Paint & Wallpaper

(MS) - Many homeowners neglect to use a primer when painting around the home. They might apply two or more coats of paint in the mistaken belief this is the best way to ensure a proper finish. Professional painters know that multiple coats of expensive paint can do more harm than good.

"Primer and paint are not the same," said Mike Walsh, vice president of marketing and new product development for Masterchem Industries, makers of Kilz® brand products. "Primer is specifically formulated to seal unfinished or finished surfaces and make sure the top coat of paint adheres to the surface to create the best-looking, longest-lasting finish. You're wasting your time paint, and of course, money if that expensive top coat begins peeling or soaks unevenly into the surface because you didn't use a primer."

Many household surfaces are either too porous or too slick to allow paint to properly adhere. Porous surfaces like wood, drywall and masonry soak up paint unevenly and require multiple coats to achieve the desired look. Slick surfaces such as glass brick and ceramic tile, and even previously painted glossy surfaces such as cabinets and furniture, do not allow paint to adhere properly, causing the paint to flake off these surfaces in a short period of time.

While the main purpose of primer is to help paint adhesion, primers serve many other functions, including:

Stain blocking: Prevent graffiti, rust, smoke, water, crayon, ink, marker and grease stains from bleeding through the paint by using a primer such as Kilz Original or Kilz Premium. In fact, the original formula is so effective as a water and smoke-stain blocker that it is recommended and used by companies specializing in fire restoration. Kilz Upshot primer is also available in aerosol cans to touch-up water-damaged ceilings and ceiling tiles. It is tinted to match the color of aged ceiling tile.

Masking odors: Pet odors can seep can seep into walls, baseboards and floors, leaving a lingering odor. Kilz Original primer can be used as a sealant, blocking pet odors as well as odors caused from cigarette or cigar smoke.

Mildew stain protection: Bathrooms, basements and other moisture-prone areas can be sources for mildew growth. Kilz Premium contains a mildew suppressant to help prevent mold and mildew growth on the surface of the primer.

Wallpaper application: Walls painted with latex paint are not compatible with many wall-covering adhesives. To ensure proper adhesion, always use a primer.

Primers are available in several formulas, including both oil and water-based for interior or exterior applications under various conditions. Odorless formulas for interior use also are available.

If you are looking for one primer to use on a variety of applications, Kilz Premium is a quick-dry primer that can be used on inside and outside applications. Low odor and easy soap-and-water cleanup make it an environmentally friendly choice. It can also be tinted for better topcoat color match.

To find out what primer suits your household needs, visit www.kilz.com or call (866) PRIMER-1.

Click on photo for larger view

ALWAYS PRIME BEFORE 
you begin painting to ensure a smooth, professional finish.

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