When preparing to paint or repaint your walls, we often focus on choosing the right paint but overlook the importance of primer.
It’s that one thing that determines how long your paint is going to last and how it’s going to appear on your walls.
Therefore it becomes necessary for homeowners to choose between kilz 2 vs kilz 3 to see which one performs better.
KILZ is a popular brand of primers and sealers that was created to be used before painting.
It seals, it blocks, it erases the unwanted from our senses and is trusted for creating a strong painting surface. In its lineup, both Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 are popular water-based primers which are multi-surface, and work best for sealing and stain blocking.
To pick the best primer for your project, it’s important to understand the difference between kilz 2 and kilz 3.
In this post, we take a closer look at what this Kilz brand offers and compare their performance side by side.
This is to help you decide between kilz 2 and kilz 3, and to see which one is best suited for your needs.
Let’s figure it out step by step.
Overview of KILZ Primers
After its first launch in 1974 under Masterchem and consequent acquisition by Masco Corporation in 2000, KILZ has become a known brand under the Behr Paint Company.
It offers not only primers but also paints and stains which retains a trusted clientele of both professionals and DIYers.
Its types include: KILZ Original (Oil-based), KILZ 2 All-Purpose (Water based), KILZ Restoration (Water based), KILZ Adhesion (Water based), KILZ Mold and Mildew, and KILZ 3 Premium.
About KILZ 2
Kilz 2 is an all purpose, fast drying, water-based latex formula with an acrylic polymer that offers multiple surface solutions.
It is a budget friendly and reliable option for DIY projects that are ideal for walls, ceilings and doors. You can use it on drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, stucco, brick and metal.
The thing about Kilz 2 is that it’s versatile enough to be used over or under oil-based and latex paint.
It dries fast and allows for second coat within an hour.
Any porous surfaces or a new drywall, can be easily sealed with a uniform finish.
If you have pencil marks, water stains, rust or grease that needs to be covered, KILZ 2 seems more like a reliable option.
It blocks light to medium stains and excellently hides existing colors effectively.
This then helps reduce your topcoat needs by preparing your walls and ceilings before a colour change.
The best part about Kilz 2 is that it provides a mildew resistant finish.
This makes it easier to clean with soap and water, and has a mild odor.
In short, it is the go-to for a reliable and affordable primer for general paint jobs.
Though be mindful that for heavy stains that are far too stubborn, a stronger oil-based or specialty primer like KILZ Original is preferred.
And be absolutely sure not to use it on your floors!
About KILZ 3
Kilz 3 primer offers great adhesion, mildew resistance and excellent coverage for both interior, exterior surfaces, and is best suited for heavy duty projects.
It’s a water based, low odor, acrylic latex formula that contains Titanium Dioxide, Calcium Carbonate and Styrene Acrylic Polymer.
This gives Kilz 3 a quality adhesion, enhanced durability with an opaque finish.
With its super stain blocking property, you can hide those stubborn water stains plus the horrid and persistent odors with ease.
You can use it on drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, brick, painted material and glossy surfaces for long-lasting topcoats that stick better, last longer.
Its thick formula makes it a high hide primer that covers imperfections and surface texture, creating a smoother finish.
KILZ 3’s biggest advantage is its versatile multi-surface utility, making it suitable for both interior and exterior uses and that too with excellent mildew resistance.
Making it ideal for moisture prone areas, like your bathroom, kitchen or basement.
For a project that requires a professional-like finish without having to hire a professional, properly prepared surfaces are the key.
So make sure the surface’s all ready and cleaned before applying Kilz 3.
But be warned that without proper drying, your topcoat will not be uniform!
Kilz Original
A fast drying, heavy duty, oil-based product that works as primer, sealer and blocker.
Kilz Original will take on tough interior and exterior jobs with its multi-surface versatility and excellent adhesion that works best for latex or oil-based paints.
It takes on heavy jobs and requires just as much attention during cleanup, requiring mineral spirits for cleanup.
Be careful, its VOCs are rather high so cover your nose while using it, and never use it for your floors or mold and mildew risk areas.
Kilz Restoration
From the name itself, we can gauge that Kilz Restoration is a definite need to cover damaged surfaces.
It is a powerful water-based primer that fights tough interior stains.
Water, fire and smoke damage including severe odors are covered with ease by this primer.
It provides a long-lasting finish with its excellent adhesion and sandability, making it the best for priming glossy surfaces and drywalls.
Use it for your subfloors as well and enjoy the easy cleanup plus low VOCs.
But do keep in mind to properly clean your surfaces before use.
Difference Between Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3 Primer: A Side By Side Comparison
Now to answer the most asked question “is kilz 2 or kilz 3 better?”
Both Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 primers are water-based with a multi-surface use that can be applied on exterior and interior projects.
Kilz 2 is known for being all-purpose, perfect for DIY projects like simple color changes or basic sealing jobs.
As for Kilz 3, it’s meant for tough and heavy duty projects.
Understanding differences like coverage strength, durability, and the intended use can help you come down to one option.
In this section, we’re going to explore those differences between Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3 to help you achieve professional finish.
Stain Blocking
How do you deal with marks that stick out and defile your space? A little battle of Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3 will help us decide.
Say you have the following minor stains caused by water, rust, grease, ink, pencil or marker.
Kilz 2 can easily solve the issue with a trusty brush swipe or two.
But no, these are more stubborn stains.
A bit too heavy and has been caused by water or fire damage, tannin, ink, grease or its simply a dark color. Here Kilz 3 comes to your rescue.
While Kilz 2 can block light to medium stains, Kilz 3 can block medium to heavy stains.
So look at what your surface needs and choose the best option.
Odor Control / VOCs
If you are a pet owner, smoker, or frequently get mildew in your space then KILZ primers offer the best solution to all these problems.
For a general project to cover mild odors, Kilz 2 is the one to pick.
But what if you have a heavier odor?
Pick Kilz 3 as it has a thicker and higher-hiding formula.
Both Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 have a mild odor that are acceptable to work with.
The one difference and rather important point to note is that Kilz 2 has a VOC of <50g/L while Kilz 3 has a VOC of <5g/L.
Coverage
Both Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3 can cover 300-400 sq ft per gallon depending on application method and surface porosity.
Be it drywall, brick, wood, plaster, metal or masonry, Kilz 2 can offer general, all-purpose coverage, and Kilz 3, with its thicker consistency can do just the same.
Adhesion
The adhesion quality of Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 are believed to be excellent.
But the standard of use changes depending on the requirement of your home project.
For general home projects like standard walls, Kilz 2 is preferred for simple painting prep.
When it comes to more challenging surfaces like painted wood, tile, or glass, Kilz 3 is a more durable pick.
Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3, they both function as strong bases for topcoats but you must not leave it as is.
Without a proper paint cover, the primer is under the risk of peeling, cracks and flaking.
Application Process
Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 have similar processes for application.
Make sure to protect your eyes, mask up and clean the surface properly.
Then simply grab your brush, spray or roller and get to it. It is essential that you stir the primer occasionally.
Since Kilz 3 has a thicker consistency than Kilz 2, make sure to add ½ pint per gallon water when spraying.
Remember, you do not need a tinner for stain blocking applicants.
Drying and Recoat
Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 are both fast drying primers.
They’re dry to the touch in 30 minutes and are ready for a recoat or topcoat in an hour.
You can use either latex or oil-based paint over these primers.
Having said this, the drying time can be affected by the surface, low temperature, high humidity and poor ventilation.
A drywall takes an hour, wood up to three hours and metal can go up to four hours in normal conditions.
Always make sure that it is not too cold or humid, and ensure good air flow for better drying.
The primer must dry before applying a recoat or topcoat.
Base Type
Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 are both water-based primers. Between the two, Kilz 3 has a thicker consistency.
A positive quality of the product is that both are washable with simple soap and water.
Price
If you want a budget friendly, all-purpose primer, go for Kilz 2.
With a price range of $20-$50 per gallon, it’s low cost for a DIY enthusiast.
Now, if Kilz 2 is underperforming for those tough stains, Kilz 3 is your pick.
With a higher cost of $40-$60 or more per gallon, it gets the job done.
The harder the stain, the more expensive the remedy.
Finish and Quality
Kilz 2 performs well as an all round budget primer that is good for a general color change.
It coats well yet it cannot block heavy stains.
On the other hand, Kilz 3 is thicker than Kilz 2, is ultra white and has a high hiding formula.
Both KILZ Primers have a low-sheen finish which can be categorized as matte or flat.
To get quality results we must always prime the entire surface.
This ensures a uniform appearance for the topcoat.
Another plus factor is that both Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 deliver a mildew resistant finish.
Best For
You may wonder which primer is best for which surface since they are both multi-surface friendly.
Kilz 2 may be an all round and all purpose primer but it cannot perform as well as Kilz 3.
Kilz 2 is good for covering lighter stains and cannot fully hide severe damage, nor provide strong sealing or blocking.
Dark painted walls or dark wood work better with Kilz 3.
Exterior projects with high moisture risks call for Kilz 3, while minor damages can be easily covered by Kilz 2.
The extent of damage or exposure needs to be understood before choosing between Kilz 2 and Kilz 3.
Kilz Original vs Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3: A Side by Side Comparison
Kilz 2 offers a versatile, all purpose use with a mild odor that is easy to handle.
For your home projects that require low to medium coverage, Kilz 2 is the one to choose.
On the other hand, Kilz 3 is made for your heavy duty projects that require an extra kick to cover those stubborn stains that don’t want to leave.
Finally, Kilz Original is the one you rely on for the extra though stains and odors.
While Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 are water-based latex primers, Kilz Original is oil-based and requires a more thorough cleanup.
The former two can be easily washed with water and soap, while Kilz Original calls for mineral spirits or acetone to get the work done.
What and when to use? Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3 can be used for both interior and exterior projects, but Kilz Original should only be used on your interiors.
Cover up well, especially for Kilz Original, and begin your journey with a thorough cleaning of your surfaces.
| FEATURES | KILZ 2 | KILZ 3 | KILZ Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Interior/Exterior, Multi-Surface | Interior/Exterior, Multi-Surface | Interior |
| Base | Water | Water | Oil-Based |
| Price | Budget Friendly ($20-$50) | Expensive ($40-$60+) | Expensive ($40-$60+) |
| Finish | Matte/Flat | Matte/Flat | Matte/Flat |
| Sealing/Blocking | Low to Medium Stains/Damage | Medium to High Stains/Damage | High Stains/Damage |
| Odor/VOCs | Low (<50g/L) | Low (<5g/L) | High (443g/L) |
| Cleanup | Soap and Water | Soap and Water | Mineral Spirits/Acetone |
| Dry Time | 30 mins – 1 hour (Quick) | 30 mins – 1 hour (Quick) | 30 mins – 1 hour (Slow) |
| Best Use For | General Purpose/Light Stains | Large Exterior Projects/Heavy Stains | Interior/Heavy Stain and Odor |
| Mildew Resistance | Good Resistance | High Resistance | Not Recommended |
What people say about Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3: Reddit Reviews
Lets have a look at what people are saying on Reddit to see how they use Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3.
There seems to be varying accounts on how people commonly believe Kilz 3 to be better than Kilz 2, especially for exterior application.
A reddit user has said, “Kilz 3 is thicker and has more hide than 2.” Which attests to the thickness of the formula that we discussed earlier.
Another user recalled how a badly peeling home was brought back to life after Kilz 2 was applied. “It went on smoothly and covered old, bare wood nicely. There was very little tannin bleed. I’ve since used it on a few other projects and I have to give it a thumbs up!”
Some simply don’t see a difference between Kilz 2 and Kilz 3. “For reference I’ve worked in paint since 2013. I have used both and have not seen a difference between the two.”
Others go as far as to recommend using the Kilz Original for better stain blocking.
Another recommended forgoing Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 as they are water-based and less reliable than an oil-based primer like Kilz Original.
It worked the less demanding mile as primers for mild coverage and it is here that we should remember that primers are not paints.
It is the base for our topcoat and any stain bleeding through is to be covered by the paint, not the primer.
Kilz 2 Vs Kilz 3: Understanding Primer Problems
While being budget friendly and an all purpose go to for light stains, Kilz 2 has its limitations.
Problems like bubbling, peeling or poor adhesion are commonly seen if the surface is not prepared well for priming.
It is crucial you ensure all moisture and oil are removed from your surface before applying Kilz 2, and a good sanding for glossy surfaces is required for the primer to stick better.
The problem of getting a finish that isn’t smooth remains as people complain about Kilz 2 not sanding well.
This problem may arise if the primer does not dry well between coats and between sanding.
As it is a general use primer for light stains, more than one coat could be required for better coverage.
You need to identify the right fit for your surface as Kilz 2 is water based and may not bond well with your surface or paints.
Similar to Kilz 2, Kilz 3 is also a water based primer with somewhat similar problems.
Some of the Kilz 3 primer problems that people faced were that of an uneven and rubbery finish if you use the wrong applicator.
Instead of microfiber rollers opt for high density foam or synthetic rollers, sand any glossy surface properly before application and always sand or topcoat after proper drying.
This will help you fight the problem of an uneven finish, bubbling, peeling or poor adhesion by understanding your surface first.
All this said, for tough stains that bleed through after more than one application, an oil based primer like Kilz Original may serve you better.
Always pick what best suits your surface, be it wall or ceiling, even furniture.
Can you mix Kilz 2 and Kilz 3? Let’s find out
Since Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 are water based primers, they can be mixed together.
But it is certainly not the recommended way to use them.
By mixing two primers with different formulations, you are at risk of compromising each primer’s performance standards.
While Kilz 2 and Kilz 3 have similar properties and problems, the two primers are vastly different.
Kilz 2 is all purpose and for general use.
Meanwhile, Kilz 3 is a more heavy duty stain blocker. Its consistency and effects differ greatly.
Mixing with Kilz 2 may diminish the stain blocking properties of Kilz 3, altering both its performance.
You may fulfill the task of general priming work by mixing the two, but applying one over the other serves you better.
Use them separately for your needs and aim to finish with one product.
For your heavy stain, use Kilz 3 and finish with Kilz 2 before applying your topcoat.
Conclusion
The KILZ brand offers primer solutions that are designed for a wide range of surfaces.
This makes them a durable and reliable choice for the average DIYer or professional.
In the comparison between Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3, we considered the advantages of their features and their drawbacks.
And with that understanding, we can say that Kilz 2 is the one that’s perfect for your general projects and Kilz 3 is perfect for the heavy duty projects.
By understanding their formulation, the viability of its stain resistance and odor blocking, to the concerns of application, drying and sanding, we now have a better idea about Kilz 2 vs Kilz 3.
Both water based, washable primers that offer handy solutions for your paint projects, be it home makeovers or other settings.
Remember, preparation matters a lot to achieve that smooth finish, so make sure to clean, apply, let dry and sand before applying your topcoat.
The process is just as important as the primer you choose.
