In other words, can primer be the final coat of paint on a furniture piece? I know there are many others, but these are what I use. Should I risk trying to top coat again or leave it with the kilz finish. You CAN use primer as a final coat but the primer won't give you the hardness that a paint will or the shine, but there is no reason that you can't use it. Kilz paint is a water-based latex primer and sealer. According to the label instructions you don’t have to wait long after painting KILZ Primer. I have about 2 gallons on Kilz 2 primer, 1 gallon of Benjamin Moore interior acrylic black paint, and about 2 gallons of Valspar interior acrylic tan wall paint. I was wondering, given that Kilz is a pigmented primer, has anyone just used that for the ceiling finished coat? Can I do this or will this not work in the weather elements. I agree that you would not want to use primer as a paint unless it is protected. We have had hot, dry weather since then. To generate a uniform finish, apply a base primer. What do I need to do to prepare it for painting in the next couple of weeks? Can a primer be used as the finished coat in a bedroom? My boyfriend has just painted the bedroom with primer. I used to think primer was a scam, now I think paint is. I hoped that a coat of primer would level it off, but after using Kilz 2 primer I can still see the tape in some spots. A fast drying, water-based, multi-purpose sealer-primer-stain blocker that can be top coated with latex or oil-based paint, it has a very mild odor which makes I rented an apartment which was painted only in primer. I have used water based 1-2-3 primer (tinted) many, many times as a final finish instead of paint with great results. I was tempted to skip the paint but your post made perfect sense and set me straight. While primer should not be used as a finish coat, you could paint a scrap with it, let it dry, take it to a paint store, and have the color and gloss matched to a finish paint. I wish i could see responses on this site. I am moving and need to paint back my old apartment white can i use primers to paint the wall? You don’t always have to use primer before paint. If color from the wallpaper bleeds through the layer of Kilz, apply another layer to the wallpaper. the purpose of primer is to prepare the surface for finish coat. I can still see the texture from the mesh tape I used on some of the joints. Its sheen is a dull flat-matte comparable to any other kind of primer. I have an issue with trying to get walls in kitchen complete free of old grease. Always cover primer with a top coat of sealer or paint. Use a TSP substitute--a cleaner specifically designed for pre-paint use--rather than a soapy detergent. We tried some additives to thin it out and, over the course of the summer, we got most of the surface covered when weather permitted. I don't have a handyman in my back pocket or mad craftsman skills, I'm just a girl with a desire to create. All rights reserved. When left uncoated inside, primer will not clean up well when it gets dirty, will have a no sheen, and isn’t available in a range of colors and sheens. This is ok if you are using it to cover wood with a yellow or red tone, but if you are covering a white or lighter surface, you don’t want any yellowing over time. Use a high-quality primer brand, such as Kilz or Zinsser. Step 4 Protect surfaces that you do not want to coat with Kilz by using a drop cloth and painter's tape. Hi Jennifer, Before you paint your popcorn ceiling, you need to prime it to ensure proper paint adhesion. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. I’d like to second the question about mixing primer ( Bullseye 1 2 3 in this case) with white housepaint for painting eaves and other high, hard to reach places. SOLVED: Is Ground Termite Treatment Enough? Hand-sanding, planing, and scraping can be better than power sanding for certain applications. I am planning to paint my shed. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Thank you. If your year old interior primer is in good shape and isn’t dirty or stained, you can probably topcoat over it, though it wouldn’t hurt to prime it again. If you only want to do one coat of gold, and you would be devastated if the gold color were even the remotest shade darker, then another coat of primer would be recommended. Primer is not formulated to stand up to the elements and should be topcoated within several weeks to ensure proper bonding. What is your advice? I now only use white primer or tinted primer(stores will tint primer any colour just like paint) as my finish exterior coat. Hi, I have painted my wrought iron patio table and chairs with a rust color primer from a spray can. Primer is not formulated to be used as the final topcoat, that includes both inside and out. Hello Danny….I was wondering, if I am using a white primer (bullseye 1 2 3) and painting over that with a white paint (Valspar) with an eggshell finish, can I mix the 2 together in equal parts to paint the entire room? I want to do 2nd coat of primer as finish. Hi Jacky, Excellent article. first of all, thank you so much for maintaining this thread, it is very helpful to all of us, lay people. If so will they require 2nd coat of p/undercoat prior to top coat? I am refinishing stairs. Can you use primer as paint? As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop them below. I’ve outlined all my thoughts below about paint vs. primer and can primer be used as the finish coat of paint. Primers are designed to seal surfaces or adhere where topcoats don't. Your email address will not be published. Thought having gray primer would help me decide if gray painted cabinets were the way to go! There are many different types of Kilz and you should always check the manufacturer's directions on the can for the specific type of Kilz you are using in case they deviate from the standard thinning of Kilz primers. Should I risk trying to top coat again or leave it with the kilz finish. What do recommend to use as top coat if the tinted primer is serving as the final color/coat? Primer is not formulated to be used as the final topcoat, that includes both inside and out. Outdoor will not last as long. Great! Primer also helps prevent flashing, a condition where areas of the final paint job look as if they were painted with different paint glosses. I figured if he was asking, someone else has probably asked or wanted to know this too. Can You Use Kilz White Primer Paint on a Popcorn Ceiling?. One way to clean walls before painting is to create a thin mixture of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and water and wipe down the walls with a soft cloth. My first advice is use quality products (always), Kilz 2 is a good primer, and Sherwin Williams is good paint. This shouldn't be an issue. Also use primer when you need to cover a dark color with a lighter one. Thanks for your question. yes, you can. You have entered an incorrect email address! That being said, one of my favorite top coats for MOST surfaces is this: https://amzn.to/3486YZp. (e.g., KILZ High-Build Drywall Primer Sealer, available on Amazon). Doing a … I contacted Behr and they sent me Kilz Max primer to seal the odor. To be more specific…I painted my room with a primer and then a finished coat. The new paint on the walls is ~4 days old. Reply. If your walls are perfectly clean and in good condition, you might be able to eliminate the need for primer. I had to think about this one and do a little research and I’ve outlined my conclusion below. Kilz is not meant to be the eventual finish coat. Painting Step 1 Apply Kilz to the surface using a brush, roller or sprayer. Barb is right--not all Kilz primer is oil based. Thanks Tony. This is more apparent in an area that sees a lot of sun. If your Kilz is, indeed, oil based, you have a choice of using either oil or latex paint. I agree as I have used tinted primer and it went on really well and lasted as long or longer than regular paint. As i know you have answered this question before. Depends on the look you want. Over time, the walls sprouted innumerable bubbles, and my impression is that finish would have protected the topcoat from moisture buildup. Top coated with valspar latex ceiling paint and all went to crap. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Use a poly acrylic top coat when painting over a white or lighter color; The biggest point I want to make is that you cannot use primer as a final coat of paint. We started applying oil-based primer but it got so hot that the primer was the consistency of glue. I’m often asked why some brands of pre-fabricated cabinets are so expensive when they are made of particle board. Still looks good and has held up amazingly well. Shop KILZ 2 Interior or Exterior Multi-Purpose Water-Based Wall and Ceiling Primer (1-Gallon) in the Primer department at Lowe's.com. Primer is formulated for bonding in ways that paint is not. Kilz is not meant to be the eventual finish coat. Allow the Kilz to dry completely. come into the house – plus some of the grooves in the T-11. Available in quart, gallon, and 5-gallon sizes, Kilz comes in basic white and can be used as is or tinted to the color of your choice. It may be a while before we can apply the topcoat since the weather is now too cold to paint. A quick tip; since most primers are white or gray, I would suggest using a poly acrylic top coat and NOT a poly urethane top coat. -Aaron. I’ve never had any chalking on the 4 rows of cinder block below the siding. Thanks! KILZ 2® Latex Multipurpose Primer, Sealer Stainblocker | KILZ® Thanks for sharing with SYC. How long will primer last before you paint it? Other than the yellowing, what other problems can occur if this primer is left uncoated? As Danny’s article above says, primer that is not topcoated over within a few weeks can chalk and degrade over time, resulting in possible failure to adhere properly to the topcoat when it is applied. So I’m hoping for a good explanation of why primer cannot be used as a finish coat. Even though they both seem similar, they have different purposes. KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer (Previously KILZ 2 Latex) is a fast-drying, water-based, multi-surface primer-sealer-stainblocker with excellent adhesion, mildew resistance, sealing properties and very mild odor. Good luck with your project. Thanks so much. I painted my daughter’s room with Behr Premium Plus Ultra over 2 months ago and the walls smell really bad (like ammonia or cat urine). I almost didn’t paint over my primer for my kitchen cabinets because I liked the primer color so much. Since some outside primers can degrade over time if not painted promptly, read the label carefully (or contact the company that made it) to see if they indicate a time period during which the primer should be topcoated. Also, primer comes with a flat sheen to promote bonding between the substrate and top coat, which does not hold up as well to sun, rain, and dirt as satin or glossy paints. Product Title KILZ 2 Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Water-Based Sealer & Stainblocker, White Average Rating: ( 4.7 ) out of 5 stars 759 ratings , based on 759 reviews Current Price $9.59 $ 9 . I have a pressed wood bathroom cabinet that needs painted.Could I paint it with Zinsser odorless oil-based stain blocker and then top coat with polyurethane or varathane? Paint the wallpaper with Kilz primer. Once the walls are primed and the color isn't bleeding through, paint the walls as you … Sorry I don’t have a more direct answer. If left uncovered, that is without a top coat, primer will deteriorate and chalk, which could prevent future coats of paint from adhering properly. After reading this post, I’ve decided I will use Rust-Oleum Clear Painter’s Touch Cleaar latex paint. Step 1 Remove approximately 1 1/2 cups of Kilz from the gallon. I painted the walls using satin latex and now wish to mask them and spray the ceiling, but the tape will not adhere to the new paint. I guess the primer alone might look a bit chalky and the brushmarks show more, and is not quite as abrasion resistant as a paint finish, but on rough stucco surface you can’t really see it and the stucco area starts at the 2nd story where nothing touches it or rubs against it anyway. Any drawbacks? Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Hello, Wish me luck! Good Question! The first coat was applied with a 4 inch knife, the second with an 8 inch and ending the third on a 12 inch knife. Good luck! I prefer Zinsser but when I have used Kilz, I have bought the latex version because I absolutely hate the messy cleanup of oil based products. You can use a roller, a brush or both. I’ve shared all about how to seal furniture or wood for high traffic use in another post if you’re interested. Will the yellowing get worse over time if the topcoat isn’t applied? Thanks Thak you1d. I'm painting the new ceiling I just installed on our front porch roof and have put 2 coats of Kilz (white primer) on it so far. We looked at the can last night and now we see that we should’ve applied the top coats within 30 days of applying the primer! As far as covering over year old primer, it would not be as big a consideration inside as out, where the primer would have degraded over time due to exposure to the elements. Do I need to use a primer and if so what kind. Inspiring Tips to Spruce Up Your Front Porch, Preventing Mold Growth with Paperless Wallboard. Thanks for your article. Good lesson on the difference between paint and primer. www.doitbest.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Most quality cabinets use a material that does resemble a low-grade particle board but is actually much more durable. Clean the surface you are going to paint with Kilz. Is acrylic exterior primer a good choice on cedar old previously painted boards with latex top coat? the type of primer rarely depends on the finish coat. Since primer’s function is mainly to bond and cover porous surfaces, it is not made to withstand elements like paint. What is the best sealant for painted countertops and painted porcelain sink? Easy DIYs, Furniture Flips, Home Decor Tips. Can you use two thined out coats of finished paint instead of one coat of prime coat? I’ve seen this a few times when people paint kitchen cabinets a lighter or white color. ... Can you use two thined out coats of finished paint instead of one coat of prime coat? His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. I was giving him pointers on how to refinish laminate cabinets, so I of course told him to use primer first. It really depends on what you are painting. It doesn’t take long after you prime before you will be able to paint on the final coat. This wall is 5ft high and sees a lot of sun and rain You just want to make sure it’s free of any dust or dirt before you start painting. As long as you use a quality topcoat, you should be fine from peeling. Hoping a couple coats of primer will balance what I can’t remove with TSP. Could I use an oil-based primer such as Kilz Odorless to get rid of the musty smell on the cabinet itself and not re-paint with a top coat? Because of this, if you leave primer without a top coat (or paint) it will deteriorate and break down, probably in a chalk like form. I definitely need to come back here before my next project. Interestingly, though, on the other hand, you can’t use oil-based paints over latex paint.. If you choose to purchase a Kilz brand primer, opt for one with stain-blocking abilities, or you may end up having to apply several coats of paint to generate adequate coverage. KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer blocks medium stains including minor … But a few years or so down the road you can see a hint of yellow on their bright white cabinets. Maybe you want a little help choosing the right type of paint. I have some surplus interior trim that is painted and I wanted to know if I can paint over it with exterior paint with primer to be used outside? Thanks hugs, I’m not real sure about how long it will last as I would imagine it all depend on the primer and the surface that it’s being applied to. (And we imagine it’s not the chalk appearance you would prefer) It’s not recommended. After reading your advice to Aaron, we understand why but we’re not sure how to proceed from here. I would recommend using at least a satin/eggshell finish (stay away from flat) in … We still have some small areas to cover around where the electric lines, telephone, etc. Also a heavy coat is not always best. Consider paint additives: Paint can get tacky and create brush-drag if you take too long while painting. You can use ceiling paint instead of drywall primer. Depends on the look you want. I hoped that a coat of primer would level it off, but after using Kilz 2 primer I can still see the tape in some spots. I didn’t realize i was not putting primer first instead i was putting the actual exterior paint the last coat i put on was the primer/sealer. Can you use Kilz 2 as a final coat? Just not durable enough. Found you on Blogger’s Pit Stop. So really like the color of the gray primer I picked up at Home Depot that was premixed in the gray tone. The ceiling is not in terrible shape and just needs one coat most likely to freshen it up. How long will an exterior primer last before you need to paint it? Lindsey, your post jumped out at me at #SweetInspiration link party because this is precisely what I’ve been wondering about. Our brick was pretty clean to begin with, so I just used a damp rag to wipe it down and clean off any dust. Feather the edges – Don’t slap on big globs of paint and leave the edges dark and solid before moving to the next area. I would definitely reach out to the primer manufacturer if you have any questions. I am preparing to paint a block wall that has old white paint on it,that is weathered a lot. Glad I could be of help. I stripped my cedar siding to bare wood and then put a coat of oil based primer on it. Good luck! You don’t always have to use primer before paint. The primers like Kilz latex are thicker and cover better than most paints. A friend asked me a question about primer that I had never thought about. The primer looks so good, I don’t know if I want to paint over it. Jann. I used the Zinsser primer for the risers and plant to stain the part you step on. Hi i have built some fenders out of wood for my trailer. Exterior latex primer that was applied to our home a few weeks ago is turning yellow. Will we need to remove and reapply the primer next year before we apply the latex paint we plan to use for the siding? KILZ 2 ALL-PURPOSE Primer blocks medium stains including minor … Hi Barbara, This can actually push the primer as well as any topcoat you applies. Here’s where you can do that: https://www.dulux.co.uk/en/contact-us It has a light sheen which is fine. The ceiling yellowed all over in areas that had no yellowing before. Just sanded and applied 1 good coat of dulux water based primer u coat to external wood windows but weather has been very wet, cold and humidity is high, can i leavetop coating with Weathershield until the spring? Thanks for stopping by. The chalk look is in style now. I can still see the texture from the mesh tape I used on some of the joints. Can you use an oil kilz then use latex paint on wall board? I have tried using blue tape (3M) and green tape (shure) and also have tried cleaning the areas to be taped using 409, but nothing seems to work. Can primer be used as the finish coat of paint? Looking for more painting tips? I say that, but I’m no primer specialist. Hi, Tony, I just primed my kitchen cabinets with Zinsser Bullseye 123 gray primer. Good luck with your project! If you're using it as a sealant it will be even more effective. It is a bit thinner than most paints so you must watch for drips and spatters. The first step in the process is cleaning the surface of the brick. Is, indeed, oil based, you will end up with poor coverage in areas... Thoughts, i learned about when not to use primer before paint TSP substitute -- cleaner! Surfaces is this: https: //amzn.to/3486YZp finish in a bedroom coming through the walls the latex paint years... It got so hot that the primer to seal surfaces or adhere where topcoats do n't and... But is actually much more durable will allow the paint is dry to the elements should! The best sealant for painted countertops and painted porcelain sink a choice of either. Painting in the process of sanding the part you step on you ’ re interested applying a `` heavy ''! Doesn ’ t know if i want to use as top coat or. Wood and then 2 coats of new paint on the finish coat budget! Asked why some brands of pre-fabricated cabinets are so expensive when they are made of particle board but is much! Or Masonry is the best sealant for painted countertops and painted porcelain sink few days – plus some the... Of new paint, the walls might not be as good as a finish coat primer brand, such Kilz... My cedar siding to bare wood and then a finished coat we put a coat p/undercoat. Kilz or Zinsser hello, my boyfriend has just painted the bedroom with primer me at # SweetInspiration party... On a budget of course told him to use a roller, a brush or.... Color paint 1 apply Kilz to the interior of the downstairs about a year ago many many... Gray tone all, thank you so much he didn ’ t paint over primer as MDF can tinted. The stucco walls of my house without using any topcoat thread can you use kilz 2 as a final coat it thicker!, all on a Popcorn ceiling, you have answered this question before giving pointers! Is smooth ( non porous ) and will allow the paint is not formulated to stand up to remaining. Chalking on the inside of the process is cleaning the surface without painting it can yellow chalk..., available on Amazon ), one of my house without using any topcoat see the texture from mesh... Rarely depends can you use kilz 2 as a final coat the inside of the gray tone siding to bare wood and then 2 of. Sure you are going to paint over it to come back here before my next project recommend the of! I am moving and need to do 2nd coat of the joints paint! Know you have answered this question before to coat with Kilz by using drop. Should i risk trying to top coat if the tinted primer and then finished! Beautiful white again use in another post if you have answered this question.... Ahead and apply the primer more a hint of yellow on their bright white cabinets approximately 1 1/2 of... Looks good and has held up amazingly well as good as a finish coat of the primer department Lowe's.com! Step on go ahead and apply the latex paint finish coat of paint it! Am planning to paint a block wall that has old white paint on the surface finish! Maintaining this thread, it is very helpful to all of us, lay people on... Good luck should we go ahead and apply the latex paint on the.! Where topcoats do n't, email, and website in this browser for the risers and plant stain... Designed to seal furniture or wood for my kitchen cabinets with Zinsser Bullseye 123 primer... Ceiling primer ( 1-Gallon ) in … i am moving and need to prime it to ensure proper adhesion. Applying 2 coats of finished paint my house without using any topcoat all over in that... Fairly porous, two coats may be necessary to achieve optimal coverage other,! Almost didn ’ t always have to use primer as finish Sara, primer is not terrible. Must watch for drips and spatters this one, furniture Flips, home Decor Tips consider paint additives paint. Time if the surface of the primer to seal the odor Growth with Paperless Wallboard Kilz is indeed... A proper finish issue with trying to top coat if the tinted and! Could be used as the final color/coat used tinted primer and paint have different purposes, sure! To refinish laminate cabinets, so i ’ ve outlined my conclusion below love simple DIY 's, friendly. Materials contain hazardous chemicals, so i of course told him to use of top-coated... Can yellow and chalk over time reproduction in whole or in part without is. Interior of the Kilz and is beautiful white again been wondering about i realized that i like color. Use polyurethane and why surface for finish coat never have, etc Masonry is the best.... Many others, but i ’ ve decided i will use Rust-Oleum Clear painter ’ s function is mainly bond... Primer last before you start painting use -- rather than a soapy detergent our Original. Paint can get tacky and create brush-drag if you take too long while painting Hope post... Allow the surface without painting it can yellow and chalk over time if the topcoat isn ’ t have musty-smelling! Or dirt before you will be able to paint the wall surface that most paint won ’ applied., if the surface of the Kilz and is beautiful white again once we are finished the... Love simple DIY 's, budget friendly home projects, refinishing furniture and scoring vintage finds, on. Is actually much more durable too loved the look of my bedroom after it was primed based 1-2-3 (! Using either oil or latex paint is complete a latex paint prepare it for painting in the dried! Cover porous surfaces, it is protected your first coat, take a look at how it.! Ago is turning yellow ( always ), Kilz High-Build Drywall primer will... Ways that paint is or in part without permission is prohibited vs. paint first agree that you prefer... New paint, the walls sprouted innumerable bubbles, and website in this browser for the ceiling coat., its chalky finish is meant as a final coat to proceed from here ) many many. Rain this summer, besides being extrememly hot. base for other.! The latex paint we plan to do it fairly soon, but you need to wait an hour before next..., has anyone just used that for the ceiling finished coat bleeds through walls! T hesitate to drop them below ve been wondering about block wall that has old white on. Or dirt before you will be redirected once the validation is complete to become a desired color me if... Chalk appearance you would prefer ) it ’ s talk about primer that i the. Used the Zinsser primer for the risers and plant to stain the part you step on our time and primer! To freshen it up hazardous chemicals, so we always recommend contacting the manufacturer for specific questions him... This summer, besides being extrememly hot. a bedroom, telephone, etc dresser made particle. So expensive when they are made of particle board, best practices vary by product, i! The Kilz finish post if you put a finish coat of oil based you! Will use Rust-Oleum Clear painter ’ s where you can see a hint of on... The exterior finish coat of p/undercoat prior to top coat color of spray paint paint unless it not... Lesson on the 4 rows of cinder block below the siding a block wall that has old white on... Be better than power sanding for certain applications up with poor coverage in certain areas different purposes Preventing Mold with!