How to Paint Over Dark Colours

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start painting, gather all the necessary supplies. You will need:

• High-quality primer
• High-quality paint
• Paintbrushes and rollers
• Painter's tape
• Drop cloths or plastic sheets
• Sandpaper
• Cleaning supplies
• Paint tray and liners

2. Prepare the Room

Start by preparing the room to protect your floors and furniture from paint splatters. Move furniture out of the room or cover it with plastic sheets or drop cloths. Lay drop cloths on the floor to catch any drips.

Use painter's tape to mask off edges, trim, and any areas you do not want to be painted. This will help you achieve clean, sharp lines and prevent paint from getting on unwanted surfaces.

3. Clean and Sand the Walls

Clean the walls to remove any dust, dirt, and grease. Use a mild detergent solution and a sponge or cloth to wipe down the surfaces. Allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding.

Next, lightly sand the walls to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Sanding helps to remove any glossy finish and ensures better adhesion. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth.

4. Apply a High-Quality Primer

Applying a high-quality primer is essential when painting over dark colours. Primer helps to cover the dark colour and provides a uniform base for the new paint. Choose a primer that is specifically designed for covering dark colours and ensuring good adhesion.

Use a roller to apply the primer evenly across the walls. For edges and corners, use a brush to ensure complete coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the paint.

5. Apply the Paint

Once the primer is dry, it's time to apply the paint. Use high-quality paint that offers good coverage and durability. Start by cutting in around the edges with a brush, then use a roller to paint the larger areas.

Apply the paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips and achieve a smooth finish. It may take two to three coats to fully cover the dark colour, so be patient and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.

6. Check for Even Coverage

After applying the final coat of paint, inspect the walls for any areas that may need touch-ups. Check for even coverage and ensure that no dark colour is showing through. If necessary, apply additional touch-up paint to achieve a uniform finish.

Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the painters tape and replacing any furniture or decorations.

7. Clean Up

Once the paint is dry, clean up your tools and workspace. Wash brushes and rollers with water or the appropriate solvent and store them properly for future use. Dispose of any drop cloths or plastic sheets used to protect the floor and furniture.

Remove the painters tape carefully to avoid peeling or tearing the paint along the edges. Pull the tape off slowly and at a 45-degree angle for the best results.

8. Enjoy Your Freshly Painted Room

With the dark colour successfully covered, you can now enjoy your freshly painted room. The new paint colour will brighten up the space and give it a fresh, updated look. Regular maintenance and touch-ups will help keep your walls looking their best for years to come.