How to Cover Wall Paint That Shines

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By Emily Jeren
eHow Contributing Writer

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Cover Wall Paint That Shines

Interior walls are often covered with an enamel-based paint that's shiny when dry. This type of paint is usually used for bathrooms and kitchens because splashes can be easily washed off without damaging the paint surface. Sometimes this type of paint is even used in bedrooms, living rooms and offices. But merely painting over the shiny wall paint isn't the simple answer. The shiny wall must first be primed to allow the final coat of wall paint to roll on smoothly and to adhere without future peeling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

White primer paint
Flat wall paint
Plastic sheeting, canvas or newspaper
Ladder or stepladder
Paint roller pan with disposable liners
Paint roller handle with disposable cloth or foam roller covers
Variety of paintbrushes
Painters tape
Old rags and a bucket of water for cleanups
Disposable gloves
Paint can opener (or flat screwdriver)

Organizing the Materials

Step 1

Decide on a color.
Step 2

Buy white primer paint and flat wall paint in the desired color. The store associate can help you decide how much paint you need, depending on the size of the room and the darkness of the color you're trying to cover.
Step 3

Pick out the remaining materials.
Step 4

Ensure that you have a variety of paintbrushes in different widths, some angled, to allow ease of painting large areas and small angled corners.
Step 5

Assemble the paint, paint materials and ladder in one place for easy access.

Preparing the Room for Painting

Step 1

Move furniture to the center of the room, if possible, so you'll have comfortable space for your ladder and materials.
Step 2

Cover the nearby furniture and floor with plastic sheeting, canvas or newspaper to catch drips.
Step 3

Apply painters paper tape around light fixtures, electrical sockets, window frames, closet door edges, floor to wall angles--any area that the new wall paint shouldn't touch.
Step 4

Have a bucket of clean warm water and old rags handy to clean up any painting mistakes.
Step 5

Line the paint tray with one of the disposable tray liners, open the can of paint primer, and pour about 3 or 4 cups worth of primer into the tray.
Step 6

Set out the paintbrushes you need and apply the roller cover to the handled paint roller.

Applying the Primer

Step 1

Dip the roller into the paint tray and apply primer to the large areas of the wall.
Step 2

Use the smaller angled paint brush to apply primer to corners, angles and where the ceiling and floor meet the walls.
Step 3

Refill the paint tray as needed and keep the tray, brushes and roller covered with plastic if you take a break.
Step 4

Apply a second coat of primer if needed after the first coat has thoroughly dried.
Step 5

Rinse out the paintbrushes and discard the paint tray liner to prepare for the flat wall paint.

Applying the Flat Wall Paint

Step 1

Line the paint tray with a new disposable liner and pour in some of the flat wall paint.
Step 2

Dip the roller into the paint tray and paint the large areas of the wall using the roller.
Step 3

Paint the angled areas of the room using a smaller, angled paint brush.
Step 4

Allow the paint to dry, then decide if it needs a second coat of wall paint if the original color is showing through.
Step 5

Investigate corners and edges and use the angled paint brush to touch up as needed.

Cleaning Up After Painting

Step 1

Tightly replace the lid on the paint cans and store for future usage.
Step 2

Remove the disposable paint tray liner and discard it.
Step 3

Wash the paintbrushes and paint tray in warm, soapy water.
Step 4

Roll up and discard the plastic sheeting or newspaper used to protect the floor and furniture. Canvas or plastic sheeting can also be saved and reused for future paint jobs.
Step 5

Remove the paint materials, including the ladder, and return furniture to its original places.