Updated Entryway with Sarah Berg of Brushstrokes & Timber

April 16, 2026

I’ve always believed a single wall can change the energy of a room, and sometimes that means ripping out what’s there and starting fresh. My latest project: the front entryway shocked followers when I tore out the old, 1990’s octagon shaped window, removed the old vertical shiplap, and covered the hand painted mural. But then, I redeemed myself when I revealed the new hand-painted mural and accent wall design, and the brand-new KILZ^® Original Water-Based Primer played a starring role in this transformation. I’ve used KILZ primer on every single wooden accent wall I’ve built, so when the KILZ team reached out to me asking if I could try their latest product, I couldn’t wait to see how this one performed.

Before: What Was There & Why I Knew I Had to Change It

When I started, the octagon window didn’t speak to my style, and the vertical shiplap walls that had been installed just didn’t feel right. Four years ago, I’d painted a mural, which I loved at the time, but knew I wanted something different. Removing the shiplap and mural revealed more than I bargained for: dinged drywall, uneven surfaces, and a big ol’ hole made by a doorknob (because we never had a proper door stop) that I had completely forgotten about.

As with any good reveal, stripping everything away was therapeutic but also messy. That’s where the real work begins: surface prep.

Prepping the Surface: Sanding, Skim Coating, & Patching

Once the shiplap and window came out, what remained was a patchwork of damage. The old mural left bold stains, and the drywall needed smoothing. I sanded carefully to knock down bumps and feather edges, and then skim-coated to flatten out imperfections. For that door-knob hole, yep, it was sizable, I patched with drywall compound, let it cure, and sanded it flush.

It’s tedious, but this step is critical. A paint finish is only as good as what’s underneath.

Primer That Performs: Why I Chose KILZ® Original Water-Based Primer

Priming is nonnegotiable in my book. It ensures adhesion, hides stains, and gives a level playing field before the topcoat goes on. But I didn’t want to deal with the odor or mess of a typical oil-based primer. That’s why KILZ Original Water-Based Primer was the perfect match.

This new formula promises everything I love about KILZ Original Oil-Based Primer (heavy-duty stain blocking, smooth flow and leveling, excellent adhesion), but with water-based perks (low odor, low VOCs, and easy soap-and-water cleanup). It’s designed to block tough stains like water, smoke, nicotine, grease, and more. According to the product details, it dries fast (1 hour) and can be sanded after just 2 hours.

In short: heavy-duty performance, but gentler on your nose and your space.

Application & Results

I rolled and brushed the primer across all the repaired surfaces, paying special attention to areas that had been patched, previously painted with my mural colors, and where stains lingered.

What I loved:

• The primer leveled out nicely, hiding the transitions and blending the patched areas seamlessly.

• Even in those trouble spots, it blocked flash-through without any weirdness.

• After about two hours, I lightly sanded key areas to get a silky-smooth surface.

• Cleanup was so easy: brushes need soap and water, rinse, done.

By the time priming was complete, the walls were uniform, clean, and ready to receive the new design.

From Primer to Finish: Board & Batten, Mural & Trim

With the walls primed, I moved into the design phase. I built out new board and batten molding to add architectural interest and depth. I then painted a new floral mural, a vibe that feels fresh, inviting, and uniquely me. For the windowsill and trim, I also applied primer (to ensure adhesion) before my final coat of paint.

Because the primer had done its job so well, the finish coats glided on, looked rich, and masked any previous defects. The contrast between the crisp lines of the board & batten and the softness of the floral design gave the space a welcoming yet elevated feel.

 

The Reveal & Why It Matters

The octagon window is gone. The mural of old is gone. What remains is a space that’s my style, that’s functional, and that’s built to last. Plus, I have a window that I can open and close that we’ve already used several times during these crisp, Fall, Minnesota days.

This project reinforced two truths:

1. Surface prep and priming aren’t optional. They’re the foundation of every good paint job.

2. If you’re planning your own remodel, whether a hallway, bathroom, bedroom, or more, don’t skip the primer step. And if you want heavy-duty performance with water-based ease, this primer is worth a look.

-Sarah Berg