If you have dark painted walls that need a makeover, you may feel intimidated by the task. Painting over dark colors like navy, charcoal gray, or burgundy can be tricky. The original pigment often bleeds through new lighter paint coats. And it typically takes more intense prep work and specialty painting products to cover them completely. But armed with the right information and materials, you can successfully transform those darkened rooms. Here’s everything you need to know for flawless results.
Painting over existing dark paint may require applying multiple coats to achieve full coverage. So before investing a lot of time and effort, first decide if you’re up for a more labor-intensive process or would rather hire a professional painter. Either way, follow this comprehensive guide for smooth sailing from prepping to priming all the way to the finishing touches.
Why Painting Over Dark Walls is Challenging
Trying to cover deep color walls with a brighter or lighter shade of paint often leads to disappointment. No matter how many layers you apply, the former pigment just seems to reappear. This bleed through happens because darker paint contains more tint. Tint refers to the pigment that gives the paint its rich hue. The more tint a formulation has, the deeper its coloring and the harder it is to conceal.
Dark Colors Show Through New Paint More Than Light Colors
Choosing a lighter or brighter color requires blocking out the previous dark shade. Unfortunately, lighter paint is inherently more translucent. So that rich crimson or chocolate brown seeps through. And obtaining full coverage takes persisting through additional paint coats.
Often Requires Multiple Coats of Paint for Coverage
Speaking of additional coats, painting over dark colors typically involves at least three. When covering with lighter shade options, you first need to apply a layer of primer. Priming blanks out the surface so new paint doesn’t interact with old. Then two finish coats of your new selection completely seals the deal. And depending on the level of contrast between the original and new hues, sometimes a third finish layer is required.
Need Specialty Primer and Paint to Conceal Properly
Choosing the right painting products is paramount for concealing darker wall colors. Specialty primer formulations designed explicitly for blocking out deeper shades are crucial. They contain higher concentrations of resin and binders allowing them to obscure more effectively. And paint labeled “high hiding” offers greater pigment density for extra coverage capability.
Choose the Right Primer for Dark Walls
A primer’s job is to prep surfaces for painting by filling pores and evening absorption. Priming improves paint adhesion and durability. And specialty primers also prevent stains and prior colors from ruining new paint jobs. Using the correct version enables concealing those persistent darker background walls.
White Primer for Painting Over Walls Dark Colors and Going Lighter
When transitioning from darker walls to a lighter shade like soft green or tranquil blue, opt for white primer. The white basecoat establishes a blank neutral backdrop so the new color comes through cleanly without murky undertones.
Gray Primer for Going From Light Walls to a Darker Shade
For those switching up their wall colors in the other direction, from light to dark, gray primer is the choice. The gray establishes middle ground helping deep charcoal or navy paint take over the walls without requiring as many coats.
2 Coats of Primer Recommended to Prevent Bleed Through
No matter which primer shade you select, apply two full coats before painting. Less likely the remnants of older wall color will peak through the fresh coats minimizing any potential bleed. Allow each layer of primer to dry thoroughly before adding the next.
Use High-Quality Paint for the Best Results
Highest Grade Acrylic Paint Has the Best Coverage Capabilities
Upgrade to premium quality acrylic latex paint formulations when painting over dark walls. Higher grades contain more pigment solids that block existing colors better. Professional product lines provide superior hide and often require fewer layers too.
Acrylic Works As Well As Oil-Based Without the Fumes and Cleanup
Some people believe only oil-based paints offer enough opacity for effectively covering dark walls. But thanks to advances in acrylic technology, water-based latex paint now provides equivalent hiding power. And latex paint is significantly lower in odor and much easier to clean up after using.
Plan to Apply at Least 2 Coats of Paint Over Primed Walls
After diligently priming the walls, apply two finish coats allowing proper drying time in between. Adding that second completing layer guarantees your beautiful new wall color shines through beautifully without any peeking of the old hue.
Proper Wall Prep for Painting Over Dark Colors
Thoroughly prepping walls before painting is imperative regardless of the project. But ensuring surfaces are in prime condition takes on added importance when covering over darker paint. Taking time to fix imperfections means fresher coats look flawless.
Fill Cracks and Holes With Spackle to Smooth Surfaces
Scan walls for any cracks or small holes then fill using spackling paste. Applying spackle makes flaws disappear while also smoothing textures. Once dried, sand smooth for the optimal foundation.
Lightly Sand Glossy Areas So the Paint Can Adhere
Determine if existing paint has any glossy areas, especially if recently touched up or spot primed. For paint to stick correctly, degloss first by lightly sanding. Use fine 220 grit sandpaper to scuff sheen without removing actual color.
Wash Walls With Tsp Substitute to Remove Dirt and Oils
Finally, clean walls using a trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute cleaner. TSP removes accumulated dirt, oil, and grime so new paint bonds tightly. Just mix as directed, apply using a sponge then rinse clean.
When to Hire a Professional Painter
Some painting projects are manageable for novice DIYers to tackle. But attempting to conceal darker wall hues can prove tricky and tedious for many. If you value time over money or prefer perfectly executed results, consider hiring a painting pro.
For Specialty Wall Finishes Like Brick, Tile, or Heavy Textures
Covering uniquely finished or heavily textured walls like faux brick, tile, or severe knockdown requires finesse. Seasoned painters have the skills to pretreat surfaces so new paint sticks smoothly without globbing up.
If You Don’t Have the Time or Patience for a Big Project
Transforming dark walls yourself involves a lengthy prep and painting process. If you lack the time or persistence for a labor-intensive project, professionals finish faster without sacrificing quality.
To Spray Paint For Faster Coverage and a Smoother Finish
Spraying walls delivers paint faster with a seamless uniform appearance. But spray painting makes quite a mess requiring tarps and drop cloths. Paint crews have mobile spray equipment perfect for quickly achieving flawless disguising darker walls.
Choose the Right Paint Roller and Brushes
The products used to apply paint also factor into achieving ideal hide and coverage. Investing in quality roller covers and brushes specially designed for hiding darker colors is advantageous.
Use Angled Cutting Brushes for Edges and Corners
Precisely paint borders and corners using angled sash brushes. Their shaped design neatly cuts crisp lines in tight spaces better than square brushes.
Select Roller Nap for Smooth or Textured Wall Surfaces
Match roller nap size to the existing texture for optimum results. Use shorter naps for smooth drywall and longer shags for knocking down paint on rougher plaster or stucco.
High-Quality Rollers Apply Paint More Evenly for Better Coverage
Upgrade from basic roller covers to ones making with dense microfiber fabrics if painting over dark walls. Advanced materials hold and release more paint evening out application.
Paint in Sections for Better Coverage Control
Staying organized while painting over dark walls prevents accidentally missing spots and consistently applies enough coating thickness. Systematically working in sections makes both objectives easier.
Divide Walls Into 3-4 Foot Sections and Finish One at a Time
Mentally split larger wall expanses into smaller segments of about 3-4 feet. Work your way methodically across the room completing one section entirely before progressing.
Helps Prevent Lap Marks and Ensures Adequate Coat Thickness
Carefully covering manageable sized squares maintains wet edge resulting in seamless uniformity. And you can better gauge if each area has enough paint film build.
Let Each Section Dry Before Moving Onto the Next
Allow just painted segments to dry thoroughly before continuing. This prevents accidentally marring wet paint and establishes better adhesion applying subsequent layers.
Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Dark Walls
Preparing correctly and using the right painting supplies prevents many mistakes. But inexperience or rushing through steps can also undermine results when covering dark wall colors. Avoid these common errors for frustration and disappointment-free outcomes.
Not Cleaning Walls or Filling Imperfections First
Skipping essential prep like washing surfaces or sealing cracks and holes risks new paint failing. Taking time to ready walls prevents poor adhesion and uneven finishes.
Choosing Wrong Primer or Insufficient Paint Grade
Selecting inadequate primer unable to block out bold background color comes back to haunt you. Same for skimping on paint quality required for adequate hide.
Applying Paint Too Thin or Missing Spots
Failing to maintain proper coating thickness compromises coverage. And randomly missing areas or losing track of where you left off leaves dark colors peeking through.
How Long It Will Take to Paint Over Dark Colors
Transforming the deepest, boldest wall colors requires patience and planning. Completing all the recommended steps extends typical painting timelines some. But allows your vibrant new hue to shine.
2-3 Days With Proper Prep and Drying Time Between Coats
Tack on at least one extra day for essential wall preparation like patching and priming. Then account for thorough drying time between multiple paint coats. So a standard one day paint job becomes two or three.
Longer for Bigger Rooms or Detailed Prep Like Removing Wallpaper
Add more time for large room sizes needing extensive scaling and cutting in. Complicated prep like scraping off old wallpaper also lengthens time investments.
Cost to Professionally Paint Over Dark Walls
If attempting to conceal darker wall hues seems too daunting, hire professional painters. Their expertise delivers quicker, cleaner results without the frustration and uncertainty.
$200-500 for An Average Sized Room
Figure paying at least $200 for a 10′ x 12′ space. More intricate projects with higher paint grades may run closer to $500. But guarantees flawlessly revamped room minus the headache.
Custom quotes factor in specifics like square footage, brand of products, special finishes, and the extent of preparation required. Unique circumstances like lead paint remediation also affect pricing.
Even inexperienced DIYers can achieve stunning results painting over intimidating walls. Arm yourself with the right information so you can confidently transform dreary spaces into light filled oases. Just accept the process requires carefully executing additional steps crucial for concealing underlying bold colors. But the end results make all the effort truly rewarding.
