Painting Over Dark Colors Tips to Get Smooth Even Coverage Faster

Painting over dark colors can be difficult sometimes, particularly due to the old color bleeding through the new. It is not impossible, though, and with the right technique, it can actually be quite easy to do.

In this article, we will outline the importance of primer, discuss what the best primer, paint color, and finishes are, and provide you with some painting techniques in order to help you successfully cover up your dark walls.

Why Dark Colors Are Hard to Cover

Dark colored walls are hard to cover, especially when painting them over with a light color, because the darker color is typically too strong and bleeds through the new paint or causes the new paint to look different from its intended color. However, with the right approach it can be done successfully.

Importance of Using Primer

Using a primer for dark walls is crucial to help cover the dark paint and create a neutral base that the new lighter paint can go on top of. This base makes sure that the new paint stays vibrant and true to its intended color.

In addition, using primer minimizes the risk of the dark color bleeding through and promotes even coverage of the new color. It can also enhance the durability of the new paint, meaning that your new wall color will last longer.

Choosing the Right Primer Type

The type of primer you choose can make a real difference in the final results. A high quality tinted white or grey primer are both great choices because they will create the best neutral base for the new color to be painted on top of.

Selecting the Best Paint Color and Finish

In terms of choosing your new paint color and finish, it is typically best to go with a soft neutral that has warm undertones, such as beige or light grey. These colors reflect light, which can help to provide better coverage for the dark paint underneath and make the room feel bigger overall. Try to avoid pure, untinted white as it has little pigment, which means it offers poor coverage.

For the finish, either an eggshell/satin or matte would work best. Both of these options are great at hiding surface imperfections and make for a smooth finish all around.

Proper Painting Techniques for Coverage

When repainting dark walls, the best way to get the most coverage and even distribution is to roll the paint onto the wall in wide and large “W” or “M” shapes. Start at the top and work your way down, maintaining steady pressure on the roller for consistent application. For corners and edges that a roller can’t reach or cover properly, use a brush to carefully fill in those areas.

For additional paint coverage tips to help you get the best looking walls, take note of the following:

Number of Coats Required

In total, you will need at least 4 coats of paint: 2 for the primer and 2 for the new color. The new color may need more, but that decision is up to you.

Avoiding Streaks and Patchiness

Using the “W” or “M” technique will help you avoid streaks and patchiness because it breaks up any texture marks or straight lines for the most uniform look and coverage.

Drying Time and Recoat Tips

Drying time varies depending on the type of paint used, so make sure that you read the instructions on the paint can for exact times and follow that precisely as it is extremely important that the paint is completely dry before the next coat is applied.

When recoating the primer, carefully inspect the wall for any areas where the dark color is bleeding through and specifically apply the second coat to those areas.

For recoating the new paint color, simply apply the second coat exactly as you did the first.

When Professional Painting Saves Time

Repainting dark walls may be easy to do yourself, but getting professional painting services can ultimately save you time, effort, and stress.

A professional painting team, like the one here at Prestige Painting & Contracting, ensures a premium paint job and takes care of protecting your furniture and floors, alongside cleaning up any mess left after the work is completed, so you don’t have to worry about anything.