Kilz Primer Over Mastic: When to Use and How to Apply

Mastic has a wide range of applications in construction, so finding it on your walls or floors shouldn’t come as a surprise.

You’re probably eager to hide it, whether it’s asbestos-containing black mastic or regular mastic.

Primers are an excellent way to seal surfaces, as you may already be aware. And can you use KILZ primer instead of mastic, even though there are many different kinds of primers? That will be the primary subject of our article today.

Is KILZ Primer Better Than Mastic?

There are many surfaces on which KILZ primer can be applied. Macrocosmic is not one of them, though.

It’s evident from reading the KILZ primer’s description that it’s not meant to be used over adhesives or glues. Since mastic is an adhesive, applying KILZ will probably not work.

If painting a wall or a floor is necessary, take off the mastic, prime the surface with KILZ, and then paint over it.

What Occurs If You Use Kilz Primer Instead of Mastic?

Applying KILZ over primer will result in two things. The mastic will not dry; instead, the KILZ will reactivate it.

The result will be a sticky material that is unsuitable for painting. KILZ is a primer with an oil base. For this reason, it reactivates the adhesive and bleeds through when applied over mastic.

It makes sense that using KILZ primer instead of mastic would seem like a simpler fix. But the outcomes are invariably disastrous. Therefore, look into alternative sealing mastic options just to be safe.

Will the Asbestos in Black Mastic Be Sealed by Kilz Primer?

Primer is usually applied over mastic for the primary purpose of hiding asbestos. So, is it possible to seal the asbestos within the black mastic using KILZ primer? Not really.

KILZ primer will, as previously stated, reactivate the adhesive in mastic. The asbestos will therefore seep through it.

The best course of action is to remove the mastic entirely if you believe it contains asbestos in your floor. Applying KILZ to it won’t make a difference. However, there will still be a risk to your health from asbestos in your home.

Are There Any Other Ways To Deal With Mastic Except Using KILZ Primer?

Are you looking for alternative ways to solve your mastic problem since KILZ primer doesn’t work well for sealing mastic? Here are the top three methods for handling mastic that don’t involve KILZ primer:

• Apply a Mastic Eliminator

It’s the most laborious and time-consuming approach, but it works wonders for Mastic. A mastic remover can help you get rid of mastic if it’s on your walls or floors.

The market is flooded with mastic removers. Goo Gone and 3M adhesive cleaner are two excellent examples. These two products will help you remove mastic from your floors.

Please be aware that you need to test the mastic for asbestos before removing it. To prevent contamination, it should be cleaned by a qualified company if it contains asbestos.

• Use an overlay of cement.

Most often, flaws in floors are fixed with cement overlays. They can, however, also be used to mask mastic.

After drying, the thin layer of cement will become a rough, paintable surface. The fact that cement overlay is extremely durable and can be used to improve the floor’s appearance is one of its benefits.

• Apply a unique primer, such as Perfect Primer.

Perfect Primer is a well-known brand of primer that is used for sealing mastic. This smooth, silky face primer completely seals the mastic and forms a strong bond.

Perfect Primer is alkyd-based, unlike other primers, so it won’t reactivate the adhesives in mastic. As of right now, Perfect Primer is the only primer that I am aware of that works over mastic.

The majority of primers behave in a manner similar to that of KILZ and should be used cautiously in such circumstances. Another great product for sealing asbestos in mastic is Perfect Primer.

Which Substrates Are Compatible With KILZ?

You are probably wondering what you can use KILZ on now that we have eliminated the possibility that it cannot be used over mastic. The good news is that KILZ primers come in different formulas made for different types of surfaces.

For example, KILZ primer designed for metal substrates is available. Another KILZ primer made for plastic or drywall is also available.

Thus, choose the substrate you want to use KILZ primer on before you go shopping. Then seek out a formula designed specifically for that material.

Additionally, be aware that KILZ primers serve multiple purposes. However, these are restricted to a specific set of substrates.

Does Mastic Affect KILZ Primer?

If you apply KILZ primer over mastic, you should anticipate a reaction. KILZ is based on either water or oil, as was previously mentioned. Such a primer reactivates adhesion when applied over mastic.

Because mastic is dry, some people believe it cannot react with other products. However, the exact opposite occurs.

Mastic and KILZ will react, turning the mixture sticky. Painting won’t be possible on this surface, even if it eventually dries.

Should you apply KILZ on top of mastic by mistake and it becomes sticky, you will need to remove both and reintroduce a mastic remover.

Mastic that is black in color may become white or ashy. If asbestos is present, there’s a significant chance that its particles will leak into the environment during this reaction.

Can Foot Traffic Be Handled by KILZ Primer Over Mastic?

It’s important to assess your floor’s durability before using any primer. KILZ primer is resilient enough to bear heavy foot traffic on other substrates.

But because of the reaction that takes place, it will easily scrape off when applied over mastic. It will eventually become worn down, particularly if it is placed in a busy area.

In what amount of time will KILZ dry over mastic?

On suggested substrates, KILZ dries in about one hour. However, because KILZ primer reactivates the mastic, it might take longer than a day. It will also stay tacky for a few more days after it dries.

Additionally, how many KILZ primer coats you apply over mastic affects how long it takes to dry. It will take longer the more coats you apply.

Is It Better to Hire a Professional to Apply Kilz Primer Than Mastic?

KILZ primer will not stick to mastic, not even if you work with a skilled contractor. It will not last long because it will reactivate the mastic.

The best thing about working with a contractor is that they will advise you on the dangers of using mastic instead of KILZ primer. Thus, you will take care of this issue before it’s too late.

But, hiring a novice contractor who is unaware of how mastic responds to KILZ could get you into a lot of trouble.

Can KILZ Primer Aid in the Adhesion of Tile to Mastic?

Tile adhesion to mastic can be facilitated by the primer’s presence. You must, however, wait until it dries completely. Additionally, you should remove any suspected asbestos-containing mastic before tiling.