{"id":9232,"date":"2023-02-23T08:57:40","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T16:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/?p=9232"},"modified":"2023-07-27T14:19:51","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T21:19:51","slug":"choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/","title":{"rendered":"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-8616 size-full alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/04\/Kilz-Blog-April-Primer-Tips-Coatings-KILZ-Products-Environment-Primer-Group-e1676413277936.jpg\" alt=\"Image of KILZ\u00ae Mold and Mildew primer, KILZ Restoration\u00ae primer, KILZ 2\u00ae All- Purpose primer, and KILZ 3\u00ae PREMIUM primer in an environment landscape.\" width=\"732\" height=\"732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Kilz-Blog-April-Primer-Tips-Coatings-KILZ-Products-Environment-Primer-Group-e1676413277936.jpg 732w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Kilz-Blog-April-Primer-Tips-Coatings-KILZ-Products-Environment-Primer-Group-e1676413277936-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re painting inside or outside your home, choosing a primer suitable for the surface is the difference between success and, well, a not-so-great job. That\u2019s why there are several different KILZ\u00ae Primers to choose from.<\/p>\n<p>Starting with the right primer could prevent your paint from failing. So, we\u2019ve asked our primer expert, Product Manager John Golamco to answer a few questions about primers and surfaces (substrates) for us.<\/p>\n<h3><span lang=\"EN\">What to know before starting a paint project<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before beginning any painting project, Golamco says it\u2019s crucial to identify the type of surface you want to prime and paint. Because different substrates accept coatings differently, KILZ formulated with each surface type in mind.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve identified the surface type, take note of its condition. Are there any particular circumstances that need addressing before applying a coating? Attend to things like peeling paint, mold or excessive dirt first.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, determine the environmental conditions of the location. Is it damp? Are you painting outside where the surface is exposed to the weather? Or will the paint be subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations? Each of these conditions dictates the primer and paint you choose to use.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9239 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/02\/blog_header-1080x720.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header-1080x720.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header-1500x1000.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header-1200x800.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header-1980x1320.png 1980w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/blog_header.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span lang=\"EN\">Correctly identifying the substrate<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4>Drywall \/ Gypsum Board<\/h4>\n<p>Most interior walls and ceilings are covered in drywall. According to Golamco, the new drywall is very porous and absorbs much paint. So, to avoid applying excessive coats of paint to get the desired color and finish, he recommends using a drywall primer or PVA. The primer will seal the surface before painting so that less paint is required. Since paint typically costs more than a primer, you get a superior finish with less cost. Priming drywall also smooths out the finish and evens out seams, giving better results with fewer coats of paint.<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9287 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/02\/MadiganStudios_KILZ_2019_Nursery-Before.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MadiganStudios_KILZ_2019_Nursery-Before.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MadiganStudios_KILZ_2019_Nursery-Before-768x553.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Unfinished wood<\/h4>\n<p>Bare wood is porous and grainy. A primer penetrates the wood fibers, seals the porous surface, and creates a smooth, even surface. Golamco says that applying paint to bare wood without a primer coat produces a dull, blotchy finish. Also, some wood species, like red wood , secrete tannins that could leach through the topcoat paint, impacting its appearance. To avoid this, apply a stain-blocking primer to the bare wood before finishing with the topcoat.<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7629 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2021\/01\/Modern-Blue-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Image-Howto-5-e1676409954707.jpg\" alt=\"Priming Wood Kitchen Cabinet\" width=\"965\" height=\"737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Modern-Blue-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Image-Howto-5-e1676409954707.jpg 965w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Modern-Blue-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Image-Howto-5-e1676409954707-768x587.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 965px) 100vw, 965px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Masonry\/ Cement<\/h4>\n<p>A coat, or two, of primer seals porous surfaces like masonry and concrete, creating a smooth finish for the paint to go on. Without primer, masonry tends to absorb too much paint. And as with drywall, you\u2019ll need to apply more coats to account for the uneven porosity and color. Also, according to Golamco, fresh concrete has a high pH value because its cement binders contain many alkalis. Their presence causes adhesion problems when applying paint and can cause the topcoat color to fade (alkali burnout). But an alkali-resistant primer will better help the paint bond to the masonry and protect the finish over time.<\/p>\n<h4><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7826\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2021\/02\/Primer-Tips_February_2021_Primer-Misconceptions-image07.jpg\" alt=\"Primer Misconceptions\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/>Metal<\/h4>\n<p>Many people don\u2019t realize that some metals can rust under a paint coating, especially if the metal surface is exposed to moisture. For this reason, it\u2019s essential to prime metal surfaces before painting, particularly when it\u2019s uncoated or bare. Golamco says that metal primers have unique ingredients to make the metal more resistant to rain, humidity, and salt, which cause corrosion.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5618\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/02\/Mirror_Step4-1080x771.jpg\" alt=\"Mirror Step 4\" width=\"1080\" height=\"771\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Plastics<\/h4>\n<p>Since plastics are non-porous, paint doesn\u2019t like to stick to them. As a result, paint on plastic often cracks, blisters, or peels. Golamco recommends first sanding the plastic surface, especially around any edges, curves, and areas with intricate detail to prevent this. Once sanded and cleaned, he says to prime the plastic with a high-adhesion primer. This process will help the topcoat paint adhere the way it should.<\/p>\n<h4><span lang=\"EN\">The importance of choosing the right primer<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Applying primer before painting ensures a beautiful outcome that lasts, but not all primers are created equal. KILZ Primers are engineered and formulated to solve the unique types of challenges presented by different substrates.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSome multi-purpose primers solve a combination of issues with one product,\u201d said Golamco. \u201cBut they\u2019re not formulated to address more severe or complex issues.\u201d If you know the surface type, its condition, issues to be addressed and the environmental factors, then this can help you to choose the right primer for the job. So, if you want to cover a dark color with a light one, paint metal to prevent corrosion, or any other challenging substrate, use a specialty primer for a successful outcome.<\/p>\n<h3><span lang=\"EN\">Check out the chart below for the best primer for your project! <\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9319\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/02\/KILZ-Blog-March-Primer-Tips-Choose-Right-KILZ-Primer-for-Your-Substrate_Header.png\" alt=\"Infographic of KILZ primer products and which substrates they are best suited.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/KILZ-Blog-March-Primer-Tips-Choose-Right-KILZ-Primer-for-Your-Substrate_Header.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/KILZ-Blog-March-Primer-Tips-Choose-Right-KILZ-Primer-for-Your-Substrate_Header-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re painting inside or outside your home, choosing a primer suitable for the surface is the difference between success and, well, a not-so-great job. That\u2019s why there are several different KILZ\u00ae Primers to choose from. Starting with the right primer could prevent your paint from failing. So, we\u2019ve asked our primer expert, Product Manager [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":9776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[101,170,97,102,113],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate - KILZ Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Confidently select a KILZ primer that works best for your project by learning how to choose a paint primer for different substrates and the importance of using primer.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate - KILZ Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Confidently select a KILZ primer that works best for your project by learning how to choose a paint primer for different substrates and the importance of using primer.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Perfect Finish Blog by KILZ\u00ae\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-02-23T16:57:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-07-27T21:19:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/02\/KILZ-Blog-March-Primer-Tips-Choose-Right-KILZ-Primer-for-Your-Substrate_Header1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Francisco Ramirez\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Francisco Ramirez\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/\",\"name\":\"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate - KILZ Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-02-23T16:57:40+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-07-27T21:19:51+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/93913daec96be0c9c505c5947c0f8562\"},\"description\":\"Confidently select a KILZ primer that works best for your project by learning how to choose a paint primer for different substrates and the importance of using primer.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"The Perfect Finish Blog by KILZ\u00ae\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/93913daec96be0c9c505c5947c0f8562\",\"name\":\"Francisco Ramirez\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e053ee39a5d4a130e20ba73440b19a20?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e053ee39a5d4a130e20ba73440b19a20?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Francisco Ramirez\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/author\/frramirezbehr-com\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate - KILZ Blog","description":"Confidently select a KILZ primer that works best for your project by learning how to choose a paint primer for different substrates and the importance of using primer.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate - KILZ Blog","og_description":"Confidently select a KILZ primer that works best for your project by learning how to choose a paint primer for different substrates and the importance of using primer.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/","og_site_name":"The Perfect Finish Blog by KILZ\u00ae","article_published_time":"2023-02-23T16:57:40+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-07-27T21:19:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2000,"height":1333,"url":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/02\/KILZ-Blog-March-Primer-Tips-Choose-Right-KILZ-Primer-for-Your-Substrate_Header1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Francisco Ramirez","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Francisco Ramirez","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/","name":"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate - KILZ Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-02-23T16:57:40+00:00","dateModified":"2023-07-27T21:19:51+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/93913daec96be0c9c505c5947c0f8562"},"description":"Confidently select a KILZ primer that works best for your project by learning how to choose a paint primer for different substrates and the importance of using primer.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/choose-the-right-kilz-primer-for-your-substrate\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Choose the Right KILZ\u00ae Primer for Your Substrate"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/","name":"The Perfect Finish Blog by KILZ\u00ae","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/93913daec96be0c9c505c5947c0f8562","name":"Francisco Ramirez","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e053ee39a5d4a130e20ba73440b19a20?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e053ee39a5d4a130e20ba73440b19a20?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Francisco Ramirez"},"url":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/author\/frramirezbehr-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9232"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9232"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9232\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9315,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9232\/revisions\/9315"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kilz.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}