Author: Francisco Ramirez
Tinting Primer
October 31, 2023What is tinting primer and what is the purpose?
Primer acts as a base coat and helps the paint adhere to the surface. Tinting the primer can help you achieve color matching with your desired paint color in fewer coats.
When is tinting primer necessary?
It is not absolutely necessary but recommended to help the topcoat paint achieve its true color in fewer coats. By tinting the primer especially if painting dark, deep, and rich colors or going from darker shade to a lighter one, it will lessen the work and coats needed to closely match the desired topcoat color.
Can I tint primer for drywall or previously painted walls?
Yes, most primers are white in color and can be tinted to a limited color palette.
How do I tint primer? Should I have a professional tint for me?
Most paint stores or home centers that sell paint have tinting machines and associates/employees who know how to do this.
Is there anything I should know before tinting the primer?
Label instructions about tinting of the primer should be followed. It is recommended to tint to a lighter shade than the topcoat color.
Can all primers be tinted?
Primers for residential painting typically come in white color and this is most suitable for tinting. Gray or pre-tinted primers do not need to be tinted. Aerosol primers cannot be tinted.
Can you tint a water-based primer?
Yes, water-based primers that are white or light color can be tinted.
Should I tint primer that will be used on mold and mildew?
These types of primers can typically still be tinted unless the label claims it should not be tinted or does not say that it is tintable.
Do I tint my primer with regular colored paint, or with a colorant?
Most paint stores or home centers and hardware stores that sell paint and have tinting capabilities will use tint machines which have the color formulations specific to brand, tint base type and other specifics already in their tint machine software. It is recommended to have the primer tinted in a store using colorants dispensed by a tinting machine.
What is a colorant?
Universal colorants are materials containing a color pigment dispersed in a blend of surfactants and a liquid (most often a glycol). The level of pigment is dependent on the type, color strength and pigment surface area – from paintinfo.com
In what use cases should you not tint primer?
Tinting primers is not needed if you are painting the same color as before or there is little change from the old color and the new one. Tinting primers is particularly helpful to lessen the number the coats needed to achieve truest color and when doing dramatic color changes.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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Primer Myths – 5 Common Myths About Primer
October 3, 2023If you’re new to DIY home improvement, there can be a lot to learn, which is why we’re here to help. We talk a lot about all the things primer can do—how it can improve your paint results, save you time and money, cover up stains, and block irritants like odors, mold, and mildew—but we don’t always discuss the many misconceptions about primer that prevent people from using it. So, today we’re going to address some common primer misconceptions, so you can feel confident you’re making the right choice for your next project.
Myth#1: Primer is Just Paint Without Color
This is one of the most common misconceptions, but the fact of the matter is, primer and paint are two completely different formulas. Paint is formulated to deliver color, and primer’s purpose is to adhere to the surface, create a clean and smooth foundation, protect the surface, and in some cases block stains or hide other imperfections.
Myth #2: Primer Doesn’t Make a Difference and It Takes Too Much Time
Applying primer will actually save you time and money in the long run. Depending on the condition and problem areas that exist on your surface, it’s smart to spend the extra step priming. Using primer to address a problem before applying paint may prevent the need to re-paint or add additional coats of paint to get the results you want.
Myth #3: I Should Use Multiple Coats of Primer if I Can Still See a Stain or Previous Color
Not necessarily. If the previous color or stain is severe, you may need to apply more than one coat of primer, however, it’s not necessary to keep applying coats until a stain or previous color disappears. If the primer is applied uniformly over the previous color or stain, then one or two coats should be sufficient.
Primer works underneath a coat of paint to give you a uniform surface, hide robust colors, block stains, and enhance the paint’s ability to stick to the surface better and last longer. But even if the primer coat does not fully hide the stain or former paint, it will still perform these functions. With help from primer, a coat of paint should completely cover the surface — including previous paint or stains — and get you the results you want.
Myth #4: You Only Need to Prime Indoors, Not Outdoors
Priming outside is just as important, as priming inside because exterior surfaces are exposed to the elements and can experience expansion and contraction (from heat and cold), as well as UV exposure that may cause your paint application to fail due to lack of adhesion to the surface. For these reasons, using an exterior primer first on a properly prepared surface can make a huge difference. If you want to protect your painted outdoor surfaces from cracks, peels, and blisters, and ensure your paint lasts longer, using a primer formulated for these circumstances is a must.
Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Use Primer If Your Paint Contains Primer
Most paints do not contain primer, and if they do—such as an ‘all-in-one’ product—most pros and experienced DIYers will tell you to apply an external coat or two anyway to cover yourself. The only time you should use a combination paint and primer is if you’re touching up paint of the same color. For all other jobs, whether you’re changing the color, starting from scratch, or refreshing a surface, priming before you apply paint is always going to give you superior results.
We hope this information helps you with your next paint project. Be sure to come back to the blog for more tips like these and to get all your primer and paint questions answered beforehand to save you time and money.
To learn more about primer solutions, visit kilz.com.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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Meet Jared and Jason: The Pros of Destination Restoration
April 18, 2023Are you looking for inspiration for your next home renovation project? Look no further than Destination Restoration, a new mini-series from KILZ that celebrates the power of restoration. Meet the talented Pros, Jared Foster and Jason Lai, who bring their expertise in design and painting to restore a fourth-generation family home. With their unique blend of skills and passion for craftsmanship, they transform old and outdated spaces into something new and beautiful using primer and paint.
Jared Foster is a master painter, builder, and business owner with over a decade of experience in the industry. He’s known for his attention to detail, his skilled craftsmanship, and his ability to turn even the most challenging of spaces into beautiful homes. Before finding his passion for home improvement, Jared was a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, traveling the country and touring with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Now, he channels his creativity into building projects that are both functional and beautiful.
Jason Lai has over 15 years of experience in the design industry and owns his own design firm. He’s worked on a wide range of projects, from contemporary homes to traditional spaces, and everything in between. Jason’s clients appreciate his adaptability, relatability, and humility while also acknowledging his confidence in standing by his recommendations. Having worked with such a variety of clients and spaces, Jason brings a unique perspective to each restoration project he’s a part of.
Together, Jared and Jason make an unstoppable duo, with skills that complement each other perfectly. Throughout the series, viewers get an immersive behind-the-scenes look at each restoration project, from painting over water stains to painting bathroom cabinets using KILZ primers.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply looking for home inspiration, Destination Restoration is a must-watch series that showcases the beauty of home restoration. Jared and Jason bring their passion, expertise, and eye for design to each project, and show viewers how to transform old and outdated spaces into something incredible. Tune in to Destination Restoration and start your journey to creating your dream home today.
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Choose the Right KILZ® Primer for Your Substrate
February 23, 2023
Whether you’re 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’s why there are several different KILZ® Primers to choose from.
Starting with the right primer could prevent your paint from failing. So, we’ve asked our primer expert, Product Manager John Golamco to answer a few questions about primers and surfaces (substrates) for us.
What to know before starting a paint project
Before beginning any painting project, Golamco says it’s 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.
Once you’ve 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.
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.
Correctly identifying the substrate
Drywall / Gypsum Board
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.
Unfinished wood
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.
Masonry/ Cement
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’ll 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.
Metal
Many people don’t realize that some metals can rust under a paint coating, especially if the metal surface is exposed to moisture. For this reason, it’s essential to prime metal surfaces before painting, particularly when it’s 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.
Plastics
Since plastics are non-porous, paint doesn’t 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.
The importance of choosing the right primer
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.
“Some multi-purpose primers solve a combination of issues with one product,” said Golamco. “But they’re not formulated to address more severe or complex issues.” 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.
Check out the chart below for the best primer for your project!
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THE CASTLE COLLECTION: THE BEDROOMS
February 22, 2023
In case you missed it, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® has released ten brand new colors, The Castle Collection, specially designed for Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Castle renovation in Waco,Texas. Featuring a beautiful range of warm neutrals to moody accents, these deep and rich colors will turn any space into a timeless classic.
This year on The Perfect Finish, we will be highlighting specific rooms to showcase the Castle Collection in detail. And be sure to check out the newest season of the Gaines’ hit TV show Fixer Upper: The Castle to catch these colors in action.
Today, we are highlighting two of the featured rooms inside the Castle project: the Girls’ Room and the Boys’ Room, each painted in one of the Castle Collection Colors.
THE GIRLS’ ROOM
This bedroom is painted Rosy Pink, a dusty, subtle pink with a nostalgic tone, which was specifically created with this room in mind. Paired with clean white trim and white light fixtures, this room becomes a soothing and inviting space.
With natural light streaming into this room from the large windows, Rosy Pink gives the space a warm glow. Named after Joanna Gaines’s grandmother, this paint color is bound to make any child (and adult) excited to call this room their own.
“This color is inspired by my grandmother, Agnes Rose. It’s a subtle pink with a vintage style.” – Joanna Gaines
Metal accents and vintage style décor add to this nostalgic vibe and make the timeless tone of the color really stand out.
This bedroom also features a fireplace, just one of seven throughout the Castle project. Coated in Rosy Pink with a moody mauve tile surround, this becomes a centerpiece of the space.
THE BOYS’ ROOM
The Boys’ Room features Castle Collection color, Estate, a deep sage with a soft gray undertone. With Estate cascading up onto the ceiling and trim, over the fireplace, and onto the doors, there is a grandeur and sophistication that envelopes this room.
This color was specially curated and designed for this room in the Castle, like many of the colors in the Castle Collection. With Estate covering every crevasse in this space, it’s easy to see the depth of this regal color.
Complemented by a black leather chair, brass bedframe, an antique desk, and décor accents with a classic style, this room’s design will make anybody swoon.
A special edition of Fixer Upper: The Castle is available on the Gaines’ Magnolia Network, Discovery+ and HBOMax. The season follows Chip and Joanna through six episodes of the renovation journey, including the development of The Castle Collection color palette.
Don’t forget to check back here at the Perfect Finish to read more about specific rooms and paint colors featured in the Castle project.
Inspired by these bedrooms and looking for complementary colors for your own space? The curated palette below offers shades that complement and coordinate with Estate and Rosy Pink from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines.
ROSY PINK COMPLEMENTARY PALETTE
Moody Fig (From the Castle Collection)
Garden Party
Rocking House
Solid Wood
Silos White
ESTATE COMPLEMENTARY PALETTE
Vintage Crown (From the Castle Collection)
Renewed
Coffee Nook
One Horn White
Vintage Weathervane
These paint colors are available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Magnolia.com/shop.
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Tips from the Team
January 17, 2023
Here on the Perfect Finish, we are starting the year 2023 with our favorite paint category: Primer! Thomas McEvoy, a KILZ product trainer and training content developer, teaches us the importance of preparing the surfaces of your home and using primer during any painting project. Thomas’s favorite part of working for Behr Paint Company and with the KILZ team is the people and their enthusiasm to make the best products and service experience for our customers. Thomas has been with Behr for 20 years and is here to share his experience with you to help get prepared for your painting project.
Why should an individual prep the surfaces of their home?
Preparation is critical because most paint failures, such as paint peeling, old color bleeding through, and wear and tear over time, occur because of skipped prep steps. The best way to prep the surface is to promote adhesion (how the paint sticks to the surface), sealing (adding a protective coat), and stain-blocking if needed. Using a suitable primer promotes adhesion by bonding the surface that adheres to the topcoat. Using the right primer can achieve the aspects of a properly prepared surface.
How do I properly prepare a surface before priming and painting?
Here are a few ways to prepare your surface.
1. Lightly sand hard or slick surfaces to promote adhesionSanding can also remove physical imperfections accumulated over time. Any surface that has been lightly sanded during prep will usually lead to a softer texture after painting.
2. Painting over unsealed surfaces can lead to color variation, unevenness in paint sheen, the need to apply more paint, and, eventually, the peeling of the paint. Using a good primer is an important step before painting.
3. When stain-blocking is needed, only the right primer can ensure no bleed through the topcoat. This prep step is critical to ensure we paint over a sound surface.
When is the best time to prepare your surface?
The best time to prep the surface is before you paint and after clearing the space as much as possible and protecting surfaces like carpet and furniture. Time spent on prep will save frustration and added expense later.
What tools do I need to prepare a surface?
There are many tools to have in a paint kit for current and future projects. A large plastic tote can hold several drop cloths and most smaller tools. I recommend the following tools to get the job done right:
• Dust mask
• Sanding pad, 80-200 grit
• Pole sander with sandpaper, 60-80 grit
• Step ladder
• Painter’s tape for protecting baseboards, doors, and window casing
• Drop cloths, canvas, or other reusable material
• Plastic, for protecting furniture
• Rags to wipe dirty and dusty surfaces
Having the right tools is a critical part of project success. Most of these tools can be used again for many other projects.
Where do I go to find the right primer?
Check out KILZ.com to research the right primer for your project. After, visit your local hardware store or retailer to engage with a thoughtful paint associate that can help with what works for you, and secure the rest of the tools needed for a successful project.
Can I do this myself? Or should I call an expert?
Both are options! You can do this job, or if you prefer, you can call a professional painter to complete your project. Check out your local hardware store and ask a paint associate to help coordinate what is needed for your specific project.
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
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