Primer Choice: Kilz For Kitchen Cabinets? (2025)

KILZ primers are a great option for kitchen cabinets, as they can help your chosen colour pop and ensure it adheres properly. KILZ primers are also mildew-resistant, which is ideal for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens. KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, as it has superior adhesion and durability, multi-surface application, and a mildew-resistant finish. It is important to note that Kilz primer is not ideal for previously finished cabinets, as it is not a bonding primer. When using a primer, it is crucial to prepare the surface by sanding and cleaning any visible mould or mildew.

KILZ 3® Premium Primer is a good option for kitchen cabinets

KILZ 3® Premium Primer is a great option for kitchen cabinets as it offers superior adhesion and durability. It is a fast-drying, low-odour, and very low-VOC primer that can be used on interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, drywall, plaster, stucco, paneling, masonry, brick, and more. Its surface versatility makes it ideal for use on kitchen cabinets, as it can be used with both oil and water-based paints, giving you a wide range of colour options for your kitchen renovation project.

One of the key benefits of using KILZ 3® Premium Primer on kitchen cabinets is its mildew resistance. Kitchens are moisture-prone areas, with steam, water, and other liquids frequently present. The mildew-resistant finish of the primer helps to protect your cabinets from the damaging effects of moisture and ensures a long-lasting finish.

Another advantage of KILZ 3® Premium Primer is its ability to create a smooth base for your paint. By properly preparing the surface and applying the primer, you can achieve a flawless finish for your paint colour. This helps to ensure that your paint adheres properly and results in a truer, more vibrant colour.

To use KILZ 3® Premium Primer on your kitchen cabinets, follow these steps: First, remove all cabinet handles and hardware, and put each screw back into its respective hardware piece, sealing it with painter's tape and labelling it. Then, sand the surfaces of the doors, drawer faces, and cabinet frame with 100-150 grit sandpaper, followed by 180-220 grit sandpaper, always moving in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust and residue, and allow the surfaces to dry. Next, tape around the cabinet frame to protect the surrounding areas from primer and paint. Stir the primer thoroughly before and during use, and apply it to the cabinet doors and frame using a brush. Allow 1-2 hours of dry time, and then apply your chosen paint colour. Once the paint is dry, reattach the hardware and doors to the cabinets.

By following these steps and using KILZ 3® Premium Primer, you can achieve beautiful and durable results for your kitchen cabinet makeover.

Sand surfaces before priming

When it comes to refinishing kitchen cabinets, adequate preparation is essential for achieving great results. While opinions vary on whether to sand kitchen cabinets before priming them, it is generally recommended as it improves the final outcome in terms of both aesthetics and durability.

Sanding the surfaces of the doors, drawer faces, and cabinet frames lightly with sandpaper creates a smooth surface and opens up the pores of the wood, allowing the primer and paint to adhere better. It also helps to remove any sheen from the previous paint job, preventing its colour from bleeding through the new coat. For best results, use 100-150 grit sandpaper for the first pass and 180-220 grit sandpaper for the second pass, moving the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain to avoid scratches. After sanding, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and residue, ensuring that the primer and paint will adhere well.

However, it is important to note that aggressive sanding can wear down the wood, creating the potential for moisture to seep in and cause damage. As an alternative to sanding, some people recommend using mineral spirits and a rough scrubbing pad to clean the cabinets before priming, as it cleans the surface and creates a slightly rough texture for the primer to adhere to. This method is less time-consuming and avoids the risk of damaging the wood.

In addition to sanding before priming, it is also crucial to sand lightly between each coat of primer and paint. This extra step ensures better coverage and adhesion, resulting in a longer-lasting and more durable finish that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen.

While the decision to sand or not to sand kitchen cabinets before priming may depend on various factors, such as the condition of the cabinets and the desired level of smoothness, it is generally advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a successful refinishing project.

Primer helps paint adhere and last longer

Kitchen cabinets are often made of wood, a porous material. Porous surfaces like wood or brick can absorb paint, affecting the final outcome. Therefore, it is always recommended to prime kitchen cabinets before painting. Primer will help protect your cabinets and create a smooth base for better adhesion and truer colour from your paint.

Primer helps paint adhere to surfaces by creating a foundation for the paint to stick to. It also helps to cover prior stains, paint, and imperfections in the existing surface. For example, a masonry primer can be used to paint over unsightly white, crystalline deposits called efflorescence that can form on masonry surfaces.

Primer is especially important when painting porous surfaces, such as wood, drywall, or plaster. It is also necessary when painting unfinished drywall, which is highly porous and can cause flashing, resulting in a visible difference in the final sheen of the paint. By using a primer, you can achieve a consistent appearance with your final coat.

Primer is also beneficial when painting over glossy surfaces, as it helps the new coat of paint stick better. Additionally, when making a dramatic colour change, primer can help ease the transition and prevent the previous colour from showing through.

By using a primer, you can improve the adhesion and durability of your paint, ensuring that your paint job looks better and lasts longer.

KILZ primer is not ideal for previously finished cabinets

KILZ primers are a great option for ensuring that the paint colour of your choice pops and achieves a flawless finish. They are especially useful for porous surfaces like wood or brick, where paint can easily be absorbed. KILZ primers are also suitable for use on interior and exterior surfaces including drywall, plaster, stucco, paneling, masonry, and brick.

However, KILZ primer may not be the best option for previously finished cabinets. While the oil-based version is effective at stain blocking and has good adhesion due to its composition, it is not a bonding primer. This means that it may not bond as effectively to previously finished surfaces such as lacquer or varnish. CoverStain, a Zinsser product, is a bonding primer and may be a more suitable choice for painting over existing finishes.

If you are painting oak cabinets, an oil-based primer is recommended to prevent tannin bleed-through. While water-based primers are adequate, they may sometimes wick tannins, stains, etc., which can be frustrating. The oil base eliminates any possibility of tannin bleed-through and ensures better adhesion to the oak surface.

It is important to note that KILZ primers are not designed to be a one-coat solution, and proper surface preparation is crucial for achieving the best results. Sanding the surfaces to create a smooth base and removing any dust or residue with a damp cloth are essential steps before applying any primer or paint.

Apply primer with a brush or sprayer

When it comes to applying primer to kitchen cabinets, you have two main options: using a brush or a sprayer. Both methods can be effective, but it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each to determine which one is best for your specific project.

Using a brush to apply primer can be a more affordable and accessible option, as it requires limited supplies and no professional equipment. All you need is a brush, sandpaper, primer, and enamel paint. This method can be ideal for small, inside planes of the cabinet base, as it allows for better filling of the wood's pores and provides more control over the application, resulting in minimal mess. However, it can be a timely and tedious process, especially if you have a large number of cabinets to prime. Brush painting also carries the risk of leaving brush marks and may not provide the same level of colour coverage as spray painting.

On the other hand, using a sprayer, such as an airless paint sprayer, can significantly speed up the priming process and provide a smooth, durable, and professional finish. It eliminates the concern of brush marks and ensures even coverage on all surfaces, including doors, corners, and grooves. When using a sprayer, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring adequate ventilation. Additionally, you should always refer to the safety and operational instructions provided with your sprayer.

To achieve the best results with a sprayer, proper preparation is key. Before spraying, remove the cabinet doors and drawers, and mark them accordingly to ensure easy reassembly. Place the doors on sawhorses with 2x4 boards to elevate them to a comfortable angle for spraying. Choose a non-flammable, oil-based primer to provide a water barrier and prevent bleed-through and cracking. Remember to strain your primer to remove any large particles or dried sediment, and always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and a respirator.

Whether you choose to use a brush or a sprayer, it is essential to follow the necessary preparation steps, such as sanding the surfaces and wiping them down with a damp cloth to create a smooth base for the primer. This will help ensure that your kitchen cabinets are properly prepared for priming and painting, resulting in a high-quality and long-lasting finish.

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