How to Get Kilz Paint off Skin?

Randy Charles
Professional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more

I introduced my children to paint during the lockdown to keep them busy and entertained. It helped me avoid their disturbances and destructions while working from home. But I realized they were using Kilz primer for finger and body painting.

My younger daughter started complaining of skin irritation after hours of Kilz paint usage. I realized that learning how to get Kilz paint off skin was a daunting experience. It was through costly trials and errors that I managed to remove it.

I wrote this guide to share my tips to remove Kilz paint from your skin. But the removable method depends on the type of Kilz paint. Removing water-based Kilz paint off the skin is easier than the oil-based counterpart.

How Toxic Is Kilz Primer?

Kilz primer is a low volatile organic compound paint with a fast-drying characteristic. This water-based multi-surface primer can be top-coated with latex or oil-based paints.

Kilz paint has excellent sealing and adhesion properties ideal for interior and exterior application. But use this product in a highly ventilated space to avoid dizziness.

How Toxic Is Kilz Primer

So, is Kilz paint toxic? No. The primer is safe for humans and pets due to the low volatile organic compounds. But inhaling the fumes can cause dizziness and respiratory irritation.

I recommend opening the windows and doors when painting your interior space. The best option is to use Kilz paint outdoors to avoid complications.

The toxicity of Kilz primer depends on an individual health condition. Some people may experience headaches, asthmatic reactions, short breath, and nausea.

Pregnant women should not use Kilz paint for recreational purposes. The activity usually involves sniffing or inhaling the paint solvent, which is harmful to pregnant women.

Excessive exposure to Kilz paint fumes will increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defect. I recommend avoiding kilz primer usage during your pregnancy period.

Acrylic paints are safer for pregnant women and people with health complications. But water-based paints are safer seen they do not contain any chemicals.

If the kilz paint spills on your skin, wash with water and soap immediately. If the skin irritation develops or persists, seek medical attention from a professional physician.

Flush your eyes with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes in case of the primer splats in them. If the symptom of overexposure persists, get medical assistance.

Have A Look: How to Protect Acrylic Painting?

How to Get Kilz Paint off Skin?

Kilz paint can either be oil-based or water-based. Removing oil-based paint from the skin can be more challenging than the water-based counterpart.

But the methods of getting Kilz primer off skin are the same regardless of the paint type. Below are the quickest ways to get Kilz paint off your skin:

How To Get Kilz Paint Off Skin

Paint Wipes

These are professional wipes meant for removing dry paint on the skin. Many professional painters use them to get paint off skin with ease.

The moisture contains certain ingredients ideal for dissolving dry paint on the skin. Baby wipes are a low-budget alternative to paint wipes.

Baking Soda

Mix a half cup of baking soda with olive oil and apply to the skin. Allow the mixture to sit for one minute, and use a toothbrush to scrub the paint off the skin.

Scrubbing the paint using this method will be tedious and will require patience. Do not scrub hard since it will result in skin trauma.

Smear Mayo on the Skin

Mayo contains certain fats and oils ideal for pulling paint from the skin. Apply the mayo on the skin with dry paint and allow it to sit for one minute.

Use a soapy rag to scrub the skin and remove the paint. The method may or may not be effective to remove the kilz paint in a day.

Vapor Rub

Vapor rub is known for clearing the sinus passages. But the application of this chest rub on the skin will help remove the dry paint.

Apply the vapor rub on the skin and allow it to sit for a few minutes then use a rag to wipe it. The rub contains a small amount of turpentine to clear off the paint.

Apply Sugar

Apply sugar to the Kilz paint directly and scrub with a damp rag. Keep splashing the spot with water while scrubbing.

Scrub for a short time and see if it is working. Over-scrubbing may peel the skin and cause severe pain.

Soapy Water

Mix warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap and try to remove the kilz paint off your skin. Dip a rag in the soap water and start scrubbing the skin.

Apply a little pressure to avoid causing skin irritation and trauma. The paint will loosen up after 15 seconds. But this method is effective when the kilz paint is still wet.

Baby Oil

Apply a squirt of baby oil on the skin with dry kilz paint and rub to loosen it up. Dip a rag in soapy water and try scrubbing the spot.

Baby oil ingredients help weakens the bond holding the paint on your skin. Repeat the process until all the paint is removed.

Nail Polish Remover

Use a cotton swab to apply nail polish remover on the skin with dry kilz paint. It will dissolve the sticky material from your skin.

Cover the paint with nail polish before scrubbing the area. Rinse the spot and reapply the nail polish remover to eliminate all the stains.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil or olive oil is suitable to remove any primer product from the skin. Apply the oil and let it sit for one minute.

Use a rag or soft brush dipped in soapy water to rub the stains from your skin. Try essential oil if the vegetable or olive oil is not working.

Mix Salt and Oil

Mix some salt with water in a bowl and apply it to your skin. Rub the area to create a little friction, and start pulling up the paint from your skin.

Massage the skin with water and oil concoction and allow it to sit for one minute. Rub the area with a damp rag to remove all the stains.

Final Thoughts

Kilz paint on your skin will block the pores and trigger irritations or allergic reactions. Learning how to get kilz paint off your skin will save you from potential health hazards.

Do not use a pure form of turpentine or paint remover to undertake the task. These compounds contain some chemical ingredients that might send you to the hospital.

I recommend the above methods to remove kilz paint from your skin. These methods are proven to be effective and reliable.

If this information was helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family. Remember to leave your experience dealing with kilz paint in the comment section.

Randy CharlesProfessional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.

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