Painting over dark colours can be a challenging task, but with the right preparation and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, fresh new look for your space. This is what Scholars Edge Painting believes you need to know to successfully paint over dark walls.

Prepare the Surface

Proper surface preparation is crucial when painting over dark colours. This step ensures that the new paint adheres well and looks smooth:

  • Clean the Walls: Remove any dirt, grease, or dust from the walls. This helps the paint adhere better.
  • Repair Any Damage: Fill in holes, cracks, and dents with spackle or joint compound. Once dry, sand the repairs smooth.
  • Sand the Surface: Lightly sand the walls to create a slightly rough surface that the new paint can grip onto. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for this purpose.

Use a High-Quality Primer

A primer is essential for covering dark colours and creating a neutral base for your new paint. Primers help with adhesion and can block stains, ensuring the new colour looks even and vibrant:

  • Choose the Right Primer: Use a high-quality, stain-blocking primer. If you’re covering a very dark colour or a surface with stains, consider a primer with a built-in stain blocker.
  • Tinted Primer: For best results, ask the paint store to tint your primer to a shade close to your final paint colour. This will help reduce the number of topcoats needed.
  • Apply the Primer: Use a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Ensure even coverage, and let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choose the Right Paint

Selecting the right type and quality of paint can make a significant difference in the final outcome:

  • High-Quality Paint: Invest in high-quality paint (such as the Sherwin-Williams brand) with good coverage properties. This may cost more upfront but will save you time and effort in the long run.
  • Paint Finish: The finish you choose (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) can affect coverage. Matte finishes may require more coats, while higher sheen finishes like satin or semi-gloss often cover better.

Apply Multiple Coats

Painting over dark colours typically requires more than one coat of paint. Be prepared to apply at least two coats for full coverage:

  • First Coat: Apply the first coat of paint evenly using a roller and brush. Don’t worry if the dark colour shows through; this is normal after the first coat.
  • Drying Time: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. Follow the paint manufacturer’s recommended drying times.
  • Second Coat: Apply the second coat of paint, ensuring even coverage. If necessary, apply a third coat for complete coverage and a uniform finish.

Techniques for Even Coverage

Using proper painting techniques can ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish:

  • Roller Technique: Use a “W” or “M” motion with the roller to distribute paint evenly on the wall. This helps avoid roller marks and ensures consistent coverage.
  • Brush Technique: For edges and corners, use a high-quality angled brush. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes to avoid visible brush marks.

Feathering: When using a brush and roller together, feather the edges of the brushed areas to blend them seamlessly with the rolled areas.

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