4 Tips on How To Paint Over a Painted Wall

One of the most effective ways to breathe life into a wall is a fresh paint job. A new coat of paint makes things not only brighter but makes the house or business property more appealing. While the prospects are exciting, many people are often caught in a rut when considering painting over an already painted wall.
Trying to repaint a wall blindly only results in an unattractive looking wall. If you are feeling truly passionate about painting over a painted wall, here are four tips to get you on the right track;

1. Wash
Grease, dust, and grime will collect on any wall external or internal. Before applying a fresh coat, some scrubbing and wiping are necessary. If you paint on a dirty wall, ugly bumps and streaks will appear, causing an ugly result on something you were trying to spruce up. Cleaning the walls make it much easier to apply paint.

2. Prime
Before repainting, use a primer to create a barrier between the old coat of paint and your new color. Another benefit of priming is that it creates a porous surface that gives the wall a more finished look. Avoid choosing paints with built-in primer, as they are not effective on a wall with the old color. Such products may work if you are painting the same color but if you are making a dramatic color change, a good oil-based primer is important.

It is easy to prime a wall using a thick roller brush to paint a thick layer. Do not skimp on the primer, as it will not be seen once you have painted. If you can still see the old color through the first coat of primer, it means another cat is needed. You will need a thicker coat of primer if the old coat was a darker color.

Remember, there are many types of priming products available so you will need to take your time comparing to find the best.

3. Fill and sand
If it is an old wall, there may be some holes and cracks that need filling. To do this you need to purchase filler and correctly apply it over the cracks and holes. After this, a thorough sanding is necessary to keep the surface smooth and even in readiness for the new color. Remember; bigger holes may need filling more than once to ensure that the surface is smooth and consistent.

Some people think of filling and sanding as too big of a hassle but skipping this step only compromises the new paint job.

4. Repaint
After washing, priming and filing you are ready to start painting the new color. Choose your new color wisely and have all the right tools in place to achieve guaranteed good results. Depending on the wall, you will need more than one coat of paint to achieve a good finish. When you are done with the first coat, leave sufficient time for it to dry before applying the next one. Experts recommend waiting at least two hours before applying the next coat.

If you are painting the same color as the old one, a single coat might be enough but if you are going with a different shade, it is imperative that you use more than one coat. When shopping for paint, make sure to buy an extra can just in case you run out. Experts agree that it is better to have more than you need.

Insufficient drying time will only dent your results including disabling the effects of your primer. Carefully read the instructions on the paint can to see exactly how much time is needed for proper drying. To prevent paint bleeding and ensure clean lines, invest in painters tape. To get into corners and areas where your roller will not; use an angled brush.

Now that you have read through these tips, you will be ready to give that wall a new look. Dive right in and don鈥檛 be afraid to get your hands dirty as you gradually achieve wonderful results on the chosen wall. Repainting is an enjoyable; rewarding process but only if, it is done right. Be wise and take time to finish each step for a lovely looking wall in the end.