Primer – a high performance fast-drying, multi-surface clear primer developed to seal highly porous surfaces inside and outside your home. It is also recommended for use when painting the same topcoat paint color on top of an existing paint coat.
Can primer be applied to peeling paint?
Applying primer or any additional topcoat coating to already peeling paint is not recommended. The adhesion or bonding of the paint to the surface is already compromised. Adding more layers of primer or any coating will add weight to the compromised paint and might cause it to peel off completely. We recommend removing the peeling paint and starting fresh with a clean surface.
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.
Top Primers for Kitchen Projects
May 1, 2020The key ingredient to a successful kitchen painting project is the right primer. KILZ® makes a family of hardworking primers for use on a variety of surfaces and substrates, and for best results it’s essential to choose a primer that’s specifically formulated for your type of project. Today we’re talking all about kitchens and the top primers for kitchen cabinets and walls.
One fundamental benefit of most primers is that they make your paint job more durable. Kitchens are typically high-traffic areas and are often exposed to fluctuating temperatures, which can have an impact on the life of your paint job. Using KILZ® 3 Premium Primer before you paint, a product known for its exceptional adhesion and durability, can help ensure your paint job lasts.
When painting your kitchen cabinets and walls, it’s important to keep in mind that kitchens can often be exposed to high humidity and moisture. These factors can negatively impact your painted surfaces if they’re not properly primed first. Using KILZ® Kitchen & Bath Primer on both cabinets and walls creates a mildew resistant primer film, and also offers excellent adhesion to most interior surfaces.
Now that you’ve found the right primer for your kitchen renovation, it’s time to start cooking up color ideas! For a look at our favorite calming and energizing paint colors, check out this recent post.
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.
One Living Room Two Ways
April 1, 2020To demonstrate that a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the vibe of a space, we took one living room and styled it in two different monochromatic looks. Both designs started with choosing the right paint color! To ensure that the colors popped, the walls were primed with KILZ 2® All-Purpose primer prior to painting. This water-based, multi-surface primer is ideal for use when changing paint colors.
If you read our recent post on 2020 Design Trends, you know that we’re loving all shades of navy blue. The moody color works great in many different room types, and it was the perfect hue to bring some cool drama into this large living room. We chose KILZ Tribute® in Ruling Royalty – a dark blue with a subtle purple undertone that appears as a true navy in most light. KILZ Tribute is a high-quality, water-based paint that provides a durable and scrubbale finish that is ideal for high traffic areas like living rooms.
Keeping the same major pieces of furniture for both looks (including the sofa, coffee table and arm chair), the paint color alone made a big difference in the feel of the space. Pillows, plants and other small décor items in a range of blue shades brought in a modern yet minimalist look, while a hint of bright orange in the artwork alluded to the next color that would transform the room.
After priming the walls with KILZ 2 All-Purpose to give us a clean slate, the walls were painted in KILZ Tribute in Bright Marigold, a cheerful marigold hue with a carrot undertone. The new bright orange wall inspired a bohemian, desert vibe for the space – calling for an abundance of accessories including vases, potted desert plants, patterned textiles and three-dimensional artwork.
By simply changing the paint color and accessories, this living room was transformed into two very different design styles – and it all started with the proper primer to make those paint colors pop!
Ruling Royalty
Bright Marigold
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.
Calming and Energizing Paint Colors
April 1, 2020Changing the color of your walls can not only make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space, but it can also affect your mood. Color theory is at the core of most interior design education programs and speaks to how different colors have the ability to evoke feelings of happiness, calm, excitement and even hunger. This month we’re showcasing two beautiful paint color palettes, each curated to suit a specific mood.
The colors for our two palettes were chosen from KILZ Tribute® line of a paint, a premium acrylic paint with excellent hide that is durable, scrubbable and resistant to fading. With the start of the spring season signaling fresh beginnings and longer days, our first featured palette is all about bright, happy and energizing colors. Including a vibrant teal-blue, sunny orange and yellow, and a sweet-sangria red – this palette is all about happy hues that bring about a sense of vitality and energy.
True Teal is a medium blue with a yellow undertone.
Jazz Age Yellow is a bright daisy yellow with a gold undertone.
BEHR’s Midori is a green pepper with a cheery granny smith apple undertone.
Haute Red is a deep red that evokes the color of a sweet red sangria in certain light.
Bright Marigold is a tangerine with a ginger orange undertone.
Our second palette is a breath of fresh air – comprised of soft blues, subtle greens and graceful grays. These lighter hues can instantly soften a space and evoke feelings of peace and relaxation. Including slightly brighter light blues and greens, along with cool gray tones with the subtlest hints of purple or gray, this palette is instantly calming.
Pale Emerald is a light blue with a gray undertone that is reminiscent of a cool rain cloud.
Brushed Metal is a grayed light purple with a slight red undertone.
Tender Shoots is a mossy lime with a sage undertone, a perfectly relaxed green.
Alaskan Mist is a white with a blue gray undertone, like a cool cloudy day.
Resful Retreat is a light green with a yellow undertone.
It’s easy to see that color choice can have a big impact not only on how your space looks, but how it feels too. If you’re interested to try on different paint colors in different spaces (or even in your own space virtually!) check out KILZ Color Perfect™ where you can upload and virtually paint digital photos.
Truer Color Starts Here
March 30, 2020Imagine that you’ve spent hours scrolling through social media sites and flipping through magazines, on the hunt for the perfect paint color. Eventually, you zero in on a color family and visit a home improvement store to select a few paint chips or samples to take home. And finally, you’ve done it! You have your perfect paint color chosen and you’re ready to transform your space. But what if, when it’s finally on your walls, it doesn’t appear to be the color you selected? If you don’t use the right primer before painting, this could happen to you.
When painting a light color over an existing dark color, a primer with a high-hiding formula is recommended. KILZ® 3 Premium primer is a water-based primer that has a thicker formula with enhanced hiding. Priming a dark wall with KILZ 3 Premium before you paint over it with a lighter color will assist in a truer and richer color from your topcoat.
Specific surface types you might be painting can also affect how the final paint color turns out if the right primer isn’t applied first. If not properly sealed, porous surface like brick can soak up a lot of paint and cost you valuable time and money. Not to mention that if not properly primed, the typical red color of most brick can change the appearance of your paint color if the brick is not primed before it’s painted. For brick surfaces, we often recommend KILZ 2 All-Purpose or KILZ 3 Premium, depending on the color and current state of the brick surface.
New drywall is another porous surface on which the right primer can make a big difference. When painting over new drywall, we recommend priming first with KILZ® PVA Drywall Primer – a fast-drying, interior water-based primer formulated to prime and seal new, uncoated drywall. KILZ 1 Standard primer is another great primer to use on drywall.
For almost any surface you’re working with, priming before painting is key to ensure that the paint color you selected will show up in its truest state
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.
Truer Coverage Starts Here
March 30, 2020When you’ve finally found that perfect paint color for your walls or furniture re-painting project, the last thing you want is a pre-existing stain to seep through and ruin your new color! Even light to moderate stains like scuff marks or crayon marks can bleed through paint, so it’s important to prime first to create a barrier. If you’re dealing with a lighter stain, KILZ 2® All-Purpose primer is a great choice. A water-based formula with enhanced hiding, KILZ 2 All-Purpose is formulated to block light to medium stains and hide previous colors.
A severe stain calls for a heavy-duty primer – and we have more than one that are up for the job! KILZ® Primer is a preferred choice of pros for stains caused by fires, floods, persistent exposure to pets or smoke stains from fire damage, soot and charring. Stain blocking primers also work great on permanent marker, grease and nicotine stains. KILZ® Original, trusted by pros for over 40 years, has excellent sealing and adhesion properties and is formulated to block heavy stains. Another great choice is KILZ Restoration, a water-based primer that offers the performance of a traditional oil and shellac-based primer. A heavy stain and odor blocker, KILZ Restoration can block stains from tannin, water, fire damage, smoke, nicotine and more.
From colorful crayon stains to unsightly smoke damage, truer coverage starts with KILZ primers.
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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