Is Kilz a good primer for kitchen cabinets?

Author: Pamela Feil I  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

A fast drying, low odor and very low VOC primer, KILZ 3® Premium provides exceptional adhesion and durability – ideal for high traffic and high touch surfaces including kitchen cabinets and drawers.

Can I use KILZ primer on kitchen cabinets?

Yes, KILZ primer is suitable for use on kitchen cabinets. It is designed to block stains, seal porous surfaces, and provide a surface that is ready for painting. It is a water-based product that is low odor and easy to clean up with just soap and water.

What type of primer is best for kitchen cabinets?

Oil-based primers are the best primers for kitchen cabinets. Existing cabinets almost always have a smooth painted finish or lacquered finish that is difficult for paint to adhere to. Oil-based Primer is the glue that provides a good base for the first coat of paint.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a popular choice for cabinets due to its durability, easy cleanup, and low odor. Look for a high-quality, semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth surface and easy maintenance.

Do I need to sand after using KILZ primer?

You can sand, however if you don't need to you can save the time and and avoid the mess. Roughing up the primer is not necessary. If you are going after a smoother hi-end finish then sanding is necessary between coats. It really depends on the quality of the finish you are willing to except.

Best Primer for Kitchen Cabinets In 2024

How many coats of primer on kitchen cabinets?

Depending on what kind of primer you're using and the state of the cabinets, you will need 1-2 coats of primer. For many cabinets, one coat is plenty, but if you're uncertain, a second coat won't hurt as long as it's not applied too thick. When it comes to the actual paint, you will need at least two coats.

Does kilz primer need to be painted over?

As long as the primer applies uniformly over the previous color, then one or two coats should be sufficient. Again, it is not necessary to apply several coats of primer to try to get a perfect white finish. That is the job of the topcoat (paint) which has to be applied on top of the primer.

What is the best topcoat for kitchen cabinets?

You can also choose between varnish or polyurethane for kitchen cabinet protection. Polyurethane is a plastic-like topcoat that applies clear and offers ultimate durability against dirt and damage. Varnish is similar but adds a glossier film that gives it additional protection against high-moisture areas.

What is the best paint for inside kitchen cabinets?

The best type of paint for inside kitchen cabinets is ADVANCE® Interior paint, which offers a premium furniture-like finish created to withstand wear and tear. ADVANCE is also available in any Benjamin Moore color. INSL-X® Cabinet Coat is another option for excellent stain resistance and an ultra-smooth finish.

Is it better to spray or roll paint on cabinets?

The Final Verdict. Both Slavik and Fiorilli agree—using a paint sprayer is the best way to achieve the most professional cabinet finish as well as save time. That doesn't mean that a brush or roller should never be used though.

Is Kilz 2 a good primer for cabinets?

Try Two-Toned Cabinets

Follow these steps for this painting project: Start with a high-quality primer that promotes adhesion, like KILZ 2® All-Purpose. This versatile primer works well on various surfaces, from rough wood to glossy laminate.

What is the best roller for painting cabinets?

For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.

Should you sand cabinets after priming?

Once your primer is completely dry, use a fine, 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand all surfaces.

What is the best primer to use on kitchen cabinets?

Shellac-Based Primers: Shellac-based primers are known for their superior adhesion, which makes them an excellent option for surfaces that are challenging to paint, such as lacquered or oil-based finishes.

Is Kilz a quality primer?

It has excellent adhesion and provides a mildew resistant coating making it ideal for use in moisture-prone areas. KILZ PREMIUM primer blocks most medium to heavy stains caused by water, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker and grease.

What happens if you don't prime cabinets before painting?

Diving into a cabinet repainting project without priming often leads to frustrations down the road, such as peeling paint and visible stains that bleed through, diminishing the beauty of your hard work.

What is the most durable finish for painted kitchen cabinets?

But if having kitchen cabinets that are long-lasting and durable, we'd suggest opting for a gloss finish. Even though both satin and semi-gloss finishes are both durable, both have minor disadvantages that gloss does not have. At the end of the day, the finish that you choose is a personal preference.

Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?

Wood, wood-laminate and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

Do you paint the inside of cabinets with glass doors?

Paint the inside the same color as the outside for a tidy, uniform look. This is usually the most attractive for cabinets with glass doors, especially if the inside is illuminated. Paint the inside a complementary, softer color that accents the exterior.

What finish do professional cabinet makers use?

In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.

Should you put a clear coat over painted cabinets?

Whether you have painted cabinets or you want to highlight the natural beauty of the material, a clear coat is a great choice to complete the project. Clear coat helps protect your cabinet doors and drawer fronts whether they are painted or stained.

Is Polycrylic or polyurethane better for kitchen cabinets?

For high-traffic areas and outdoor projects, polyurethane—especially the oil-based variety—is the best choice due to its superior durability and resistance to water and heat. For indoor projects, particularly those involving light-colored wood or areas with minimal wear and tear, polycrylic is an excellent option.

Can you use kilz as a topcoat?

A: Hello, thank you for your question The Kilz Klear Primer is not a topcoat. The primer goes on clear but will need to be topcoated with the appropriate paint (topcoat).

How long does kilz primer last?

Shelf life under normal conditions is two years unopened. Partially used cans might develop skinning if not tightly sealed.

What is the best way to apply Kilz primer?

1. Surface Prep: Clean and sand your surface as needed to ensure it is smooth and ready for primer. 2. Apply Primer: With your chosen tools, apply the primer in even, controlled strokes or rolls, following the specific directions for your Kilz product.

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