How to Paint a Light Colour Over a Dark Wall

Have you ever looked at a dark wall and wondered how you would ever cover it so you could apply your new light colour? Here are a few hints on how to paint over those dark walls.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• bucket of soap water, sponge and sponge mop
• quality primer paint
• coloured paint, paint brushes, accessories

How to Paint a Light Colour Over a Dark Wall

1. You will need to take a bucket of soap water and a sponge or sponge mop and wash all the walls to get any dirt or grease off before you begin applying any paint. Whether you are painting the ceiling or not, it’s a good idea to clean it as well.

2. If the window frames, wallboards and ceiling are going to be white, then you can apply the primer to everything. So, you’ll need to just tape up the glass windows and other fixtures so that they don’t get any paint on them.

3. Begin with the corners and then apply one coat of primer over everything, and let dry before adding another coat. You may require several coats to completely cover the dark paint. Don’t be skimpy with the primer.

4. Paint the wallboards, ceiling and window frames with white paint and then let dry thoroughly. One coat should do it.

5. Once they are dry, tape the edges of the wallboards, the ceiling and window frames to avoid getting any colour on them.

6. Apply one coat of colour to the walls, beginning with the corners, and then let dry. Apply a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• The primer paint is what conducts the proper colour of the new paint and hides the old paint. Choose a quality primer that is suited to what is on the walls (oil or latex) or one that can be applied to either.