Some home design choices are easy to remedy when you get tired of them or when they go out of fashion. Others, however, are quite difficult to overcome. Which category do dark or intense paint colors fall into? Can you paint over dark colors? Is it hard to go back to light colors?
Dark colors, such as black, dark brown, and navy blue, can be very difficult to cover up with new paint. Even worse, however, is red. If you try painting over these with typical interior house paints, you are likely to continue seeing an undertone of that old color, even after many coats. What can you do about this?
Primer: The Key to Color Change
The vital step that you must follow for a dark-to-light or a bold-to-subtle color shift is to use primer. The purpose of primer is to cover up and seal in whatever is currently on the walls, giving you a blank slate to work with. Cheaper than regular interior paints, it saves you money to apply multiple coats of primer.
Investing in a higher-quality primer will save you time, and could even save you money. Because it contains more pigments and better binders, quality primer will cover the old paint in fewer coats. If the prior color is especially dark or intense, you may want to use a stain-blocking primer.
What Are the Steps to Paint over Dark Colors?
Always begin by washing the walls and then let them dry. Next, use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect any surfaces you don’t want paint on. Now you get to start painting!
- Use a quality paintbrush and roller to apply primer.
- Wait until it has dried, and apply another coat. Repeat this until the prior color is truly hidden.
- Apply two coats of your new interior paint color.
- Wash your brushes and clean up the work area.
- Step back and enjoy the finished product!
Cherry Hill Painting
The best way to ensure a beautiful and thorough transformation also happens to be the easiest one: hire a professional house painter! When you have an interior painting company on your side, you can be assured of exceptional results.
For homeowners in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region, Cherry Hill Painting is the name you can trust. We provide exceptional customer service and unbeatable painting quality. Whatever transformation you are dreaming of in your home, we will bring it to life! In addition to interior painting, we also provide exterior painting, kitchen cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and even remodeling! Schedule a free estimate by contacting our office. We look forward to working with you!