You want to paint over your old paint, but you do not know how or if it is even possible? We have prepared some tips to make it easier for you. Check what techniques and materials to use in order to give your wall a fresh, stunning look.
Are you looking forward to changing the look of your interiors? Autumn or winter is a perfect time to do so. Due to cooler temperatures, it is a perfect time to re-paint the interior of the house. With hot temperatures, the paint may dry up too quickly, which makes it hard to achieve an aesthetically pleasing effect. In the case of exterior walls, rain can complicate things - but if the weather shows a bit of mercy for you, do not hesitate in putting your hands to work.
Can you, however, just start painting over the old paint? Without further ado - yes, it is possible. However, you should pay attention to the characteristics of your wall and old paint. Otherwise, the effect may not satisfy you. What should you consider when repainting your walls?
#1 The condition of the paint
If the surface layer of the old paint is cracking and peeling, you may want to remove it before applying a fresh one. If it is acrylic, you can cover it with water using a brush. When it dries up, scratch off the paint using a spatula.
#2 The type and color of the paint
If the old paint is the same colour and type as the new one (like light green and oil-based or latex), you do not need to apply a primer. In that case, it is enough to choose the same paint colour and put it on the wall. If the new paint is the same type as the old paint, and your wall is clean and smooth, you can jump to the painting stage.
#3 The state of the wall
In some cases, the wall needs to be treated before the application of the paint. If it's not in a good state, make sure to fill holes first and make the surface smooth before applying the paint. After, you should apply the primer.
Primer is not actually the paint, but it is an essential part of the painting process. It looks like paint, and it is used the same way paint, but it does not serve as a final coat. Quite contrarily - it works as a kind of adhesive for the paint to stick to and to help it last longer. Adding a layer of primer can hide most of the imperfections and prepare your walls for coloured paint.
How to make the fresh paint look better?
#1 Applying oil-based paint on latex paint
If you intend to apply an oil-based paint over latex paint, you should also resort to a primer. The reason is that old-based paint does not stick to latex paint, so you need another layer that can hold both together. The ideal would be to apply two coats of primer fitting your new paint in order to make sure it sticks perfectly.
#2 Choosing a light shade over a darker paint
Turning a previously dark wall into a lighter shade wall is only possible with several layers of new paint. Since the primer is more affordable than paint, we recommend using it to cover the old paint. Then, you can apply one coat of the lighter shade paint you chose, or two, depending on how it looks after the first coat.
Can you choose a different shade of paint?
It both depends on the conditions of the wall and the composition of the paints. If the wall is clean and smooth and both paints are made of the same materials (for example, both oil-based and latex), you can use a primer to hide the old paint with a new layer. Then, you can apply one or two coats of the colour of a completely different shade or opt for paint & prime product, which is now available in the market and could save you time.
Summing up
Each case requires a different procedure. Thus, it's essential to evaluate the condition of your wall. Make sure you know the chemical composition of your previous paint before choosing a new one. If the new paint has the same color and composition, you can apply another layer right away.
However, if the wall is in a bad condition, and the new paint has a different composition than the previous or a completely different colour, you may want to use a primer first. A primer may be an especially useful and affordable intermediary between your new and old paints. If you are using a completely different shade, you may want to try a product that combines the paint & primer. It will save you a lot of time and effort, and the effect will be stunning!
