It’s no secret that painting a room can be a daunting task. One of the most common challenges people face when painting is how to paint a lighter color on a dark paint. With the right technique and a little bit of patience, you can paint a lighter color over dark walls with great results. Here are a few tips on how to achieve this:
Choose Top-Notch Supplies
The first step to success is using the best supplies. This means selecting high-quality paint, primer, and brushes.
Sand Paper & Spackle
You need to sand the walls to create a smooth surface for the new paint. Use fine-grit sandpaper so you don’t damage the wall. Once you’re done sanding, apply spackle to any holes or cracks. This will help create an even surface for painting.
Primer
It’s important to use a primer when painting a lighter color over a darker one. This will help the new paint color adhere to the wall and prevent it from looking patchy. You can use primer directly from the can or buy it in a spray can.
Roller Or Paintbrush
You can use either a roller or paintbrush to apply the new paint color. If you’re using a roller, make sure to select one with a thick nap. This will help prevent the new paint from being absorbed into the wall too much. If you’re using a paintbrush, choose one with synthetic bristles. These are less likely to shed and will give you a smoother finish.
High–Quality Paint
It’s important to use high-quality paint when painting a lighter color over a darker one. This will help prevent the new paint from being absorbed into the wall too much and will give you a smoother finish.
Properly Prepare The Surface
Before you start painting, you need to make sure the surface is properly prepared. This means cleaning it and removing any dirt or dust. You should also patch any holes or cracks with spackle. Once the surface is prepared, apply primer to it. This will help the new paint color adhere to the wall and prevent it from looking patchy.
Choose The Best Primer For The Job
When priming the wall for painting, you need to choose the best primer for the job. This means selecting a primer that’s specifically designed for use with light-colored paints. There are many different brands and types of primer available, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
For the best result, select white primer. This will help to brighten the wall and make the new paint color appear more vibrant.
How Many Coats Do You Need To Apply?
To paint a light color to cover dark colors, you’ll need multiple coats on the dark wall. This is because darker colors tend to absorb more light than lighter ones. It’s important to wait for each coat of paint to dry completely before adding another. Otherwise, the new paint will start to look patchy. You have to do one or two coats of lighter paint for painting over dark walls.
Get To Painting
Begin by painting a small section of the wall with your new color. Once you’ve covered the entire wall, allow the paint to dry completely. Then, apply a second coat of paint. Allow this to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
There are some ways to cover dark walls with lighter paint tones.
Use Enough Paint On Roller
If you’re using a roller, make sure to load it up with enough paint. This will help to cover dark paint colors and will prevent the new paint from being absorbed into the wall too much. It’s important to roll the paint on in a light coat. Otherwise, you risk leaving behind streaks.
Do Zig-Zag Pattern
When using a paintbrush, it’s best to use a zig-zag pattern. This will help to evenly distribute the paint and will prevent the new color from being absorbed into the wall too much.
To use a zigzag pattern when painting with a paintbrush, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and make short, quick strokes. Be sure to overlap each stroke with the one before it to ensure even coverage.
Paint Edges On Every Coat
Be sure to paint the edges of the wall on every coat. This will help to prevent the dark color from bleeding through and will give you a clean, finished look.
Dry Paint Between Each Coat
It’s important to allow the paint to dry completely between each coat. Otherwise, the new paint will start to look patchy. To speed up the drying process, you can use a hair dryer on the low setting. Just be sure not to hold it too close to the wall, as this could damage the paint.
Let It Dry For A While
Once you’ve finished painting the first coat, take a break and allow the paint to dry completely. This will give you a fresh start for the next coat.
If It Doesn’t Work, Get Creative
If you find that the new paint color is still bleeding through, get creative. One way to conceal the dark color is to add a design with stencils. You can also try painting a pattern or using tape to create stripes.
Which Light Colors Are Suitable To Paint Over Dark Colors
Some light colors that are suitable to paint over dark colors are white, ivory, cream, light pink, and light blue. These colors will help to brighten the room and make the new paint color appear more vibrant.
White Paint
The most popular color to hide dark colors is white. White is a neutral color that goes with everything. It will also help to brighten the room and make the new paint color appear more vibrant.
Ivory Paint
Ivory is another neutral color that can be used to paint a dark color. It’s slightly lighter than white, which can help to brighten the room.
Cream Paint
The cream is another light color. It’s slightly darker than ivory, but it will still help to brighten the room.
Light Pink Paint
If you want to add a pop of color, light pink is a good option. It’s a light color that will help to brighten the room.
Light Blue
Add a calming effect to the room, using light blue is a good choice. It’s a light color that will help to create a serene environment.
You can also use a pastel version of the new color you want to paint. It will help create a softer look and reduce the risk of the dark color bleeding through.
Hire A Professional
One of the best ways to achieve a professional-looking paint job is to hire a professional painter. Our Top Tier painters can help you with your interior painting projects. Schedule a free estimate today!
