
If you're looking to renovate a room with a lingering damp smell, you may be considering using paint to eliminate the odour. While simply painting over a wall won't always do the trick, using a primer first can help to block stains and odours from seeping through. KILZ® Primers are a popular choice for this purpose, with the KILZ Original primer being recommended by professionals for over 40 years to tackle the toughest odours. The primer helps to block most heavy interior stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, marker, and pet stains, and seals pet, food, and smoke odours. Once the primer is dry, you can apply a fresh coat of paint. However, it's important to note that KILZ products have a strong smell, so it's recommended to use them in a well-ventilated room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | KILZ primers are effective at eliminating damp smells, including pet odours, smoke, and mould. |
| Product Variants | KILZ Original, KILZ Restoration, and Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Primer are commonly mentioned products. |
| Application | Primers should be applied before painting to act as a barrier and prevent odours from penetrating the paint. |
| Surface Preparation | Surfaces should be cleaned and prepared by wiping with a damp cloth, ensuring they are free of dust, stains, and other substances. |
| Number of Coats | Multiple coats may be required, with some users applying up to three coats for effective odour elimination. |
| Ventilation | KILZ products have a strong smell, so it is recommended to use them in well-ventilated areas. |
| Safety | Some KILZ products contain lead, which can be hazardous. Proper safety equipment, such as respirators, should be used during application. |
| Topcoat | A regular topcoat of latex paint can be applied after the primer has dried to further reduce any remaining smell. |
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What You'll Learn

KILZ Original primer can block stains and odours
KILZ Original primer is a heavy-duty odour-blocking primer that can block stains and odours. It is oil-based and can block most heavy interior stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, grease, and seals pet, food, and smoke odours. It is meant for interior use and can be used on various surfaces, including wood, drywall, plaster, paneling, wallpaper, masonry, brick, painted metal, and properly prepared glossy surfaces. It is not recommended for mold or mildew-prone surfaces or flooring.
Before using KILZ Original primer, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dust, chalk, oil, grease, wax, polish, mold, mildew, loose peeling paint, rust, or other foreign substances. If washing is necessary, use a non-soapy detergent or a TSP substitute, rinse well, and allow the surface to dry. It is important to note that if you are scraping, sanding, or removing old paint, you may release lead dust, which can be toxic. Always wear protective gear, such as a NIOSH-approved respirator, and carefully clean up with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop.
When using KILZ Original primer, stir the product thoroughly before and during use. Apply it using a brush, roller, or sprayer, ensuring that the surface and air temperatures are between 35°F (2°C) and 90°F (32°C). For smooth surfaces, use a high-quality 3/8-1/2" nap roller, and for semi-rough or porous surfaces, use a 1/2-3/4" nap roller. Prime the entire surface to ensure a uniform appearance of the topcoat. After priming, test for stain bleed-through by applying the topcoat to a small section. If the stain bleeds through, apply a second coat of primer and test again before topcoating the entire area.
KILZ Original primer is a trusted product that has been used by professionals for over 40 years. It provides excellent sealing and adhesion properties, helping paint adhere to most interior surfaces and resulting in better overall results. By using KILZ Original primer before painting, you can effectively block stains and odours and create a fresh and pleasant space.
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KILZ primers can tackle lingering odours
KILZ primers can effectively tackle lingering odours. The KILZ Original primer is a heavy-duty odour-blocking primer that has been trusted by professional painters for over 40 years to tackle the toughest odours. It helps block most heavy interior stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, marker, pet stains, and more. It also seals pet, food, and smoke odours.
The KILZ Restoration primer is another option for those looking for a water-based primer that can seal and block odours. It is recommended to prime before painting to prevent odours from penetrating fresh paint. KILZ primers can be used on interior surfaces, including drywall, woodwork, plaster, masonry, brick, painted metal, ceramic tile, glass, and most other glossy surfaces.
When using KILZ primers, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean and free of dust, chalk, oil, grease, wax, polish, mould, mildew, loose peeling paint, rust, and other foreign substances. It is also recommended to use a respirator and gloves during application, as the primer has a strong odour and can be difficult to remove from the skin.
While KILZ primers are effective at tackling odours, they may not be sufficient for all situations. In some cases, additional steps such as cleaning with trisodium phosphate (TSP) or using a different primer, such as Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Primer, may be necessary to completely eliminate strong odours like nicotine stains.
Overall, KILZ primers are a reliable option for those looking to tackle lingering odours before painting. By following the recommended preparation and application steps, users can effectively reduce unwanted smells and achieve a fresh-smelling space.
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KILZ Restoration primer can seal and block odours
KILZ Restoration Primer is an excellent solution for eliminating unwanted odours. This water-based primer is designed to seal and block persistent smells, such as pet odours, food odours, and smoke odours. It is ideal for use on interior surfaces, including drywall, woodwork, plaster, masonry, brick, painted metal, ceramic tile, and even glossy surfaces.
One of the key advantages of using KILZ Restoration Primer is its ability to provide a barrier that prevents odours from penetrating fresh paint. This means that simply repainting a wall will not be enough to eliminate the damp smell, as the odour may seep through. By using the primer before painting, you can create a long-lasting solution that leaves your space smelling fresh.
KILZ Restoration Primer is easy to use and offers versatile application methods. It can be applied using a brush, roller, or sprayer, ensuring a seamless finish on any surface. Before application, it is crucial to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dust, grease, or peeling paint. For maximum adhesion on glossy surfaces, scuff sanding the surface before priming is recommended.
To effectively block odours, KILZ Restoration Primer may require two coats for persistent smells. If the odour persists, allow for a longer drying time before applying the topcoat. This primer can also be tinted with a small amount of universal colourant, preferably to a lighter shade than the topcoat. With its ability to seal and block odours, KILZ Restoration Primer is a reliable choice for transforming a space that looks and smells fresh.
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KILZ primer can be used to mask smells
KILZ primers can be used to mask smells, including pet odours, smoke, and food odours. The KILZ Original primer is a heavy-duty odour-blocking primer that has been trusted by professional painters for over 40 years to tackle the toughest odours. It helps block most heavy interior stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, marker, and pet stains. KILZ primers provide a barrier that prevents odours from penetrating fresh paint.
If you are looking to mask smells caused by smoke or nicotine, KILZ Original primer can be used to seal and block smoke stains and odours. It is recommended to first wash the surfaces with trisodium phosphate (TSP) before applying the primer. You can also try using a chemical or commercial product, such as vinegar-water with some soap, to clean the walls before priming.
For water-based primer that can help seal and block odours, KILZ Restoration™ primer is a good option. It can be used on interior surfaces such as drywall, woodwork, plaster, masonry, brick, painted metal, ceramic tile, glass, and most other glossy surfaces. It is important to ensure that the surfaces are clean and free of dust, chalk, oil, grease, wax, polish, mould, mildew, and other foreign substances before applying the primer.
While KILZ primers can be effective in masking smells, it is important to note that they have a strong smell themselves. It is recommended to use a fan or a chemical cartridge respirator when working with KILZ primers. Additionally, KILZ primers should be used in a well-ventilated room, and it is advised to wear gloves as the product does not wash off easily from the skin.
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KILZ primer can be used to cover dark paints
KILZ primers can be used to cover dark paints and tackle lingering odours. The KILZ 3™ Premium primer is a heavy-duty, high-hiding formula that is ideally suited for blocking old dark colours or covering substantial stains. It has excellent adhesion and provides a mildew-resistant coating, making it ideal for use in moisture-prone areas. It blocks most medium to heavy stains caused by water, tannin, ink, pencil, felt marker, and grease. Its thicker, high-hiding formula hides surface imperfections and prepares the surface better for painting.
The KILZ Original primer is another great choice for blocking odours and covering dark paint colours. It has been trusted by professional painters for over 40 years to tackle the toughest odours. It helps block most heavy interior stains, including water, smoke, tannin, ink, marker, and pet stains.
When using KILZ primers, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust, chalk, oil, grease, and other foreign substances. If washing is necessary, use a non-soapy detergent or a TSP substitute, rinse well, and allow the surface to dry completely before applying the primer. Always refer to the product's instructions for proper application techniques and safety precautions.
By using KILZ primers, you can effectively cover dark paints and create a barrier that prevents odours from penetrating fresh paint, leaving your space looking and smelling fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kilz primers can help eliminate damp smells.
Kilz primer acts as a barrier to prevent odours from penetrating fresh paint.
Kilz Original primer is a good choice for tackling tough odours and stains. Kilz Restoration primer is a good water-based alternative.
Simply painting over a damp wall is unlikely to eliminate the smell. Using a primer before painting is recommended.
First, clean the walls with a damp cloth to ensure they are free of dust and stains. Then, apply a coat of Kilz primer and allow it to dry before painting.

















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