Does KILZ Kill Mold? (Explained!)

KILZ can help in avoiding further growing mold on fresh and clean surfaces. However, KILZ cannot be solely used to treat or kill mold, and any paint or priming company that claims to be able to do so is lying. 

What is KILZ?

KILZ is a company that manufactures paint primers that are intended to keep black mold and other types of Mold, Mildew, stains, and odors at bay in your home. In addition, KILZ can help in reaching the hard-reaching spots. 

KILZ makes water-based primer products as it helps prevent mold on high-rise buildings. There is a higher chance of getting mold on such buildings, and it is important to use a strong primer that can help prevent mold and mildew growth if you live in an area with high humidity or moisture. 

Their products act as an all-in-one primer, sealer, and stain blocker for areas with high humidity. It prevents leaks in home roofs, plumbing, and walls. It avoids leaks and the moisture that eventually builds mold around the cracks or leaks. 

Can KILZ kill Mildew?

You’re mistaken if you think KILZ can kill Mildew or any mold. Mildew must first be cleaned with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide before being painted over with KILZ.  

Even if you paint the Mold surface with KILZ primer or paint, it will not kill the mold, so it can still cause health problems and damage to your property.

Mold can cause serious health and property damage, whereas Mildew is far less dangerous. This is because KILZ acts as a primer, not a mold removing chemicals like chlorine or vinegar, which effectively kills mold on different surfaces.

Mold is also more difficult to remove because it grows behind walls, whereas Mildew only grows on the surface.

Using KILZ may not entirely kill Mildew, but it does strengthen the surface enough to prevent it from growing again.

Spraying KILZ will eventually seal off porous surfaces, making them useless for mold growth. Furthermore, KILZ is widely available in all markets, so you should have no trouble finding one.

Does KILZ kill Mold on Drywall?

KILZ has a specialized product only for drywall named “KILZ PVA DRYWALL PRIMER.” It is fast, and it is a water-based primer. It helps give a smooth finish to drywall. But, KILZ also works great with oil-based primers and helps cover the dark patches of Mold and Mildew on the drywall. 

Mold or Mildew on drywall can be cleaned using chemicals like borax or vinegar/baking soda solution. However, painting over mold or applying KILZ primer will not completely solve the problem.

It will avoid further Mold growth on the specific surface, but we can’t say that it is the optimal solution for preventing mold growth. It might grow beneath the paint and eventually start cracking the drywall and worsening the case. 

So, it is recommended to get rid of the Mold or Mildew that you can see on the drywall before using KILZ primer. If you live somewhere with high humidity or moisture, you need to remove the mold using DIY techniques. After removing the mold, you can use the KILZ primer and paint to finish the work. 

It is best to use bleach or borax to kill the Mold or Mildew growing on drywall. But make sure not to overuse the chemical as bleach has a high PH level and may damage the drywall from inside.

In extreme situations, the only option may be to replace the drywall. The best way to prevent such situations in the future is to keep damp areas as dry as possible by using ventilation daily. This, along with keeping it clean, will help avoid these issues in the first place.

Which KILZ product helps in Killing Mildew and Mold

Because of its versatility, the KILZ Mold & Mildew Resistant Interior and Exterior primer is one of the best primers you can use. After your walls have been treated and the mold removed, you can apply KILZ to the surface to prevent mold or Mildew from growing again.

As explained previously, these products are specifically not to kill mold but rather to paint over mold that has been treated or to prevent mold on clean surfaces. It’s a stain-fighting compound that may help cover even the most unsightly mold development in your home.

The KILZ products also have minimal VOC emissions, so they won’t give out any unpleasant odors while you’re painting and won’t harm your health.

If you paint over the mold that hasn’t been treated, it will come back, and your paint or wallpaper will begin to bubble, fracture, or chip.

Can KILZ kill Black Mold?

KILZ is not anti-mold paint. Using KILZ will prevent further mold growth. But it is not promised. KILZ paints and primers are best to use if you live in a high humidity area. 

After removing the mold, you need to ensure that the stains are covered.

If you want to minimize further mold growth, you can apply a second layer of primer. For more affected results, you can use latex paints that are mold-resistant over the primer. Using these techniques, you cannot completely kill the mold without using proper mold-killing products. 

But you can avoid further growth of Mold and Mildew. However, it is recommended to remove the mold first before applying primer and paints. 

Zinsser Vs KILZ Primer

Zinsser primer is a white primer for painting. Zinsser primer is manufactured from various substances, and there are several types of Zinsser primer.

Moreover, Zinsser’s 1-2-3 Bullseye You don’t have to sand before using primer but sand a bit on any high-gloss surfaces if you want the best grip.

On the other hand, Zinsser paint primer is perfect for various painting chores due to its thick and robust priming coating.

In comparison to Zinsser, KILZ has a distinct odor. On the other hand, KILZ primer isn’t particularly thick. KILZ priming paint is thinner than Zinsser primer, making it easier to stir and apply the primer application.

You won’t need to apply as many coats because the product is thicker. Some efforts will only require one Zinsser layer. In terms of consistency, Zinsser is a superior product. It also receives bonus points for not bleed-through.

If you want thinner and easier to stir, it is best to use KILZ. As a result, the product is a suitable choice for newcomers. It’s simple to stir, but it’s also simple to disseminate.

KILZ primer is a water-based paint primer. Because of its water-based nature, the primer covering is known to be thin. KILZ primer is popular for interior use because of its minimal fumes, and it can be easily applied on drywall and other surfaces.

KILZ primer can block stains such as oil, hide cracks due to moisture, tannin, ink, pencil markings, and other everyday indoor and household messes.

For stain removal outside, KILZ primer is not suggested. KILZ is also a high-hiding composition with a lighter, thicker consistency for better clarity.

KILZ Original Primer, like all other oil-based primers, has a strong bad smell, so if you’re using a KILZ Primer, pick for the newer top-quality water-based primer, or KILZ Max has little to no odor. When applied in two coats to 2 separate walls in the same room, Original KILZ Primer shows greater bleed-through, whereas Zinsser gave superior coverage.

Mold Killing Primer for Wood

KILZ primers for wood that can be used both inside and outside. They provide excellent coverage and can effectively seal the surface. As a result, they are ideal for exterior wood, frequently exposed to moisture and various weather conditions. 

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks, such as that they do not allow for breathability, making them a poor choice for drywall or plaster. Furthermore, KILZ does not have a specific product for wood.

What kills Mold — Ways to Kill mold without using toxic chemicals

Rather than using harsh chemicals to remove molds, such as bleach or borax, there are natural ways to kill mold with household products that will not harm your family and the environment. These products are non-toxic as well.

1- Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best solutions when killing mold. After spraying the vinegar on the mold, let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing the mold with a brush. If the vinegar odor irritates you, add a few drops of essential oil. Otherwise, the strong smell will be gone after a few hours. Vinegar is a natural, safe, mild acid that can kill up to 82 percent of mold species. 

Furthermore, unlike bleach, it does not emit hazardous fumes. If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray it on the surface and leave it for a few minutes. To keep the surface mold-free, repeat the process every few days.

2- Baking Soda

Baking soda is a non-toxic, natural product that can be used to clear mold growth. After mixing baking soda in water or using a water-vinegar solution, spray over the surface. Because vinegar and baking soda destroy distinct forms of mold, they are widely used to treat mold issues.

Allow it to rest for a few minutes before cleaning with a moist towel and wiping it down. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant that is also quite gentle, so this solution will clean mold without leaving a foul smell.

3- Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a suitable alternative to bleach for eradicating mold since it is non-toxic and does not affect the environment. It does not leave behind poisonous residue or produce toxic odors like bleach.

You may also mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in a container and keep them in the dark spot. Hydrogen peroxide effectively kills mold on clothes, flooring, bathroom fixtures, walls, and kitchen appliances.

Mold must be removed. Spray a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide bottle on the mold surface and let it on for 10 to 15 minutes. After a while, you will find that the mold is readily removed. Then, clean and wipe away any leftover mold spores with a moist cloth.

Does Oil-based KILZ kill mold?

Oil-based paints are much thicker than water-based paints. However, the formula is still the same, and it even dries more quickly when compared to water-based primer/paints. 

As far killing Mold with KILZ oil-based products is not possible if the mold on the surface already exists. But the KILZ has a mold-resistant coating that prevents any further growth of mold. But, if you don’t scrape off the already existing mold on the surface and straight-up apply the paint on it. You will see chipping and cracks in the area soon. 

These oil-based products only work if the wall is clean and has no mold/mildew. Suppose your wall is clean and has no mold at all. KILZ primer will block stains no matter how tough they are—as it has EPA registered fungicidal protective coating that protects from mold and mildew growth and stains like water, ink, and permanent marker stains. 

Does KILZ kill mold spores?

Many people believe that Kilz “kills” or removes mold. This is not the case. If you use Kilz to cover up the mold, you are allergic to, the mold will still be an issue.

Mold spores and mycotoxins are incredibly small, considerably smaller than the molecules of dried Kilz paint, allowing them to get through and cause issues. Painting over mold exacerbates the problem.

Mold is difficult to remove once it has settled itself completely. It can turn into a black mold that is even tougher to remove and also emits toxic fumes that are harmful or inhaled.

Most mold treatments help kill mold on the surface, but after it has entered a layer, such as drywall, the best you can do is make it obsolete. In most situations, fast-drying oil-based primers like Kilz can seal it well enough to prevent it from absorbing enough moisture to re-grow, but only after you’ve killed as much of it as possible. If the humidity comes within the wall, it will continue to return until you remedy whatever is causing it.