When you see home makeover shows, it can give you the impression that a paintbrush is almost like a magic wand; just wave it around a bit, and the room is transformed during one commercial break! What is the reality really like? Can you just put interior paint over any surface? Or are certain surfaces more “paintable” than others?
In this article, we will take a look at a variety of common interior painting questions that New Jersey homeowners wonder about. We can’t cover them all in depth here, but we hope this will at least get you started with the basic answers you need.
Can I Just Paint over Stained Wood?
Stained wood is specially treated to have a resilient surface, and while this makes it resistant to staining and wear, it also makes it resistant to paint. Before you can put interior paint over stained wood, the surface needs some preparation.
The first step is to remove any glossy or protective coating. This is usually done with a power sander, though contours and details often require hand sanding. Always wear breathing protection during this kind of activity!
Once the surface is sanded and the dust is cleaned off, apply a high quality primer that is designed for wood. Now you are ready to apply that interior paint!
Can I Paint over Rusty Metal?
Rust is a process that causes metal to come apart, either in dusty particles or in larger flakes. If you attempt to apply interior paint directly over rust, the metal will continue to deteriorate beneath the paint. Needless to say, the results will be less than satisfactory!
Before painting over rust, begin by using a wire brush to remove any loose rust. Next, apply a primer that is formulated for rusty metal. Finally, you are ready to apply the new coat of paint and witness the transformation you have been hoping for!
Can I Just Paint over Wallpaper?
No.
Well, you actually can paint over wallpaper, but we definitely don’t recommend it. Some common problems include the following:
- Wallpaper begins to peel, ruining the new paint job
- Seams that didn’t appear conspicuous before suddenly stand out through the new paint
- Textures and patterns from the wallpaper are visible through the new paint
- Once it has been painted, the wallpaper is even more difficult to remove.
You are far better off not trying the shortcut in this situation; you are likely to regret it! Instead, set aside a serious chunk of time, and get ready to get messy with the process of wallpaper removal. Or if that doesn’t appeal to you, hire a professional company that performs wallpaper removal. For example, many interior painting companies also offer wallpaper removal services, which saves you a great deal of hassle, and ensures fantastic results!
Can I Paint over Mold?
Mold never just appears. There is almost always a source of moisture that causes the mold to develop. It could be condensation on pipes, water intrusion from windows, a leaky sink, a faulty toilet, or other similar sources. The fist thing you need to do is identify where the water is coming from, and make sure it is fully dealt with. Next, use a strong mold-killing spray to make sure all mold spores are killed. Wash the area with soapy water to remove as much of the mold as you can.
Now, let the area dry. You may want to blow a fan and/or run a dehumidifier in order to get it fully free from moisture. Once that is done, use a primer that will inhibit the regrowth of mold and mildew. Now, you can repaint the wall, and rest easy knowing that you have dealt with the problem thoroughly and safely.
Can I Just Paint over Water Stains on the Ceiling?
Just as we said about mold, the first step here is to find the source of water leakage and stop it. Once the surface is 100% dry, apply a stain-blocking primer to the affected area, then repaint the whole ceiling. Damage erased!
Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them?
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to give them new life without needing to replace them entirely! Because cabinets get a lot of wear and tear, you need that new paint to be very durable and resilient. Additionally, those cabinets are one of the most visible parts of your kitchen, so you want them to look fantastic. This beautiful, durable finish is not easy to achieve for an average do-it-yourself homeowner. It requires specialized techniques, equipment, and products to get it just right.
This is an area where we would definitely recommend hiring a professional interior painter. When you work with an experienced painting company, you can be sure of spectacular, lasting results. And best of all, you only pay a fraction of what it would cost you to replace those cabinets with new ones!
Cherry Hill Painting
For more than 50 years, Cherry Hill Painting has been serving New Jersey with exceptional painting services. We offer exterior and interior house painting, as well as cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and much more! We have earned the trust of thousands of families and businesses, and if you give us a chance, you will see why. With expert craftsmanship and attentive customer service, the Cherry Hill Painting experience is hard to beat!