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Can You Use KILZ on Wood? (Explained)

KILZ is a famous primer that is used across the world. It is mostly used in the United States. This paint is trusted by many users and is preferred by a lot of people for its durability.

You may ask if you can use KILZ on wood. Let us answer the question for you. Also, let us provide some more information regarding this matter as well: 

Can you use KILZ on wood?

You can use KILZ on wood. KILZ is a multipurpose primer that can be used on various surfaces. Although there are multiple kinds of KILZ available in the current market, almost all of them can be used on wood. But it is recommended to use specific primers on a specific application.

KILZ is a popular primer. It has been available in the market for quite some time. There are various kinds of KILZ available in the market. All of these kinds are used for several types of use.

Some of the primers are specifically used for concrete surfaces. Some are used in the bathroom. Some are popular to use outside of the house. But most of the KILZ that are available in the market can be used on wood.

KILZ is basically a popular primer. A primer is usually used while painting on any surface. This primer works as an adhesive to bond the paint you will use on the surface where the primer is being implemented. 

You can also seal wood with KILZ if required as it is a kind of adhesive by nature.

There are various wooden surfaces where you may want to use KILZ. But you might want to know on which wood surfaces and places you can use KILZ. 

Let us help you find the answer by discussing some specific popular surfaces where you may want to use KILZ and know if you can or cannot use KILZ on those wood:

Wood trim and wood paneling:

You can use KILZ on wood trim and wood paneling. KILZ is considered to be the best possible primer that can be used in this use case. The reason behind this is the high quality bonding that it can create between the trims and paneling. 

This bonding is crucial in terms of longevity.

Wood cabinets and wood furniture:

You can use KILZ in wood cabinets and furniture. KILZ is preferred for cabinets and wood furniture for its strong adhesive formula. This bonding can help in creating beautiful wood cabinets and wood furniture.

Stained wood:

KILZ can be used on stained wood. KILZ is ideal to be used on stained wood compared to other primers that are available on the market. This primer is odorless and has a strong adhesive bonding. 

It is advised to sand the surface of any stained wood while using KILZ.

Exterior wood:

KILZ can be used on exterior wood. KILZ has formulated some primers which can be used explicitly on exterior wood. This primer is ideal for keeping the woods in place for its hassle free usage and strong adhesive in any weather.

Pressure treated wood:

KILZ can be used in pressure treated wood. KILZ is ideal for this use case. It can provide a quality finish to the wood. Moreover, it can seal and hide any kind of marks if required.

Which KILZ is best for wood?

There are multiple kinds of KILZ available in the market. All of these kinds can be used in any practical use case. But some of them have a specific use case when it comes to wood. 

You may ask which KILZ is best for wood. Let us help you find the answer by discussing some popular KILZ available in the market and understanding their strong use cases:

KILZ Adhesion Interior Exterior Primer:

This KILZ is said to be one of the best KILZ available in the market. This can provide great adhesive bonding as it is an adhesion primer. Therefore, this can be used on any surface. It can be used in interior and exterior use cases.

This can be used on rough surfaces like textured wood cabinets and many more. It can also block stains and the growth of mildews. Although it cannot be applied through sparing, it can dry within 30 minutes after applying in the recommended method.

KILZ Original Multi-surface Interior Primer:

This KILZ is preferred due to its formulation and years of reliability. This is made based on the actual formulation of KILZ. Although the formulation may have been changed in the course of time to some extent, the core formulation is still the same. 

Hence, it is budget-friendly in terms of use for wood.

Is KILZ 1 or KILZ 2 a good wood primer?

KILZ 2 is a good wood primer when compared with KILZ 1. KILZ 2 is said to be the updated version of KILZ 1. There are some significant differences between KILZ 1 and KILZ 2, which makes KILZ 2 the better one.

KILZ 1 is an oil based primer. This is said to be the original primer that was first developed by KILZ. This oil based primer is said to be more effective in blocking various kinds of stains. It can also prevent unpleasant odor as well.

But KILZ 2 is a water based primer. This primer is developed based on KILZ 1. KILZ 2 is said to be the more updated version of KILZ 1. This has drastically low VOC content, which makes it a much better environment friendly primer. 

This can also prevent stains much better and provide a better finish compared to KILZ 1.

Can you put KILZ on wet wood?

Although the manufacturer does not recommend putting KILZ on wet wood, you still can use it. Oil based primers are not recommended for use on wet wood. But water based primers like KILZ 2 are ideal for application over wet wood.

If you do not choose a water based primer, the primer may peel off the wet wood surface. Water based primers have a bonding solution called latex compound, which helps to bond the KILZ properly on the wet wood.

Even though KILZ 2 is the ideal water based primer to be used on wet wood, it is recommended by the manufacturer that the surface where you will apply it should be dry. It helps the primer to set properly on the surface. 

Hence the outcome of applying KILZ on wet wood would be fruitful.

Can you use KILZ PVA drywall primer on wood?

No, you cannot use KILZ PVA drywall primer. KILZ primers are usually made for multi-surface use cases. But there are some certain KILZ available in the market which can be used on just one certain surface. These KILZ primers are not ideal to be used on other surfaces.

KILZ PVA drywall primer is an ideal primer that can only be used on drywall applications. This primer was developed for applying on drywall only. If it is used on wood, it cannot bond properly. 

Although KILZ primers usually have a strong adhesive bonding solution, they cannot bond appropriately due to the composition of the primer.

Will KILZ cover wood grain?

Yes, KILZ will cover wood grain. Primers are ideal for covering wood grain. To be more specific, any oil based primers are ideal for filling in wood grain. KILZ 1 is an ideal candidate for this kind of job. 

But water based primers like KILZ 2 can also be used if water based primers like KILZ 1 are not available. 

To cover wood grain using KILZ, you will have to sand the wood properly. After that, you can apply the primer. Applying the primer, let it dry and put wood grain filler over the surface. Afterwards, sand the surface again and re-apply KILZ again. 

This is how you can use KILZ to cover wood grain.

How many coats of KILZ should go on wood before painting?

A minimum of 2 coats of KILZ should go on wood before painting. KILZ is an ideal and robust primer available in the market. Therefore, 1 coat of KILZ may look enough. But it is recommended to apply a minimum of 2 coats of KILZ for better results.

After applying the first coat of KILZ, you may apply the second coat after 30 – 75 minutes. But it is recommended by the manufacturer to let it dry for 24 hours after the first application of KILZ. After that, you may apply the second coat of KILZ.

Applying 2 coats of KILZ is a minimum. Based on the application, you may need to apply more coats on the wood if required.

Final thoughts

KILZ can be used on wood. You need to select the appropriate KILZ for your wood based on certain parameters. Choosing the wrong KILZ may result in bad outcomes. It is better to use KILZ 2 as it is a multi-surface primer based on KILZ 1. Hence it works great on wood and other surfaces.