Kilz for painting walls

We're getting ready to move into our new place and there are two room that we know we would like to lighten up (they are currently quite dark colours).  In the states I've used a paint product called Kilz which will mute out any dark paint before you put the lighter colour you prefer in just one coat.

Does anyone know if a similar product exists in the UK?  Someone suggested the only ways to deal with it are to paint many layers of white under what you eventually paint or to cover the walls in white paper and then paint.

Any suggestions?

my boyfriend's a painter.  he said that there isn't anything like that here in the UK.  he suggested that you paint a very thick white undercoat on (don't thin down the paint).  then two colors of whatever color you want.  sorry for the negative answer.

the other suggestion is one that you suggested- line the walls with lining paper then paint over.

Actually, you can get something very similar to Kilz. Zinzer make a product called 123. They sell it in the US too. It's a water based primer like Kilz2. We use it alot, much easier than undercoat.

There is also another brand similar to the Zinzer one.. be aware though both are EXPENSIVE.

Both are imported from the USA, but they make life so much easier.  Many UK painters are not familiar with it as it has not been around that long.  Really it comes down to the cost versus time issue.

We live in a terraced Victorian and spent plenty of money on Zinzer as it is a great stain block and it also serves to seal new plaster walls/repairs.