What does Kilz not cover?

Author: Janick Mann  |  Last update: Friday, December 26, 2025

Kilz latex primer is essentially useless for covering bleeding stains. Your kitchen ceiling 'yellow' stains may very well be grease.

Will KILZ stick to anything?

Its advanced chemistry provides a sound anchor for topcoats while reducing or potentially eliminating the need for sanding dense, glossy surfaces including Kynar®, PVC, vinyl, Formica®, glass, tile, glazed brick, chalky paints, glossy finishes, fiberglass and metals.

What surfaces can KILZ be used on?

Use on wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Not recommended for mold or mildew-prone surfaces or on flooring.

Does KILZ hide imperfections?

Formulated with a thicker high hiding formula, KILZ 3 Premium Primer hides surface imperfections, prepares the surface better for painting and hides previous dark colors with ease.

Will KILZ cover oil-based paint?

Best for use in

Use on interior and exterior surfaces including woodwork, drywall, plaster, paneling, masonry, brick, painted metal and properly prepared glossy surfaces†. Use under or over water-based or oil-based paints. Not recommended on flooring.

Kilz 2 Primer Review - Why We Like It and When You Should Use It

What is the best primer to cover oil-based paint?

Ideal Primers and Topcoats for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
  • BEHR® Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer. ...
  • BEHR® Bonding Primer. ...
  • BEHR® Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel Undercoater. ...
  • BEHR MARQUEE® Exterior Paint & Primer.

Can you put kilz over old paint?

We recommend KILZ KLEAR® Clear Sealer & Bonding Primer – a high performance fast-drying, multi-surface clear primer developed to seal highly porous surfaces inside and outside your home. It is also recommended for use when painting the same topcoat paint color on top of an existing paint coat.

Is Kilz a bad primer?

Customers say Kilz Original Interior Primer is a reliable and effective solution for covering stains, odors, and dark colors, often achieving excellent results in just one coat.

What is the best primer for covering imperfections?

To hide imperfections, such as cracks and dents, the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer works well. To promote adhesion and durability on surfaces, such as metal or tile, the Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer is an excellent choice.

Will mold grow through Kilz?

KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer prevents mold and mildew growth on the primer film/primer surface. It is important to ensure that the surface is mold and mildew free before the primer and topcoat paint is applied. It is however, not supposed to be applied directly to mold (especially the black or yellowish, wet, slimy type).

How many coats of Kilz primer are needed?

Depending on how strong or bold the previous color is, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat of primer. However, it is not necessary to over apply the primer with so many coats. As long as the primer applies uniformly over the previous color, then one or two coats should be sufficient.

What can I use instead of KILZ?

KILZ's top competitors include 58 Foundations & Waterproofing, COAT, and Groupe Durieu.

How much does 5 gallons of KILZ cover?

KILZ 5 Gal. PVA Primer seals porous surfaces and dries quickly, while its flat finish gives a non-reflective appearance. Covering up to 2000 sq. ft.

How long will Kilz last?

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

What precautions should be taken when using kilz primer?

AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES AND AVOID REATHING OF VAPORS AND SPRAY MIST. WEAR EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. USE ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. To avoid breathing vapors and spray mist, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying.

Can you put Kilz on plastic?

KILZ® Adhesion Bonding Primer is specifically formulated to stick to a variety of surfaces like metal, plastic, PVC, tile, even lacquered furniture. What are you waiting for? #GetStarted.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

What's the best paint to hide surface imperfections?

Matte: A low-luster finish that's less durable, but easy to clean, touches up well, and hides minor surface imperfections.

Is Kilz a bonding primer?

KILZ Concrete & Masonry Bonding Primer is specially formulated to optimize the adhesion of masonry coatings. With proper application, this product provides a sound foundation for coatings with excellent resistance to water, alkali and efflorescence.

Does Kilz block cat urine?

KILZ PRIMER

Priming the affected surface helps block and seal the odors, preventing them from seeping out. Additionally, the odor-sealing properties in primer help provide a barrier so odor molecules can't penetrate. KILZ is a great solution for medium to severe odors, including those from pets.

What are the side effects of Kilz?

Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause toxic effects. Signs/Symptoms: Overexposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Target Organs: Eyes.

When should you use Kilz?

KILZ® products are particularly well known for their stain blocking abilities and are popular for use in a variety of applications from priming interior drywall to cover up nicotine stains to prepping cabinets with primer before applying a topcoat.

How many coats of kilz do I need?

2 coats of KILZ COMPLETE COAT™ Paint is minimum required for new or uncoated surfaces and surfaces with severe tannin and stains. Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals: For previously painted metal surfaces, use KILZ PREMIUM Water Based Interior/Exterior Primer.

Will mold grow on kilz paint?

Yes, Kilz paint will prevent mold from forming as long as the area is free of mold and mildew when the Kilz paint is applied. This makes it great for damp areas where you want to prevent mold growth.

What primer sticks to anything?

“If you are looking for a primer that can stick to almost anything for both interiors and exteriors, Stix® has you covered.”

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