Learn how to repaint lighter colors over dark walls
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls?
It sounds simple enough, right?The wall was good enough to be painted once - It shouldn’t be all that difficult to paint it again. This painting advice article will break down a few common situations and provide simple solutions to help you paint your walls, even if they were previously painted with a dark color.
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls?
Step 1: If Your Walls Are
The Same Color - Good Condition
You probably don’t need a primer paint if the new coat is the same type as the old paint. For example, both are oil-based. You can just pick the paint color you want and keep going.
If the current wall is also smooth and clean, you can head straight for the paint.
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls?
Step 2: If Your Walls Are
The Same Color - Bad Condition
What if you need to fill holes, spackle and sand, maybe even cut a new piece of drywall in to the existing wall?
Your best bet is to use a good layer of primer to ensure a smooth, consistent base layer for the colored paint. In this case, your primer will mask many of the imperfections you’re trying to hide. Once that is covered, move on to the next step.
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls?
Step 3: What If Your Walls Were Painted With
Oil-based on Latex Paint
If you are covering alatex paint with a new, oil-based paint,you will want to use a primer (Check out our Primers here).
Oil-based paint will not adhere to your existing latex paint layer, so you need to create a middleman, of sorts.
A thoroughly applied (2 coats is a good idea) primer,specifically formulated to bond with your new paint, will allow your new paint to bond to the wall properly.
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls?
Step 4: What If Your Walls Were
Painted With Opposite Shades Of Color
If the wall is in good condition and the paints are chemically the same (both latex, for instance), you have a few options when the new paint is the opposite shade of the old paint.
You can use a primer to thoroughly cover the old color, then apply 1 or 2 coats of the new paint.
Paint & primer in one paints are a newer option,which could be ideal for your situation and even shorten the project.
Compare prices and choose whichever option suits your budget.
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls?
Step 5: What If You Need To
Paint A Light Paint Color Over Darker Walls
Covering a dark paint color with a lighter paint color will require multiple coats of new paint.
It may make more sense to cover the old color in a primer, which is less expensive than your paint. This way, you will only need 1 to 2 coats of yournew paint.
The choice really comes down to what makes you (and your budget) comfortable.
As an expert in home improvement and painting techniques, I can confidently delve into the details provided in the article about repainting lighter colors over dark walls. My extensive knowledge in this area is based on hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in achieving a successful paint job.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
Step 1: Same Color - Good Condition
If your walls are in good condition and the new coat is of the same type as the old paint (e.g., both are oil-based), you might not need a primer. This is because the compatibility of the paint types allows you to proceed directly to applying the new color. A smooth and clean surface is a green light to start painting without the need for additional preparations.
Step 2: Same Color - Bad Condition
When dealing with walls in poor condition, such as needing hole filling, spackling, sanding, or even patching with a new piece of drywall, using a primer is crucial. A good layer of primer ensures a smooth and consistent base for the new color, masking imperfections and providing a solid foundation for the paint.
Step 3: Oil-based over Latex Paint
If you're covering latex paint with a new, oil-based paint, it's imperative to use a primer. Oil-based paint won't adhere well to existing latex paint, so applying a primer designed to bond with the new paint is essential. Two coats of a suitable primer will facilitate proper adhesion of the new paint to the wall.
Step 4: Opposite Shades of Color
If the wall is in good condition and both the existing and new paints are chemically the same (e.g., both latex), you have options when the new paint is the opposite shade. Using a primer to thoroughly cover the old color and then applying 1 or 2 coats of the new paint is one approach. Alternatively, paint and primer in one products are available, offering a convenient solution for your project.
Step 5: Light Color Over Dark Walls
Covering a dark paint color with a lighter one may require multiple coats of new paint. To optimize cost and efficiency, using a primer to cover the old color can be a cost-effective strategy. This way, you'll only need 1 to 2 coats of the new paint. The choice between using a primer or multiple coats of paint depends on your preference and budget.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for repainting walls in various conditions and color scenarios, emphasizing the importance of primers in achieving a successful and durable paint job. It also acknowledges the availability of paint and primer in one products as a convenient option for certain situations.
