Don't Let a Ceiling Stain Rain on Your Parade

KILZ(R) Stainblocking Ceiling Paint Blocks Water Stains, Uses Color-Changing Functionality

Things are looking up for America's homeowners. Every year, a few inches of water causes thousands of dollars of damage to homes*, including leaving tough-to-hide stains on ceilings. However, there's a new way to put a stop to persistently water-stained ceilings.

New KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling paint is primer-based, so it can block light to medium water stains and prevent them from bleeding through and ruining the look of a ceiling. In addition, the new KILZ paint is the first ceiling paint to combine a color-changing function with stainblocking power, making it easy to see paint during application since the color changes from pink (to ensure no area is left unpainted) to bright white.

"We've combined our more than 30 years of experience in developing great primers with new technology to make it even easier to get the job done with professional-grade results," said Jason Long, brand manager for KILZ primers. "KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling paint is the best of both worlds -- an effective primer merged with a smart, color-changing paint."

When it comes to coping with water damage, homeowners in dry and dusty climates are just as vulnerable as those living along lakes and oceans. In fact, one-third of American homeowners have encountered water damage**.

More than 10,000 thunderstorms drench the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service, bringing the potential for leaky ceilings and water stains to make themselves unwelcome guests in homes across the country. Repairing a water-stained ceiling, in particular, can be a tricky task. Painting overhead, on a high surface can make applying an even, professional-looking coat of paint a challenge.

Into Every Life, A Little Rain Must Fall

Even with the best preparation, sometimes ceilings, walls and floors are doused with an unexpected surge of water. To repair the damage with professional-caliber results, the experts at KILZ brand primers and paints have compiled a recommended list of rain repair tips to take a home from damp to dynamic.

--  Stay High and Dry:  Drywall is extremely porous and can damage easily
    when exposed to excess amounts of water. One way to protect drywall from
    moisture intrusion is to install it slightly above the floor and cover the
    gap with molding.

--  Stop the Stains:  Standard paint is no match for water stains, which
    can easily bleed through over time.  Prevent unsightly yellow and brown
    stains on your ceiling with a stainblocking primer and quality topcoat
    paint.  Or, to cover two steps in one, choose a product such as KILZ
    Stainblocking Ceiling paint, which is a stainblocking primer and quality
    paint in one.

--  Inspect the Exterior:  Water and moisture can penetrate outside walls,
    doors and windows if they're not regularly maintained.  Repair or replace
    caulk, punctured siding, window frames and door seals to help prevent water
    leakage.

--  Tackle Water Spots:  Check for moisture spots on your walls by looking
    for peeling paint, holes and rotted window or door sills.  For light water
    spots, first remove any mold with a specialized mold and mildew stain-
    cleaner and removal product, many of which can be found in local hardware
    or paint stores.  Then apply a water-based primer, like KILZ® Premium
    primer, to seal mold and water stains so they won't bleed through new
    paint.  If you're tackling a heavily stained area, use an oil-based
    product, such as KILZ® Original primer, to seal in the stains.  The
    result is a smoother, more consistent paint surface.

--  Manage Mighty Mildew:  Mold and mildew flourish in damp places.
    Mildew feeds on fabric, wallpaper, wood or any organic surface that is
    exposed to excessive water and in areas with poor ventilation or no direct
    sunlight.  When mildew is present kill, clean and remove stains with a mold
    and mildew-stain cleaner and removal product.  Then seal the area with a
    stainblocking primer, like KILZ Premium primer that resists mold and mildew
    growth on the paint film.  Let the primer dry and apply a fresh coat of
    paint.
    

About the KILZ Brand

Introduced in 1974, KILZ® primers are the original stainblocking primers for professionals and do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Designed to tackle the toughest stains, KILZ primers are available in multiple formulas. For more information, call 866-PRIMER-1 or log on to www.kilz.com. KILZ® Casual Colors® paint offers a full line of premium quality paints with a one-coat guarantee. Comments, questions or details about the one-coat guarantee can be directed to 866-ASK-KILZ or www.casualcolors.com. HAMMERITE® Rust Cap® paint is a long-lasting quick dry enamel that lets you paint right over rust, with no primer needed. Visit www.rustcap.com for more information. KILZ® primers, KILZ® Casual Colors® paint and HAMMERITE® Rust Cap® paint are products of Masterchem Industries LLC, which is based in St. Louis, Mo.

* National Flood Insurance Program

** Chubb Group of Insurance Companies