How to Paint Over a Dark Colour

Painting over a dark color with a lighter shade can be a bit tricky, but with the right prep and technique, you can achieve great results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you successfully cover that dark color:

1. Prep the Surface

• Clean the Walls: Make sure the surface is free of dirt, grease, or dust. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the area and let it dry completely.

  
  

• Repair Any Imperfections: Fill any holes, cracks, or dents with filler and sand smooth once it’s dry. This ensures a clean, even finish.

2. Use a Primer

• Why It’s Important: When covering a dark color with a lighter one, a primer is essential. It helps create a uniform surface and prevents the old dark color from bleeding through.

  
  

• Choose the Right Primer: For dark walls, you'll need a high-hide primer (often labeled "stain-blocking" or "cover-up"). These primers are specifically designed to cover dark colors, prevent staining, and provide better adhesion for the topcoat.

  
  

• For walls: Use a bonding primer or oil-based primer if you're covering a particularly dark or stubborn color.

  
  

• For gloss or satin finishes: A specialized primer for gloss finishes may be needed.

3. Apply Primer

• Application: Apply the primer evenly using a brush (for edges and corners) and a roller (for large areas). It’s best to use long, smooth strokes.

  
  

• Let It Dry: Allow the primer to dry completely. Drying times vary by brand, but expect at least 2-4 hours (or follow the manufacturer's instructions).

  
  

• Assess: Once dry, check if the dark color is still visible. If it is, apply a second coat of primer.

4. Choose the Right Paint

• Quality Paint: For the topcoat, use good-quality paint that’s designed for the surface you’re painting (e.g., matte, eggshell, satin).

  
  

• Tinted Primer: If you’re using a very light color over a dark one, you can even ask the paint store to tint the primer with a small amount of the topcoat color to help the dark shade show through less.

  
  

5. Apply the Topcoat

• First Coat: Use a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Start with a light coat and don’t overload your roller or brush with paint.

  
  

• Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely. Most paints need 2-4 hours to dry, but check your product’s instructions.

  
  

6. Apply Additional Coats

• Multiple Coats: Depending on the contrast between the dark and light colors, you may need 2-3 coats of paint. If the dark color is particularly stubborn, a third coat might be necessary.

  
  

• Light Touch: When applying the second and third coats, use light, smooth strokes to prevent uneven patches.

7. Finish the Job

• Touch Ups: Once the paint is dry, inspect for any missed spots or thin areas and touch up as needed.

  
  

• Clean Up: Wash your brushes, rollers, and any other tools with warm water and soap (for latex-based paints) or mineral spirits (for oil-based paints).

  
  

Bonus Tips:

• Use a Roller for Smooth Finish: For an even and smooth finish, a microfiber roller works best, especially on walls.

  
  

• Avoid Dark Sheens: If you're covering a dark wall with a lighter color, avoid dark high-gloss paints, as they can highlight imperfections more than matte finishes.

  
  

• Patience: If you’re switching from a dark color to a lighter one, patience is key. You might need an extra coat or two, but don’t rush it.

  
  

  By following these steps, you'll successfully cover a dark color with a lighter one without the old shade peeking through! Are you planning to paint a specific room or surface? I can offer more tailored advice if needed!