Can You Paint Over Dark Colors?
If you've ever tried painting a light color over a dark wall, you may have run into some pretty frustrating results. You've found out that painting over dark colors is a much more complex job than you realized. But nothing opens up a room and makes it look bigger like lighter paint colors. And since light colors are so popular for this very reason, you may be looking for the tips and tricks to successfully paint over dark colors.
If your walls are really dark, like goth dark, you may be wondering, can you paint over black paint? This comprehensive guide will answer all of your questions regarding how to paint over dark walls, including black! Singletrack Painting is happy to share our essential tips and tricks that will give you confidence to cover those dark walls and end up with top quality results.
Time or skill not on your side? Singletrack Painting's proficiency in transforming your walls from dark to light will save you time. We can have the job done quickly and efficiently, with the finest workmanship. Consult our services to find various ways we can help!
The Challenge of Dark Colors
Dark walls can be dramatic and bring mystery to a room. But if you're tired of dark walls, or realize it was a mistake to go the drama route, you may be ready to paint your walls a light color.
But going from dark to light walls can be a serious challenge if you don't know the tricks and tips. Trying to paint light over dark can result in the dark paint bleeding through, or needing far more coats of light paint than you were expecting. The job can become frustrating and expensive. For success, you need to follow the right steps and use the right materials.
Choosing the color to paint your house is the first step. But before you grab your brush and start painting on that beautiful new color, it's critical to properly prepare the walls. You simply can't end up with quality results if you don't prepare correctly.
End up with the quality results you were hoping for by consulting with pro painters before you start. Singletrack Painting can assess your particular painting challenges and provide customized solutions for painting a light color over your dark walls.
Preparing Your Walls for the Transition
As with any project, understanding the big picture and planning ahead helps achieve the best results. The same goes for preparing your walls for painting over dark colors.
Start with the Right Supplies: You'll need spackle, a putty knife, sandpaper, quality primer and paint, good brushes and rollers, tarps, painters' tape, roller trays, masks, and eye protection.
Complete All Repairs: Using the putty knife, fill all cracks and nail holes with spackle. Allow to dry thoroughly. Sand patches smooth.
Clean the Wall: Use a slightly damp rag to wipe down sanding dust and any accumulated dirt from the wall.
Prime: Use one to two coats of primer formulated to cover dark paint. The right primer can significantly reduce the number of paint coats needed. If you're painting over black paint, choose a high quality primer and tint it to the color you are going to use or as close to the color as possible. Allow each coat to dry fully before proceeding. Understanding what primer is and why it's critical to a successful paint job is a key to the best outcome.
Paint: You absolutely must use a high-quality paint, ideally one designed for maximum coverage. You'll need at least two coats, allowing the first coat to dry fully before applying the second.
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Choosing the Right Paint and Color
You know that primer is essential when covering dark walls with light paint. So is the quality of the paint you choose. You can't get premium results if you paint a cheap paint over a quality primer. Two of your best choices will be Benjamin Moore's Regal Select or Sherwin Williams' Duration Home. With primer and paint, you get what you pay for.
Colorado real estate experts agree – buyers are attracted to homes painted in light, neutral colors. Choosing the right color can increase your home's value so it can definitely be worthwhile to paint over dark, outdated colors.
Of course the lighter the color you choose, the more paint coats you'll probably need. When dealing with the challenges of painting light over dark, you'll benefit from consulting with Singletrack Painting. We can advise on how to paint over dark paint, help with color selection, and suggest paint options that offer the best coverage.
When to Call in the Professionals
If you follow our tips and tricks on how to paint a light color over a dark wall, you'll likely achieve great results. However, there will be scenarios where it may just be too overwhelming a job to tackle yourself.
If the surface you'll be painting is highly textured – such as a brick wall or sand-swirled plaster wall – you may need professional painting help. Pros have the specialized equipment and skill set to paint challenging surfaces with quality results. If you have questions about how to cover dark walls with light paint, Singletrack is available for consultations that will put your mind at rest.
Elevate Your Home with Singletrack Painting
Now that you're aware of the tips, tricks, and best strategies to transform your dark painted walls to lighter paint, you should be able to achieve great results. Remember that the correct prep procedures and quality materials are key to ending up with a professional quality paint job. So be prepared to put time and effort into repairs, sanding, cleaning, and priming before you paint.
If you feel stuck or unsure about painting over dark walls, give Singletrack a call. We're happy to answer your prep and painting questions so you can get back on track in no time. And if you find you simply don't have the time, confidence, or expertise to do the job right, Singletrack Painting is ready to help. Our years of experience painting home interiors and exteriors, cabinets, and much more means we can efficiently transform your home from dark or drab to light and spectacular. Contact us today!
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