The question is, Can you mix Kilz with paint? is one most homeowners ask. Many professionals out there wouldn’t know what to do if they had a wall that was completely primed and applied new coats of paint on top of that.
Kilz is a primer, a liquid used to seal and protect the surface of the respective material against scratches. But this does not mean that you can mix primer with paint to create your own colors. The primer should be added to paints only after dissolving them in warm water.
While this may be uncommon for most, it occasionally comes up. There are also some situations where mixing Kilz primer with paint isn’t possible or even recommended.
Here’s how to know when mixing Kilz primer with paint could make sense and when it just won’t work at all.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Kilz With Paint?
So, you have just bought a new house. The final touches have been applied, and the last of the furniture has been moved in. You are ready to paint your walls and ceiling.
But, you are still not sure how to mix primer with paint. This is probably because there is a lot of information on primers on their own.
Primer is essential to get a smooth surface before painting, especially when there will be multiple coats of paint later on.
Reason 1: Destroys Primer’s Sealing Ability
To prevent stains and previous paint swatches from revealing through the final layer of paint, one of the main functions of Kilz primer is to coat the surface.
Primer protects a rough surface, preventing subsequent paint layers from leaking into drywall or wood.
Primer’s sealing abilities are lost when it is used with paint. The paint/primer mixture will allow stains and dark colors to show through. A spotty, uneven tint will also result from the mixture dissolving into the surface.
Reason 2: Paint Won’t Stick To The Surface
To prepare the surface for your chosen paint color, priming is needed. Whether the original surface was painted or not, primer sticks to it nicely.
The surface of the primer is also just a little bit sticky. As a result, colorful paint is stimulated to stick to the primer and offer superior coverage.
Paint and primer combined won’t stick effectively to non-primed surfaces. Additionally, subsequent paint coats won’t stick to this mixture properly.
Reason 3: Causes Uneven Wall Texture
When painting freshly patched drywall or new walls, priming is crucial. This is due to the texture-like drying of primer spread with a roller.
This tiny bit of texture aids in blending smooth joint compound regions with neighboring drywall.
You won’t get a good texture if you combine Kilz primer and normal paint. Instead, your final layer of paint will allow you to clearly see smooth, mended areas.
Reason 4: Paint Will Get Messy
As we just discussed, Kilz primer is designed to feel slightly tacky or sticky. When the primer is combined with another kind of paint, the mixture retains a little stickiness even after drying.
Your painted surfaces will begin to gather dust and filth due to this. Additionally, this minor stickiness will make it much harder to clean your walls.
Reason 5: Less Durable Paint Job
Primer is not designed to withstand cleaning or the outdoors. The wall can peel, bubble, and wipe off paint and primer mixtures.
No matter whether you use latex or oil-based paint, this will happen. Finish paint is made to endure cleaning and last for a long time. The durability of your paint will be ruined if you mix primer with it.
What Happens If You Mix Kilz With Paint?
In general, professionals recommend not mixing paint and primer. Their formulas have different ingredients and chemicals that are meant to serve different purposes.
For example, the paint formula produces a smooth finish that improves the appearance and cleaning capabilities of the surface.
On the other hand, a primer ensures that the surface is prepared to accommodate and hold the paint. The recipe also enables you to get the ideal finish with fewer coats.
Additionally, you won’t get a glossy surface with the primer and paint mixture. If you wanted some shine, the primer would prevent you from achieving it because it reduces the blend’s sheen.
However, there are some uncommon situations where you can combine primer and paint.
For instance, you can use the combination to refinish a painted surface that has received sufficient priming.
However, it would be best to stay away from such a mixture. It is preferable to prime the surface first before painting it. Although time-consuming, it is very worthwhile!
How To Apply Kilz And Paint The Right Way?
- Start by applying 1-2 coats of primer to your surface.
- Spread the primer evenly using a 3/8-inch nap roller.
- If the coating is even and not streaky, it doesn’t matter if you see some hue through the primer.
- Allow 24 hours between coats of primer if you plan to apply more than one. This gives the primer time to dry completely.
- When you have finished priming, use a similar procedure to apply your chosen paint.
- Using a roller with a 3/8-inch nap, spread the paint over the surface.
- Ensure even application.
- Depending on the task at hand, the ideal number of paint coats to apply over priming may change.
- Generally, 2 coats of paint should be used. It should dry completely between coats in 24 hours.
Bottom Line
To save time, you shouldn’t mix paint with primer. Keeping in mind that there are two different reasons for priming and painting.
Priming’s primary function is to serve as glue with the surface. The primer’s primary quality is that it is varied enough to accept and give surface bonding for the paint.
FAQ
Can Kilz Primer Be Mixed With Paint?
Although it is possible, mixing paint and Kilz primer is not recommended. Not serving as the topcoat, the primer’s purpose is to prepare the surface for a paint coat.
Additionally, neither a straight primer nor a primer blend seal is used with paint when Kilz primer is used.
Additionally, remember that even if you combine two primers or paints with distinct bases, neither formula will be at its finest.
Therefore, apply the paint and Kilz primer individually to maximize the special qualities of each solution.
Can I Apply Two Different Primer Types?
It is common to paint a project using two separate primers. However, they must be of the same kind, like latex.
Additionally, different primers have distinct qualities and could seal the surface in a different way. This factor influences how the topcoat will ultimately appear.
However, depending on your blend, you will either get a good or awful result. Prepare yourself for some magic if the primers work together. However, you would prefer not to if they are not.
How soon can I paint after Kilz Primer?
After the primer has dried for around 30 minutes, you have an hour to topcoat or re-coat with an oil- or latex-based paint.
The wait time is also impacted by temperature, humidity, and ventilation. For instance, a longer dry time will result from excessive humidity, inadequate ventilation, and colder temperatures.
Additionally, the primer must completely dry before painting. So please be patient, even if it takes 3 – 4 hours.
