Painting Over Painted Walls: How It’s Done (the Right Way)
Doing a much-needed home aesthetic upgrade? Follow along with everything you need to know about painting over painted walls for your project.
If you want to avoid peeling and rolling on neverending coats, there are a few things to consider. So, before you start popping paint cans, these steps can save you money, energy, and several trips to a paint store!
Let’s get started:
Prepping for Painting over Painted Walls?
Walls with a little history take a beating! Before you begin brushing, you’ll need a clean canvas. Dust and wash the desired surface, and fill any nasty nail holes or cracks that have cropped up over the years with an appropriate filler.
Be sure to sand away any excess filler and wiping away any residue. Any debris remaining is going to negatively impact how well the paint sticks to your surface. This is especially important when painting over painted walls.
It’s Time to Prime!
Depending on which color you’re looking to cover, priming may not be absolutely necessary. If the colors are similar enough you can skip this step, but if you’re looking to cover a gnarly neon green, a good primer is in order.
Additionally, if you’re using an oil-based paint, it’s going to have trouble sticking to an existing latex-based surface.
A high-quality primer will help cut down on coats once the painting begins.
If you’re questioning whether a primer is required for your job, consult a professional or err on the side of caution.
Gather Your Gear
Unless you plan on fingerpainting, the first coat begins with a good brush and a solid roller. Your local paint store should have exactly what you’re after, but if you’re still scratching your head, we’ve got your shopping list ready.
Here are your essentials!
- Paint tray
- Paint Brush
- Roller
- Paint Edger
- Floor and furniture protectors
- Ladder (depending on your space)
Investing in quality tools now will save your sanity on this job and the next!
The First Coat
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived! You’ve washed, filled, and primed and now the real work begins! Generally, expect to only need a couple of coats. Depending on the quality of your paint, that can vary.
If you’re painting over painted walls, and the previous painters weren’t as quality-focused as you, some additional touch up may be required.
Covering stray paint marks on the ceilings and moldings can prove to be time-consuming and costly and may require revisiting your can of primer.
Be sure to allow individual coats to dry before beginning the next coat.
DI… Why?
Painting over painted walls isn’t easy and for a beginner, the price of entry can be costly. Your first time may not yield the best results and your inner perfectionist may have you touching up weeks after your “last” coat.
If you’re still tired of the same four walls but want to feel good about the final product, come to the professionals for all your residential painting or commercial needs. And keep reading our blog for more helpful painting tips and insights.