Tag: KILZ 3 Premium Primer
Updating a Kitchen for a New Generation
April 17, 2023We’re excited to share details from our Destination Restoration series with an inspired kitchen refresh that doesn’t require gutting the entire kitchen. 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.
Our expert design and restoration team — Jason Lai (interior designer) and Jared Foster (contractor/pro painter) — worked together to transform a kitchen that was well past its prime. They first conceptualized which cosmetic changes would make the most impact, and then rather than gutting the entire room and starting from scratch, they repurposed and restored. By refreshing dull wooden cabinets, creating bar seating with a stunning new look, replacing heavy black appliances, and updating hardware, countertops, and backsplash, they transformed a dark and dated kitchen into a bright, airy, and modern one, renewing it for years to come.
If it’s your first time restoring a kitchen, it can feel like a big undertaking, which is why we broke down what we did below, so you can get a more detailed understanding of how we upgraded the heart of the home. We’ve also included a step-by-step guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets for a refresh.
Cabinetry
Rather than ripping out and replacing the cabinetry, which can be costly, we gave them a brand-new look and feel with a few simple updates. We removed some of the upper cabinets and modernized the rest by making them shaker style. Then we used KILZ 3® Premium Primer to prep them for a fresh coat of paint. To create some contrast and brightness in the room, we chose Charcoal Blue for the lower cabinets and Chic Grey for the upper, both colors by Behr Paint. Finally, we fitted them with all new hardware.
Ceiling
Because it wasn’t structural, we removed the center beam and stained the remaining beams to match the floors. (Check out the Living/Dining Room restoration to see where that center beam ended up!) We also installed recessed lighting by Kichler Lighting and rattan pendant lights.
Appliances & Additional Lighting
We updated the hood vent, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator with stainless steel appliances for a sleeker, modern look. To ensure the hood vent matched the upper cabinets, we plastered, primed (again using KILZ 3 Premium Primer) and painted it using the same Chic Grey (a color by Behr). Finally, we installed under cabinet lighting by Kichler, added new electrical outlets throughout, and updated all electrical switches.
Other Changes
We updated the tile countertops and backsplash with a modern, white marble finish. To extend the bar, we added rounded lower cabinets and primed them (using KILZ 3 Premium Primer) for paint (Charcoal Blue by Behr) to match the others. Lastly, we added a 1×1 rail texture detail under the counter with hidden outlets. The sink, faucet, glass rinser, filtered water faucet, and hardware were all updated new products by Delta Faucet to complement the new look.
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.
For this kitchen cabinet facelift we used, KILZ 3® Premium Primer, which is ideal for high-touch surfaces and humidity protection. It was perfect for our cabinet refresh thanks to its exceptional adhesion and ability to hide blemishes, stains, and other imperfections, which can accumulate over time, especially in older, generational homes like this one.
Step-By-Step Guide to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets:
Painting wood kitchen cabinets requires a few basic steps to get the smoothest finish and lasting results. Here’s an easy guide to follow for your next project:
1. Use a screwdriver to remove the cabinet doors and drawers from the cabinet frames and to remove all door handles and hardware.
2. Sand the surfaces of the doors, drawer faces, and cabinet frame 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. Now it’s time to prime! Using KILZ 3® Premium Primer, use a brush to make smooth strokes that go in the same direction as the wood grain.
• Pro-tip: To get better coverage along the sides of your door, raise it off your work surface with bricks.
7. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
8. Once the primer is dry, apply your kitchen cabinet paint of choice using the same application process at the primer.
• Pro-tip: For a really great result, apply primer and paint with a sprayer.
You Will Need:
• Screwdriver
• Dust mask
• 100-150 grit and 180-220 grit sandpaper
• Step ladder for hard-to-reach areas
• Rags to wipe dirty and dusty surfaces
• Painter’s tape
• 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 take on your own kitchen 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 Primary Bedroom, Primary Bathroom, 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.
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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.
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Paint Primer Tips with Klaudio Dulemata
October 5, 2022
Klaudio Dulemata began working as a painter alongside his uncle in Italy where he dedicated himself to a path of continual learning and improvement by studying a wide variety of techniques. In 2016, he emigrated to America and opened his own company, K-pro Painting, LLC in Detroit, MI. He developed all kinds of curiosity about the newest and most advanced materials in the painting industry to achieve the best results as a pro painter. He became a painter influencer by taking daily videos at his job site, then posting tips and processes to finish a job on TikTok and Instagram. Let’s dive into how KILZ® Primers help Klaudio on job sites.
What aspect of professional painting do you love most?
KLAUDIO: For me, I love the focus of the prep and the instant gratification of spraying. Prep is key. Make sure your floors and furniture are covered to eliminate overspray. Spraying covers large areas quickly with a smooth finish. Prep and spraying are what makes a pro and gives me a sense of accomplishment.
For people who aren’t sure, when would you spray vs. roll vs. brush?
KLAUDIO: I use spray when I want a smooth finish. I roll the interior walls. I use a brush to cut-in on walls, corners, and ceilings.
What piece of general advice would you have for someone who’s never done a DIY project but is thinking about it?
KLAUDIO: My advice for someone new to DIY is just to give it a try and make sure you have fun. Then just keep having fun until you’re satisfied with the outcome. There’s no better feeling.
What do you like about KILZ® 3 Premium Primer?
KLAUDIO: I choose KILZ 3 Premium Primer over other primers because of its stain blocking performance, it has minimal overspray, and is super durable.
Can’t you skip the primer step?
KLAUDIO: No professional would do that. Primer is important to seal the original surface and bring out the best- looking finish for paint. Even a previously painted surface requires the use of primer to cover and block old colors.
Was there a moment that you decided to take painting to the next level and marry that with becoming a painting influencer? One of your videos has over 50 million views.
KLAUDIO: I never really planned on becoming an influencer. I just started taking videos of my jobs as a daily way to save all my work. At some point I started sharing tips and processes on TikTok, then Instagram followers started showing interest, so I just kept doing it.
How important is reputation in your business?
KLAUDIO: In this business, reputation is key. People put trust in you, so you must trust the products you use. I use KILZ® Primer to help maintain my reputation as a pro. I prime every time. First, I prep, then I use KILZ Primer right after.
This is a paid partnership with Klaudio Dulemata.
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.
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Kids Room Refresh with Oak Hill Millworks
August 10, 2022
What’s up, guys? Christy here with Oak Hill Millworks and today I am recapping a home renovation project that I just wrapped up for my kids! Before we dive into the details, let me introduce myself. I am a small business owner in New Brighton, PA and my family is relocating to Kokomo, Indiana.
So, I recently found myself wanting to brighten my kids’ room up and expand it a bit. Are any fans of demolition reading this? Our house had a 2′ x 3′ foot bump out in the corner of the kids’ room, and we knew there was a chimney behind it. We assumed it was leveling off in the attic, considering there wasn’t a chimney coming out of the roof. I went against my better judgment and started what should have been a simple refresh with primer and paint with demolition instead.ͭ
ͭ Behr Paint Company strongly recommends the use of highly skilled professionals when undertaking a project that requires demolition.
Was it worth it to go through all that manual labor to gain an extra 6 square feet of floor space in their room? I vote yes! I love to challenge myself and taking a chimney out on your own, reframing a wall, hanging new drywall, and finally doing the FUN DIY work of painting was a great challenge for me to say the least. Once I finally got the room cleaned up and the walls wiped down, it was time to prep for primer!
The dark red walls needed a high-hide primer formula to prevent color bleed-through and, because of its thicker formula, help fill in any small dimples or imperfections in the wall. For the majority of the room, I chose KILZ 3® Premium Primer to get the job done well, rather than just getting the job done well enough.
Priming is foundational for any painting project for good adhesion and just in case you missed things like pencil marks or greasy fingerprints when you were cleaning your walls at the beginning, KILZ 3 Premium Primer will act as a stain-blocker to prevent those marks from showing up.
My room prep this time around was minimal, I taped around windows since I tend to go rogue with my rollers! I did not use drop cloths because I knew I was also going to rip out the carpet and install new flooring, otherwise I would 100% recommend drop cloths. I almost ALWAYS spill paint one way or another!
After rolling on 2 coats of KILZ 3 Premium Primer, it was time to see the room take shape by painting with BEHR® Premium Plus Interior paint in Silver Drop. I have always felt that painting a room is truly the best and most cost-effective way to really allow a space to become something new. A great tip, if you are rolling paint on, is to wrap your roller in inters’ tape and then unwind it and watch some fuzzies come loose — this prevents those fuzzies from getting in your topcoat! Beyond that, though, don’t skimp on the roller. Spend a couple of extra bucks and get a nicer one; you won’t regret it. It truly does make a difference in the finish.
Drumroll please… here it is!
Priming was a necessary step to block that deep red color from breaking through since we went so light on the topcoat color. Not priming could cost you time and money in the long run, so don’t skip that step. I am so happy with how this room remodel turned out. Although I did some major renovations to add to the overall transformation, priming & painting were ESSENTIAL in making it look like a brand new, light & bright space.
Doesn’t it look so much bigger too? Hard to deny that primer is key for Instagram-worthy photo finishes. Time to chalk this one up as a win and get started planning my next DIY project! Cheers!
*This is a paid partnership with Oak Hill Millworks
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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Restore a Timeless Home with KILZ® and Leanne Ford
August 1, 2022Here on the Perfect Finish, we sat down with top designer Leanne Ford to chat about her restoration to the exterior of her 120-year-old home in Pittsburgh. Using KILZ 3® Premium Primer and exterior paint from the BEHR® MARQUEE® Designer Collection palette, Leanne’s goal is to restore all the exterior spaces of her home to their natural original beauty.
“My husband and I bought an old historical home from 1900 and I loved it had been set empty for almost five years before we moved in, and it was totally magical. It was waiting for us. And it’s this beautiful old historical home that I really felt drawn to save and fix up and take it back to its glory.” – Leanne Ford
Built in 1900 by celebrated architectural icon, Charles Barton Keen, this home is punctuated with gorgeous exterior elements, wooden windows, pergolas, archways, and columns, all waiting to be brought back to life.
“I’m trying to hone in on what the architect’s plan was for this home, what the people that built it, what their plan was for the home. So, we’re really just doing primer and paint on the window and all the woodwork on all the doors, which is exciting. This home is 120 years old and we’re only the third owner. So, I do feel a duty to keep it beautiful.”
To save as much as possible of the exterior, there are structural elements that need some love. To start, Leanne chose KILZ 3® Premium Primer, a versatile and heavy-duty interior and exterior primer, that will create a clean canvas for new color. She emphasizes the importance of tackling a restoration like this right from the start, which includes choosing the right products for long-lasting results.
“The outside of your house is a big job, and I’m trying to do this and not do it again for a long time. So, I’m getting the best primer. I’m getting the best paint. I want to do it right. And I want it to last. First, we’re going to do KILZ 3 Premium Primer and we’re going to put it on all the surfaces and really, it’s going to make it a beautiful clean canvas for the paint.” – Leanne Ford
The Pergola
“This house is all about the outside. It’s all about the garden, and it’s all about the pergola, and it’s all about the sunroom. This house is made for sitting outside and looking at this beautiful building.”
The current state of the exterior proves the home has withstood many decades of weathering. To refresh this historic structure, KILZ 3 Premium Primer ensures that porous surfaces are evenly sealed; scuffs and blemishes are hidden, stains that could otherwise show through or bleed through the paint are blocked and sealed-in and odors are neutralized. Reminder, it’s always important to clean and prep any surface appropriately, including exteriors, prior to applying a fresh coating.
The Windows
“My big thing is the windows and the doors and the wood. I don’t want these windows to look brand new. I wanted them to look clean and give them a fresh life.”
KILZ 3 Premium Primer creates a clean slate for the new color to show as intended. These windows pay homage to the age of the home and restoring them with KILZ 3 Premium Primer allows for the new topcoat to have a long life.
The Stucco
Much of the home is engulfed in stucco and it’s just as important to refresh and restore. After a thorough power wash, the adhesion from KILZ 3 Premium Primer will act as an anchor for the topcoat of paint to ensure it stays on the surface and prevents peeling while remaining flexible enough to handle the weather.
Once primed, and ready to go, the topcoat color can be applied. Leanne chose BEHR MARQUEE in Natural White from the new Designer Collection palette. This is a soft and timeless shade, a perfect fit for this home restoration. The BEHR Designer Collection is a palette full of tried-and-true designer-approved white, neutral, and accent colors.
“This home will be perfect for many dinner parties and family celebrations outside in the garden, admiring this historic home’s natural beauty. Walking to the backyard with a refreshed stucco archway and the new ivy growing on the pergola make the garden feel like a secret oasis for family and guests to enjoy. I envision having a very long life here. This is my last house.” – Leanne Ford
This is a paid partnership with Leanne Ford.
Always refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is suitable 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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PRO SPOTLIGHT: Make A Front Door Pop with Jared Foster
June 30, 2022With two little ones and running a carpentry business, free time is something that is not easy to come by, so I am always looking for ways to get quality work done more quickly around the house. Being a carpenter, you’d think that my home would always be in tip top shape, but sadly, my personal home is usually the last home I get any work done on. Turns out having two little boys running around means dirt, grime, and messiness can be a pretty normal part of everyday life. But my wife has been wanting to spruce up the front porch area a bit, since this is typically the first part of your home people will see.
We have this amazing porch swing that I built and we wanted to continue the theme of calm and relaxation as people approached our steps, so we decided to paint the door using Tidal, a navy color from Behr Paint, and Pasha Brown, a brown shade also made by Behr, for the trim. Before any painting got done, we needed to clean and prime the area to ensure the longevity of the paint and look. That’s why we chose KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer. KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer is a superior quality primer that offers excellent adhesion to both the surface and the topcoat. It dries fast, has a low odor and low VOC which makes it a great choice for a primer. The primer includes stain-blocking properties that block most medium-to-heavy stains caused by water, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker and grease which is essential when you have little ones.
The first step that I needed to take care of was pressure washing the front door and the areas around it to help loosen up and remove the gunk that built up over time. If you’re working with a time crunch, it’s best to utilize some shop rags or towels to soak up the excess water, as this can help speed up the drying process. Otherwise, you can simply let it air dry while you get other things done on your weekend to-do list. After the area dried, I laid down some painter’s paper to get the sanding done with less cleaning up on the backend. Sanding will even out all the old paint and remove any chipped pieces of paint on the door and the trim.
One thing I noticed is that whoever last painted the door to our home, didn’t utilize any primer, as it was really easy for some of the old paint to just peel off in chunks. Priming is a step worth taking, because it can help save time and money in the long run. Living in Atlanta means humid weather and using something like KILZ 3® Premium Interior and Exterior Primer would have helped keep this from happening over time, regardless of the weather conditions. Priming is fundamental for completing any paint project. It is the difference between a job done and a job done right.
After sanding, I just utilized a leaf blower to get the excess dust off the porch, any extra can just be wiped off. When my son came out onto the porch after his nap, he asked me “daddy, can I help you paint?” One of the aspects of doing projects from home that I enjoy most is being able to have my children join in. It reminds me of the times that I spent learning how to be handy around the house with my pops as a kid. I was able to get my son to help me put down more painter’s tape. This isn’t really a time saving hack, but it’s worth the few extra minutes to let him assist me, as much as a 2-year-old can. We put down more painter’s paper and tape on the trim, door, floor, and walls of the front of the house where we’d be spraying the paint to help save on clean up time.
I chose not to tape off the windows, because if I sprayed anything on the windows I could have quickly used a razor blade to scrape it off once it dried, which would give you a crisp clean finish and save time. Another way to save time would be by removing the door entirely. This would allow you to spray the door separately from the trim and not have to worry about taping anything off again.
Then it was time to prime the trim and the door. A huge benefit of using KILZ 3® Premium Interior and Exterior Primer is its thicker consistency and high hiding capability which is essential when painting over an existing color and converting from a dark or bold color to a lighter one. KILZ 3® Premium Interior and Exterior Primer is a powerful stain blocker and will block color bleed-through and other stains.
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 and honestly, I was really looking forward to getting it done. Having used KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer I knew this door color would pop, giving me Instagram-worthy photo finishes and people will feel even more welcomed when they visit!
*This is a paid partnership with Jared Foster.
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How to Prime Kitchen Cabinets for Color That Pops
February 25, 2022If you want to design a kitchen that makes a statement, we’ve got some great tips to help make it a breeze. KILZ® primers are the first step in making sure any color you choose really pops, and with the right inspiration, products, and guidance, you can achieve a beautiful focal point inside your home. Our featured kitchen inspirations start with KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer and come together in three unique design concepts that elevate the space from bland to bold. See how to prime kitchen cabinets to ensure the paint colors pop.
As with any project requiring a fresh coat of paint, we started by priming our surfaces. As mentioned above, we chose KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer for its superior adhesion and durability, multi-surface application, and mildew-resistant finish—critical for moisture-prone areas, such as your kitchen where steam, water, and other liquids are present. This primer helped us create the perfect foundation for color, as well as smooth out and cover prior stains, paint, and imperfections in the existing cabinetry.
For our first kitchen makeover, we used BEHR PREMIUM™ Cabinet & Trim Enamel in the color Ecological S380-6 on the lower cabinets and island, and White 52 on the upper cabinetry. While this shade of green is subtle, it appears clean and flawless thanks to our primer, which effectively prepped the surface and allowed for this neutral color to shine. The two-tone kitchen cabinets add some depth of color to the space. We further styled this space with complementary wicker bar chairs at the island, and open-framed light fixtures overhead for a cozy-casual vibe perfect for cooking, eating, and entertaining.
Keep in mind that painting without priming first—especially on porous surfaces like wood or brick where paint can easily become absorbed—can greatly affect the outcome. Without a solid coat of primer, paint can appear less vibrant, rich, or otherwise not as expected.
Opting for drama with our next kitchen makeover, we chose BEHR PREMIUM™ Cabinet & Trim Enamel in the color Limousine Leather MQ5-05. We painted the upper and lower cabinets in this charcoal-like shade, creating a refined frame around the island, which we painted with White 52. Because we primed thoroughly beforehand, we cut down on the number of topcoats and ensured our color came out as expected. The island becomes the focal point here, so we styled with black and gold mini pendant lights and contrasting bistro-style barstools for a chic and polished final look.
Our final kitchen makeover features BEHR PREMIUM™ Cabinet & Trim Enamel in the color Inked M510-7 on the lower cabinets and island, and White 52 on the overhead cabinetry for a light to dark look that really pops. White walls and countertops help achieve a clean look from the top down. The two-tone cabinets add an interesting juxtaposition to the room. To round out this concept, we chose leather barstools with black bases, and matching black lighting—small details that effortlessly tie the space together.
All three of our kitchen inspirations featured KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer, which we chose for its surface versatility, among its many other benefits for a room of this kind. This fast-drying primer’s excellent adhesion makes it ideal for use on interior and exterior surfaces including wood, drywall, plaster, stucco, paneling, masonry, brick, and more. It works with oil and water-based paints, giving you plenty of color options for your kitchen or any future DIY 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 our products. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.
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Nursery Inspiration for Your Growing Family
January 31, 2022No matter how many baby nursery ideas you dream up, putting the pieces together can be daunting. If you aren’t sure where to start, this bright and stylish room makeover may just be the simple nursery inspiration you need to create something special in your home.
Comfort, calm, and functionality are equally important when planning a space for a new member of the family. Designing a cheerful room that brings you joy can make your nursery feel like a home within a home. So, if you have a vacant room and are planning for a little one, let this post provide you with the perfect nursery color, paint, and design ideas to complement your home.
Creating a charming nursery doesn’t have to be hard. This room makeover showcases a simple, neutral design, focusing on light and comfort. With ample sunlight pouring in from the windows during the day, white walls create a warm and tranquil environment for you and your little one.
To transform this room’s walls from a bold green to a soft, clean white, we started with KILZ 3® Premium Interior and Exterior Primer. This primer is fast-drying, low odor, and has excellent adhesion, making it a great base for our chosen color of paint. Because of its thicker high hiding formula, it’s ideal for smoothing out surface imperfections and covering up any stains that may have accumulated in an old or previously occupied room. It’s also perfect for masking any existing color when switching from dark to light.
After thoroughly priming our walls and allowing for sufficient drying time, it was time to paint. We chose a lovely, muted white paint that makes for a clean and sophisticated backdrop for decor, as well as a peaceful environment for this nursery. With our newly blank canvas, we began the process of creating a cozy and welcoming interior. This transformation used BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Paint in the color Wind’s Breath (GR-W06).
To achieve our look, we played with classic simplicity. Light shades of exposed wood make the white painted crib, lamp, and picture frame pop, soft grays accent the blankets and pillows, a dark end table and shelving unit provide focal points for the eyes, and a bright white chair complements the other pieces while evoking a modern cottage feel.
The dark-wood floor and large white area rug serve as an anchor, and the luminous curtains bring movement into the space by reflecting the natural light from outside. This beautifully simple nursery is both elegant and inviting, while remaining an attractive, neutrally- styled room that can easily serve another purpose once your child outgrows it.
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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A Quick Color Change: Angela Cacace
October 18, 2021The bedroom. It’s the first space on this earth that an individual can claim as their own. There is that pivotal moment in every person’s life when they find themselves covering yesteryears’ painted walls with any cool poster or sticker they can find. And what’s left? A hodgepodge of a room that doesn’t fully reflect their newfound identity in the world as they leave their formative years and enter their tween years. With so much going on in the world today, I can only imagine what todays’ kids are having to cope with as they have navigated through this last year and a half. So as a designer and contractor for a remodeling company, I can’t think of a more deserving clientele in need of a space of refuge to call their own.
After a year of a pandemic that kept her out of school, my tenacious client, Saegan, was ready to tackle a fresh, new beginning. Excited at the prospect of finally being able to throw sleepover parties and hang out with her best girlfriends, she needed a major bedroom update. This room was going to be epic. A full reflection of the young woman she is growing up to be, I was so excited to help her find her design voice and style.
So where to begin? Few projects provide transformation in a bedroom but paramount to the small list is paint. A quick color change is exactly what this makeover so desperately needed to literally set the tone of the room.
Quite on-trend, Saegan wanted a two-tone wall, because why settle for one color when you can have two?! This technique is achieved by painting the area on the lower half of the wall (typically below standard chair rail height which is around 32”+) a different color than the upper half of the wall. This painting technique was not only beneficial in decision-making for a dynamic tween, but it was also a great choice for her dormer-walled room. Dormers are an architectural detail commonly found in the cape-cod style of home that Saegan’s family lives in. Along with a fun window nook, these types of rooms in a home boast steeply angled walls that follow the roof’s pitch. So in addition to providing visual interest, this two-tone technique worked with the shadows and angles of the walls rather than against them.
Sagean knew she wanted to paint colors that were lighter, brighter, and full of girl-power. So, after a quick field trip to the local paint store, Saegan decided on her two colors. She chose “In Bloom” and “Cement Pots” from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Paint Collection.
Bringing your paint swatches into the space and purchasing a sample to test it out on your walls is a must. Lighting differs from house to house and room to room, so it is crucial in ensuring that you have chosen the right color. However, in Saegan’s room, this step was not so simple because there was no way the reflection of her brightly colored room was going to allow us to see the true color in her space. With bright teal paint on the existing walls and stickers and doodles abound, good prep was a must to ensure a favorable outcome.
With proper prep in mind, we purchased KILZ 3® PREMIUM primer. This is the ideal primer when you are going from a darker to lighter paint color. And in Saegan’s case, we wanted to make sure that her new softer, more mature colors showed true without having to apply multiple coats to cover up the intense teal paint. Also, this primer’s thicker high hiding formula hides surface imperfections like marker artwork! Now, having grown out of wall scribbles and sticky hands, this very low VOC, water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker provided the clean slate we needed for a fresh start.
Kids’ rooms always seem to have a layer of gunk and grime, so a good wipe down of the walls is first on the list. Now, we were set to cover up years of scuff marks, stains, and “artwork”. After scraping stickers, filling holes in the wall, and removing screws and nails, we scraped off loose paint and lightly sanded it for a smooth finish. For the application, a high-quality nylon/polyester roller with a 3/8-1/2″ nap is recommended on smooth surfaces, like Saegan’s. If you are prepping a semi-rough or porous surface, you will want to go with a 1/2-3/4″ nap.
After an even primer application, we were left with a bright, clean surface that served as the perfect blank slate to begin. And best of all, it was dry to the touch in only 30 minutes, and we were ready to begin applying our new colors in an hour!
The break in the dormer walls was the perfect guide for where to separate our two colors. Using painter’s tape and a steady hand, we applied our soft color palette to the primed walls. After the addition of plenty of blush tone furniture and fabrics and gold accents, Saegan’s room transformed. Prepping the walls to ensure a beautiful finish, the two paint colors provided the perfect foundation to bring her lighter and brighter blush tween room to life.
*This is a paid partnership with Angela Cacace.
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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